ananda-chakra

Sanskrit. ‘Wheel of Joy’ or ‘Wheel of Bliss’. Compound of the words ananda and chakra, that refers to a symbol that consists of a circle which is composed of three interconnected swirls, said to represent the Three Jewels. The design is reminiscent of the two swirls that make up the yin-yang symbol (fig.), and when represented in colour, each of the swirls is usually of a different colour. The ananda-chakra is often depicted on the axis of the dharmachakra in Tibetan Buddhism (fig.) and in the centre of certain visvavajra, i.e. a double vajra (fig.) used in the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism. This symbol is also present on the Flag of Tibet, where it is known as Gankyil and when in the form of a ball, is described as a favourite toy of the Snowlion, of which the lioness —who is believed to produce milk with medicinal properties from its paws—may deposit this milk into the ball when playing with it. 回