Editing Bhavacakra (section)

===Hub: the three poisons===
In the hub of the wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. They represent the [[Three poisons (Buddhism)|three poisons]] of ignorance, aversion, and attachment, respectively. The pig stands for ignorance; this comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. The snake represents aversion or anger; this is because it will be aroused and strike at the slightest touch. The bird represents attachment (also translated as ''desire'' or ''clinging''). The particular bird used in this diagram represents an Indian bird that is very attached to its partner. These three animals represent the three poisons, which are the core of the bhavachakra. From these three poisons, the whole cycle of existence evolves.<ref>Ringu Tulku (2005), p. 30.</ref><ref name="HHDL_hub">Dalai Lama (1992), p. 4, 42.</ref>

In many drawings of the wheel, the snake and bird are shown as coming out of the mouth of the pig, indicating that aversion and attachment arise from ignorance. The snake and bird are also shown grasping the tail of the pig, indicating that they in turn promote greater ignorance.<ref name="HHDL_hub"/>

Under the influence of the three poisons, beings create karma, as shown in the next layer of the circle.