also: しょてんぼうりん · しょてんほうりん
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.
It is said that Shakyamuni performed the first turning of the wheel of Dharma at Deer Park.
The teaching of the first turning of the wheel is summarized in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Standard kanji spelling for this Buddhist term. The reading しょてんぽうりん is the most common pronunciation.
Alternate reading with rendaku on 法. Less common but still encountered.
Rare reading without rendaku. May appear in older or more formal Buddhist contexts.
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.