also: しょてんぼうりん · しょてんほうりん
noun
first turning of the wheel of Dharma; setting in motion the wheel of the law
Buddhist term referring to the Buddha's first sermon after enlightenment, in which he expounded the Four Noble Truths and set the Dharma in motion. Used in doctrinal and historical contexts.
釈尊は鹿野苑で初転法輪を行ったと伝えられている。
It is said that Shakyamuni performed the first turning of the wheel of Dharma at Deer Park.
初転法輪の教えは四諦八正道にまとめられる。
The teaching of the first turning of the wheel is summarized in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
From 初 (first) + 転 (turn) + 法輪 (wheel of Dharma). A direct translation of the Sanskrit term dharmacakrapravartana, referring to the Buddha's first sermon.