Dharma Wheel Dharma Wheel
The Wheel of Dharma
Representing the Dharma and Shakyamuni himself, the wheel symbolizes the turning of the wheel of Buddha's doctrine both in teachings and realizations enabling us to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation. Buddha’s teachings, which are known as Dharma, are likened to a wheel that moves from country to country in accordance with changing conditions and people’s karmic inclinations.
The external forms of presenting Buddhism may change as it meets with different cultures and societies, but its essential authenticity is ensured through the continuation of an unbroken lineage of realized practitioners. Buddha’s teachings are said to be like a precious wheel because, wherever they spread, the people in that area have the opportunity to control their minds by putting them into practice.
The Star of David, which is called the Magen David in Hebrew, means “Shield of David.” This six sided figure symbolizes that God rules over the universe and protects us from all six directions: North, South, East, West, Up and Down, with the middle of the hexagram providing the spiritual dimension. There are many beliefs regarding the origin of the Star of David. One is that King David won a battle against his enemy, King Nimrod, and his shield had the two interlocking triangles on it, which then became known as the “Shield of David.” Another belief is that God is compared to a shield who gave his divine protection to King David.