Known as chökyi khorlo in Tibetan, the Dharmachakra is one of the Eight Auspicious Signs which collectively represent the offerings the gods made to the Buddha after his enlightenment. In particular, the Dharmachakra symbolises the Buddha's teaching of the Dharma in the world, which allows sentient beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

The eight spokes of the Dharma wheel represent the Noble Eightfold Path as taught by Buddha. At the heart of the wheel is a gakhyil or Wheel of Joy, symbolising the Three Jewels and victory over the three poisons of desire, anger and ignorance. It is crowned by a wish-fulfilling jewel and adorned with a khata as an offering.