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.The moon above the wheel represents liberation from the samsaric cycle of existence.The monster holding the wheel represents impermanence.The fourth layer represents the twelve links of interdependent origination.The third layer represents the six realms of samsara.The second layer represents positive and negative actions, or karma.The centre of the wheel represents the three poisons.The meanings of the main parts of the diagram are: So these images on the Wheel of Life are just to communicate to the general audience. One of the reasons why the Wheel of Life was painted outside the monasteries and on the walls (and was really encouraged even by the Buddha himself) is to teach this very profound Buddhist philosophy of life and perception to more simple-minded farmers or cowherds. This is probably the first ever Buddhist symbol that existed. In fact, some Buddhist scholars believe that the painting existed prior to Buddha’s statues. It’s quite a popular painting that you can see in front of almost every Buddhist monastery. It is much like a map of the world or the periodic table of elements, but it is a map of an internal process and its external effects. The diagram, said to be designed by Buddha himself, depicts an inner psychological cosmology that has had great influence throughout Asia. The Wheel of Life is a traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence. Also translated as wheel of existence, or wheel of cyclic existence. srid pa'i 'khor lo) - a traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence.
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