Buddha-Weekly-0buddhist-rebirth-wheel-of-samsara

2 thoughts on “Buddha-Weekly-0buddhist-rebirth-wheel-of-samsara”

1. 

   Steve Pearse

   April 21, 2018 at 2:40 pm

   4/21/2018

   Lee,

   Very interesting image, what is the bird in the center?–Naga?

   Steve

   Reply
   1. 

      Lee Kane, Editor

      April 27, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Hi Steve, I don’t think in this context it’s a Naga. I believe, if I remember correctly, it’s supposed to be a peacock or some form of “conceited” bird (often described as a proud cock (as opposed to hen) — the bird representing desire. The Three poisons are often represented by the bird, snake, pig representing respectively desire (bird), anger (snake) and ignorance (pig). This is from Ripa Wiki: “The pig stands for ignorance, although a pig is not necessarily more stupid than other animals. The comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it always sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. Similarly, the snake is identified with anger because it will be aroused and leap up at the slightest touch. The bird represents desire and clinging. In Western publications it is frequently referred to as a cock, but this is not exactly accurate. This particular bird does not exist in Western countries, as far as I know. It is used as a symbol because it is very attached to its partner.”

      Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.