The outer ring of wheel illustrates the twelve stages of dependent arising, which propel us through our self-made heavens and hells. The first twelve links shows blind man with a cane, signifying ignorance of our true nature. The second link is illustrated by a maker of clay pots. Just as the potter molds clay into diverse objects on a spinning wheel, actions radiate outward, causing further karma. The third branch, consciousness is symbolized by a monkey in a tree. The fourth branch, name and form is traditionally depicted by people riding in a boat. The fifth link six source of consciousness or six sense organs-is designated by an empty house with windows. The next link contact, is illustrated by an amorous couple. The meeting of object, sense power and consciousness is the factor which distinguishes an object as pleasurable, painful or neutral and which in turn generates a new “moment” of consciousness. The seventh branch feeling is the factor that actually experiences pleasure, pain or indifference. It is symbolized vividly by a man with an arrow in his eye. The eight link attachment is illustrated by a figure drinking wine. In the ninth link attachment is fruits in a tree. This entrenched grasping is the cause of future births, which are illustrated by the pregnant women in the next link. The tenth branch existence, lasts from the time of the fully potentized karma up to the beginning of the next life time. The eleventh link is the dependent arising of birth and the twelfth the dependent arising of aging and death. #lamathankapaintingschool #bhaktapurdurbarsquare #thangka #thankaschool #nepaleseartist #buddhism #philosophy #samsara #wheeloflife #bhavachakra #wheelofexistence #karma (at LAMA THANKA PAINTING SCHOOL) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCyD5GVhNpV/?igshid=18zcl19llj7u4