Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma
From Buddhist Encyclopedia
Three Jewels
Buddha . Dharma . Sangha
Three Dharma Seals
Anicca . Dukkha . Anatta
Karma . Rebirth
Samsara . Nirvana
Four Noble Truths
Seven Sets
Four Frames of Reference
Four Right Exertions
Four Bases of Power
Five Faculties
Five Strengths
Seven Factors of Awakening
Noble Eightfold Path
Bodhisattva
Four Great Vows
Ten Great Vows
The Three Turnings of the Wheel (of Dharma) refers to a framework for understanding the teachings of the Buddha, as understood by various schools and sects of Buddhism.
The distinction is, on the one hand, an historic or quasi-historic scheme by which the Buddha's first sermons, as recorded in the Pali Canon constitute the First Turning and the later, Mahayana sutras and Tantras comprise (variously) the Second and Third turnings. At the same time, the model of three turnings of the 'Wheel' is an attempt to categorize the content, philosophical view, and practical application of the whole array of Buddhist teachings.
