The Wheel of Life

Where were we before we were born? Where do we go after we die? Why do we suffer? How can we free ourselves from suffering? Buddha addressed all these questions in visual form in the well known diagram called the Wheel of Life.

Through the symbolism of this diagram we come to understand how all suffering originates from the three poisons – uncontrolled desire, hatred and self-grasping ignorance. These delusions entrap us in a painful cycle of uncontrolled rebirth called samsara, in which we wander through six realms of existence.

Through teachings, guided meditations and discussion, we will focus mainly on one of the core teachings of Buddhism, called the twelve links of dependent relationship. Through understanding the process of these links we will see clearly both how our confusion and attachment lock us into suffering, and how through wisdom and spiritual practice we can free ourselves completely from all suffering.