The Wheel of Life, or Wheel of Existence, is a representation of Buddhist beliefs about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth known as samsara. Past actions (karma) are the force that keeps beings within this cyclic existence. The central hub that makes the wheel rotate is the ultimate cause of samsara (1). The rim that holds the wheel together consists of states of consciousness in the process of rebirth (4). The whole of existence is depicted between these two parts of the wheel (2, 3).

Wheel of Life; Tibet or Mongolia; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.131

At the center of the wheel are the three “poisons” that trap all beings in samsara. Three animals that chase each other’s tails represent these main roots of suffering. Beginning at the bottom and moving clockwise, a pig symbolizes ignorance; a snake stands for anger or hatred; and a rooster represents desire or attachment.

The bisected circle represents virtuous and non-virtuous actions (karma). In the light half, people are moving up towards good rebirths because of their good karma.

The bisected circle represents virtuous and non-virtuous actions (karma).  In the dark half, figures are moving down, because they still must exhaust their bad karma before they can have a better rebirth.

The Lord of Death holds the wheel of life in his mouth and claws, reminding that all life is conditioned by death. There is no escape from death until one reaches a complete understanding of reality, or awakening.