The metaphor of life as a wheel helps us understand not only the longing for happiness but also happiness’ temporary nature. The wheel is an ancient symbol combining the meaning of the circle as wholeness or completion with the element of movement or passing away that is captured in the wheel’s turning.

At the center of the wheel is a still point, the axis. It is central to the wheel’s movement, but it does not move. Daily life occurs at the periphery or the rim of the wheel. When this image is represented as "The Wheel of Life" or "The Wheel of Fortune" the rim represents life’s perpetual change and transitory nature.

As individuals living in the world, we are always at one of the life four positions:

Happy
Loss (Descending)
Suffering
Hope (Ascending)

Because the wheel is continually turning, we can assess
our present position and look ahead to where we will be next.

If we are presently happy, it will not last.
If we are falling, it may get worse.
When we are suffering, we will get through it to rise again in hope.
Happiness will be regained, but the wheel also continues to turn.
The cycle is repeated
and such is life.

The Wheel of Life
Teaches that we cannot get happy and stay happy.
Change always comes.
Change brings growth.
The emotions of change are expected and normal.
They cannot be avoided.
Looking for and accepting them in yourself and others
helps work through the process of change.

Joy Versus Happiness

It is far better to seek "JOY." Joy is related to happiness, but it is a deeper experience. In the search for happiness the individual focuses upon himself, but joy moves a person out of a self-centered preoccupation and provides an orientation towards others. Joy is an experience which connects us to that which is "Greater" than we are. It connects us to the creative power that is more than the "I" or ego. Joy gets us out of ourselves and in contact with this "Other" and with others. Joy can sustain us throughout the four phases of life. If we are willing to give up the search for happiness, we may find joy. It exists near the center of the wheel where happiness and suffering meet and intermingle. To make such a move off the rim from happiness into suffering requires faith. Faith is also found at the center of the Wheel of Life. It is where Loss and Hope intersect. Faith comes from the action of moving towards the center. It is not that we have faith first and then act. We act first. Moving towards hope in the midst of loss gives birth to faith. This is a move that engages rather than avoids suffering. The creative power at the center of the wheel brings into being Faith and Joy. They exist in the context and container of Love, which is also at the center of the wheel. To love is to respect and value ourselves while breaking out of limited self interest and reaching out to others. It is Love, Joy, and Faith that give meaning to life, and they arise from being centered.

Seeking the Center

In seeking joy, faith, and love, we must move off of the rim of the wheel towards the center.

The creative power of the wheel will be found at the center. Here is the energy that actually turns the wheel. What is the nature of this power? It is the power that is over and above the ego. It is the point of integration that is greater than the ego. It is often referred to as God. God is at the still point -the axis- where the wheel is set into motion and is continually turned. Such an image of the "Wheel Turning God" can be distressing to many people. It seems to show God "causing" bad things to happen. It really means that God is always present at the heart of all things no matter what is happening. Even in the worst of times God is present. If we can be centered in God, that which is Greater, then we are strengthened

Attitude

"The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is to play on the one string we have and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes."

Charles Swindoll

"Meditation is the bridge between this and all other levels of consciousness;
Practicing meditation makes you aware of your eternally enlightened nature.
By practicing meditation you will come to see
that the true nature of the real you,
the body of light, is everlasting bliss!"
-Rama

 

Meditation is a period of time set aside every day to quiet the mind. Meditation is a way to slow down, chill out, and get in touch with the eternal side of your being. Initially in meditation, thoughts are slowed down, and eventually, thought stops completely. The height of meditation is a state called samadhi where the mind is completely merged with worlds of perfect light. Meditation recharges you and helps you get in touch with your inner self. It brings clarity and insight into daily life - you can more easily determine what is really right for you. Meditation makes you happy and bright. It also empowers you to accomplish things in the daily world by connecting you to the power of the universe.

This page was last updated November 4, 2002