What Does the Buddha Pose 'Turning the Wheel of Dharma' Mean?

The Dharmachakra Mudra is also known as 'Turningknown as 'Turning the Wheel of Dharma.' It symbolizes
the Wheel of Dharma.' It symbolizes the moment thatthe moment that the Buddha preached his first sermon
the Buddha preached his first sermon after achievingafter achieving enlightenment. It can be thought of us a
enlightenment. It can be thought of us a symbolicsymbolic gesture of the Buddha setting into motion the
gesture of the Buddha setting into motion the wheel ofwheel of the teaching of Dharma. The wheel itself is
the teaching of Dharma. The wheel itself is the wheelthe wheel of law which consists of eight spokes that
of law which consists of eight spokes that representrepresent the Noble Eightfold path. These are Right
the Noble Eightfold path. These are Right View, RightView, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right
Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood,Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.Concentration. Each a part of the Buddhist philosophy
Each a part of the Buddhist philosophy of pursuit ofof pursuit of Wisdom, Ethical Conduct and Mental
Wisdom, Ethical Conduct and Mental Development.Development.
In this wheel of Dharma pose, the tips of the thumbIn this wheel of Dharma pose, the tips of the thumb
and index finger of both hands touch to form circles.and index finger of both hands touch to form circles.
This represents the wheel of Dharma. It can beThis represents the wheel of Dharma. It can be
thought of in metaphysical terms as the union ofthought of in metaphysical terms as the union of
method and wisdom. The other fingers are extendedmethod and wisdom. The other fingers are extended
and each has a symbolic significance.and each has a symbolic significance.
On the right hand the middle finger symbolizes thoseOn the right hand the middle finger symbolizes those
who hear the teachings of Buddha. The ringer finger iswho hear the teachings of Buddha. The ringer finger is
the represents the solitary realizers. The little finger isthe represents the solitary realizers. The little finger is
the Mahayana or Great Vehicle. The fingers of the leftthe Mahayana or Great Vehicle. The fingers of the left
hand are the three jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha,hand are the three jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha,
the Sangha and the Dharma. The proper position forthe Sangha and the Dharma. The proper position for
this mudra has the hands placed in front of the heartthis mudra has the hands placed in front of the heart
to represent the teachings that emanate directly fromto represent the teachings that emanate directly from
the Buddha's heart.the Buddha's heart.
The Dharamachakara Mudra was assumed by theThe Dharamachakara Mudra was assumed by the
first Buddha Vairochana, one of the five Dhyanifirst Buddha Vairochana, one of the five Dhyani
Buddhas. His name meant "He Who is like the sun" orBuddhas. His name meant "He Who is like the sun" or
"the radiating one." He possessed the wisdom of"the radiating one." He possessed the wisdom of
Dharmadhatu, where all things appeared as they trulyDharmadhatu, where all things appeared as they truly
are, the absolute Buddha nature. By taking the positionare, the absolute Buddha nature. By taking the position
of this mudra, the Buddha Vairochana turned ignoranceof this mudra, the Buddha Vairochana turned ignorance
to reality.to reality.
The mudras are typically symbolic of a critical eventThe mudras are typically symbolic of a critical event
within the Buddha's life or an important tenant of hiswithin the Buddha's life or an important tenant of his
teachings. Turning the Wheel of Dharma is ateachings. Turning the Wheel of Dharma is a
well-known pose of the Buddha frequently captured inwell-known pose of the Buddha frequently captured in
the Buddhist art and Buddha statues seen in Asia andthe Buddhist art and Buddha statues seen in Asia and
around the world. The Dharmachakra Mudra is alsoaround the world.