Wheel of Life Thangka

The Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra) Thangka is a symbolic depiction of samsara, the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It features a large wheel held by Yama, the Lord of Death, symbolizing impermanence. The wheel is divided into six realms of existence (god, demi-god, human, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms), showing different karmic outcomes. At the center, three animals (pig, snake, and rooster) represent ignorance, hatred, and desire—causes of suffering. Shakyamuni Buddha is often shown pointing toward the path of liberation, symbolizing the way out of samsara through Dharma.