Wheel of dharma

Buddhism Infinity Knot (Srivastsa)

Cosmology & Karma

Accumulating Merit (punya)

Some Symbols

• Parasol – Represents wisdom

• Pair of fish– Represents boundless

energy (like Buddha’s)– Happiness & fertility too

pratitya-samutpadapratitya-samutpada

• Dependent OriginationDependent Origination– Universal law of causation

– Third of 3 inner circles: 5 (6) Realms of Rebirth

• Higher: humans, gods (asuras – not shown)

• Lower: ghosts, hell, animals

The Two Inner Circles:

Three Mental Forces• 3 Poisons

– Pig - Greed, “lobha” (eats w/o consideration, never satisfied)

– Snake – Hatred “dosa” (angry & vindictive)

– Rooster – delusion “moha” (vanity)

• White/Black Dharma (body, speech, mind)– White: good karma

• acts generate happiness/heaven realm• Bright, calm, wise mind

– Black: bad karma caused by ignorance (avidya)

• Acts generate depression/hell realms– Excretes 3 poisons

• Mind: anxious, stupid, unwise