The logo of the Karma Kagyu Lineage consists of the Dharma Wheel and two deers in homage posture at the sides. The male deer symbolises the realisation of great bliss. The female deer symbolises the realisation of emptiness. The Dharma Wheel in the middle symbolises the union of these two for the attainment of the ultimate and perfect enlightenment.

“Turning the Dharma Wheel” is a metaphor for the Buddha’s teaching of the Dharma in the world. The Karma Kagyu logo depicts the first turning of the Dharma Wheel by Buddha Shakyamuni at Deer Park, Sarnath in India. It was 49 days after obtaining enlightenment that Lord Buddha went to the Deer Park to address the five disciples, thus started the turning of the Dharma Wheel in motion for the first time. At that time, even the deers were attracted to come and listen to the teachings. The two graceful deers flanking the Dharma Wheel in homage posture represent the undivided attention and devotion of disciples. The deer is also symbolic of gentleness and compassion. The wheel which is forever turning signifies the eternity of the pure Dharma.

The Dharma Wheel

The Dharma Wheel (Sanskrit: Dharmachakra; Tibetan: Chokhor) is one of the oldest and most important symbols of Buddhism. It has three basic parts: the hub, the rim and the spokes.

Two of the common explanations of the symbolism of the Dharma Wheel are:

1.) The Three Trainings of Moral Discipline, Meditative Concentration and Wisdom:

· The hub symbolises moral discipline, which stabilises the mind.
· The rim represents training in meditative concentration, which holds everything else together.
· The spokes represent the wisdom which is applied to defeat ignorance.

2.) The Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel:

· The hub represents the first turning of the Dharma Wheel. The first turning was the sermon at Deer Park, after the Buddha's enlightenment. Here the Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths.
· The rim represents the second turning of the Dharma Wheel. The second turning was the introduction of the perfection of wisdom teachings on the nature of sunyata, emptiness.
· The spokes represent the third turning of the Dharma Wheel. The third turning was the introduction of the doctrine of Buddha nature.

When you have all three parts at the same time, you have the Wheel of Dharma. The Buddha taught many teachings, but no single one can be considered the entire Wheel of Dharma, only all together are they the Wheel of Dharma.