Elements of Buddhist Iconography c4.72

c4.72

In *Ṛg Veda*, X, 85, 12, "the chariot is in the mode of Intellect (*ano manasmayam*), the Breath of Life (*vyāna*) was the axle (*akṣa*) fastened there." It will be understood that the axle-point (*āni*) that penetrates the hollow (*kha*) in the nave (*nābhi*) is central in each wheel;⁶⁵ so in *Ṛg Veda*, I, 35, 6, the Undying Angels (sc. the Several Angels, *viśve devāḥ*, *Ādityas*) are said to depend upon Savitṛ (the Supernal-Sun as prime mover) "as on the chariot’s axle-point (*āni*)," and in *Aitareya Āraṇyaka*, II, 7, the Self (*ātman*) is compared to the "twin axle-points (*ānī*)" of the Veda. We have thus dwelt at some length on the Vedic implications of the wheel or wheels, because it is important to realize the wider content and consequent power of this symbol which was so extensively employed in Buddhism, though with a more restricted application.