Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Niche 3: Wheel of Rebirth

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Situated in the eastern section of the south cliff, this niche has a flat, rectangular ceiling, and measures 4.8 m wide and 7.8 m high. Holding the wheel of rebirth in his jaws and arms is Yama, lord of death.
The wheel consists of a circular center and three rings. A practitioner sitting in full lotus position on a lotus throne is found in the center of the wheel. Six rays of light emitted from his chest divide the wheel into six sections, ultimately escaping the wheel entirely. There are carvings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on the six rays of light, signifying their transcendence from the cycle of birth and death as represented by the wheel. A pigeon, snake, and pig encompass the central figure. These animals represent the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance, which are the fundamental afflictions that keep sentient beings trapped within the cycle of birth and death.
Carvings of the six realms of cyclic existence can be seen within the first ring from the center. Clockwise from the top, there are images of the realms of heavenly beings, humans, hungry ghosts, hell beings, animals, and asuras.
Scenes depicting the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination are found on the second ring from the center. They illustrate how ignorance and craving lead to karmic actions, which in turn leads to rebirth in one of the six realms of existence.
The third ring from the center contains 18 images of cyclic existence. The figures shown in this ring, including various humans and animals, appear to be trapped in barrels, with only the head or feet showing. The figures with their heads showing represent birth, and those showing their feet represent death. The images give an impression of a never-ending, repetitious cycle of birth and death.
On the lower right, outside the wheel, is a monkey looking up at a young lady by its side. They represent ignorance and craving. A civil official and a military official representing greed are depicted on the lower left beside the wheel. All four figures hold up the wheel with their hands, signifying that these emotions help to perpetuate the cycle of rebirth. Images of the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future are carved above the head of Yama.
In addition to the carvings, there are inscriptions near the wheel stating that greed and craving are the roots of suffering. Only when people diligently cultivate discipline, meditation, and wisdom to eliminate greed, hatred, craving, and ignorance can they transcend the six realms of cyclic existence and become Bodhisattvas or Buddhas.