![]() Such actions are the means for attaining lives in the three lower realms of the animals, hungry ghosts and hell-beings. The half-circle on the left shows negative or non-virtuous actions.Such actions are the means for attaining lives in the three higher realms of the gods, demi-gods and humans. The half-circle on the right shows positive or virtuous actions.In the image shown here, the two half circles represent positive and negative actions, or karma, that are motivated by the three poisons of ignorance, attachment/desire and aversion/anger. The images in this layer vary in different paintings of the wheel. Second Layer: Positive and Negative Actions Stirred by these, the whole cycle of existence evolves. These three animals represent the three main mental poisons, which are the core of the Wheel of Life. It is used as a symbol because it is very attached to it's partner. This particular bird does not exist in Western countries, as far as I know. In Western publications it is frequently referred to as a cock, but this is not exactly accurate. Similarly, the snake is identified with anger because it will be aroused and leap up at the slightest touch. The comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it always sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. The pig stands for ignorance, although a pig is not necessarily more stupid than other animals. In the centre of this wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. Tibetans have a traditional painting called the Wheel of Life, which depicts the samsaric cycle of existence. The centre of the Wheel of Life, featuring a pig, snake and bird representing ignorance, anger and desire A Detailed Explanation of the Diagram Centre of the Wheel: The Three Poisons The Buddha on the left is pointing to the moon, indicating that liberation that causes one to cross the ocean of suffering of cyclic existence should be actualized. The fierce being holding the wheel symbolizes impermanence. The outer rim symbolizing the twelve links of dependent arising indicates how the sources of suffering-actions and afflictive emotions-produce lives within cyclic existence. ![]() Symbolically three circles, moving from the centre outward, show that the three afflictive emotions of desire, hatred, and ignorance give rise to virtuous and non-virtuous actions, which in turn give rise to levels of suffering in cyclic existence. The Buddha pointing to the moon indicates that liberation is possible. ![]()
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