Talk:Cakra
By Swami Harshaada
Cakra literally means ‘wheel’.
Cakra as per Ṛgveda[edit]
The wheel of a chariot is frequently mentioned in the Ṛgveda as a symbol of the sun. In some of the hymns[1] the sun is compared to a wheel denoting the principle of time. The Kausitaki Brāhmana[2] calls the year as a revolving wheel of the gods on which they move around all the worlds.
Cakra's Mythological Significance[edit]
Mythologically, the cakra means ‘discus’. It is almost exclusively described as a weapon of war, precisely used by Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa. It is called as ‘Sudarśana’ [3] and is shown with six spokes. This confirms the contention of the scholars of it being originally a symbol of the sun and the six spokes represents the six ṛtus or seasons.
Cakra as a Deity[edit]
Sometimes the Sudarśana-cakra is shown to be personified as a minor deity. This deity has a hexagon in his background. It is brilliant as fire. He has four or eight or sixteen arms holding the bow, arrow, trident, noose, goad and other implements. It also holds the weapons apart from the usual Vaiṣṇavite symbols.
Cakra's Symbolic Significance[edit]
Symbolically, cakra represents:
- The cosmic mind
- The will of the Lord to multiply
- His infinite powers to create and destroy the universe
The Sudarśana-mantra is a special formula pertaining to it and is said to possess the power to neutralize poisons and exorcise malignant spirits.
Cakra and Mantraśāstras[edit]
Mantraśāstra sciences deal with the mystic formula or six ‘cakras’ or arrangements of letters of the alphabet. It helps in determining the suitability of a particular mantra for a particular individual, depending upon his rāśi (zodiacal sign) or nakṣatra (asterism).
Cakra and Buddhism[edit]
In Buddhism, the cakra symbolizes Dharmacakra, the Wheel of Law. It's eight spokes represent the eight-fold path prescribed by Buddha for attaining nirvāṇa or emancipation.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore