The Ashoka Chakra is a depiction of the Buddhist Dharmachakra, represented with 24 spokes. It is an important symbol in the national flag of India. The Ashoka Chakra conveys the message of peace, dharma, and truth. It signifies that there is life in movement and death in stagnation. The Ashoka Chakra represents the continuous cycle of life. Let’s explore the history, meaning, and significance of this iconic symbol.
History and Origin
The Ashoka Chakra finds its origins in the Lion Capital of Ashoka, erected around 250 BCE during the Mauryan Empire. Emperor Ashoka used the Dharmachakra in his Lion Capital as a representation of the Buddhist Dhamma. The Lion Capital featured four lions standing back to back, surmounting a cylindrical abacus decorated with sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion. The abacus was separated from the crowning capital by a frieze of 24 alternating spokes, known as the Ashoka Chakra.
Over time, the Dharmachakra evolved into a widely recognized symbol of Buddhism. It was adopted as the emblem on the flag of India on July 22, 1947. The navy blue Ashoka Chakra on the flag represents the wheel of law in Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Meaning and Significance
The Ashoka Chakra is a profound symbol that conveys deeper spiritual and philosophical meanings. Here are some of the key interpretations:
Continuous Movement: The 24 spokes represent the 24 hours of the day. Just as the day keeps moving forward continuously, the Dharmachakra symbolizes the continuous cycle of life and rebirth.
Power and Courage: The strength and courage of King Ashoka is embodied in the Ashoka Chakra. It inspires people to move forth with valor.
Righteousness: The spinning wheel represents the righteousness of dharma. It motivates people to tread the path of truth, morality, and justice.
| Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|
| Continuous Movement | 24 spokes represent 24 hours in a day, conveying continuous cycle of life |
| Power and Courage | Embodies strength and valor of King Ashoka |
| Righteousness | Symbolizes path of truth, morality, and justice |
Unity: The spokes coming together in the center signifies unity. The Ashoka Chakra represents bonding together for progress.
Peace: The wheel denotes motion and dynamism. At the same time, the circular structure symbolizes harmony and peace.
Karma: The interplay between movement and stagnation conveys the karmic cycle. Our actions lead to consequences, which propel further actions.
Samsara: The round shape without a starting or ending point depicts the infinite loop of birth and rebirth as per Hindu philosophy.
Enlightenment: The axis of the wheel represents spiritual liberation through the Noble Eightfold Path. The chakra stands for enlightenment through self-realization.
Usage in the National Flag
The Ashoka Chakra was adopted in the national flag of India to evoke the spirit of dharma and inspire people towards progress, development, and enlightenment. Here is the significance of the Indian flag:
Saffron: Represents courage and sacrifice
White: Depicts truth, peace, and purity
Green: Symbolizes fertility, growth, and auspiciousness
Ashoka Chakra: The wheel of law, empowering people to move forward
The stalwarts who designed the Indian flag incorporated the Ashoka Chakra as a spiritual and symbolic icon to enlighten the nation. The vision was to enable continuous progress through the wheels of law, justice, peace, and righteousness.
Global Influence
The Ashoka Chakra is not just integral to the heritage of India. It has emerged as a global symbol of Buddhism, spiritualism, and non-violence. Some instances of its far-reaching influence are:
- The Ashoka Chakra is placed at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. This has been adopted as the National Emblem of India.
- The chakra is central to the emblem of India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra.
- The symbol features on many official documents of the Indian government.
- Many other Buddhist nations such as Sri Lanka and Japan have used the Ashoka Chakra in their flag or state emblem.
- The wheel appears on the flag of the Indian National Army and can be seen across monuments of the INA.
Clearly, the profound philosophy and peaceful outlook that the Ashoka Chakra denotes have left a deep impact worldwide.
Conclusion
The Ashoka Chakra is an influential emblem that exemplifies India’s spiritual heritage. It conveys the nation’s commitment to the values of courage, sacrifice, truth, peace, justice, and enlightenment. The spinning wheel reinforces the need for continuous self-renewal at individual and collective levels. Just as the cycle of day and night enables progression of life, the Ashoka Chakra inspires people to actively participate in the cycle of life. It represents India’s historic, philosophical, and deep-rooted identity as a progressive, dynamic, and harmonious civilization.
