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{{otheruses4|a religious concept|other uses|Wheel of time (disambiguation)}}

The '''wheel of time''' or '''wheel of history''' is a concept in several religions and philosophies, notably religions of Indian origin such as [[Hinduism]] later adopted by [[Buddhism]], which regard time as [[cyclical]] and consisting of repeating ages.  Many other notable cultures also believe in this Wheel of Time: notably, the Q'ero Indians in [[Peru]] who are the direct descendants of the Incan empire, as well as the Hopi Indians of Arizona, believe in this cyclical idea of time.

==Buddhism==
:''See [[Kalachakra]] for details.''
The Wheel of Time or Kalachakra is a Tantric deity that is associated with [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Tantric Buddhism]], which encompasses all four main schools of [[Sakya]], [[Nyingma]], [[Kagyu]] and [[Gelug]], and is especially important within the lesser-known [[Jonang]] tradition. 

The Kalachakra tantra prophecies a world within which (religious) conflict is prevalent. A worldwide war will be waged which will see the expansion of the mystical Kingdom of [[Shambhala]] led by a messianical king.

==Modern Usage==
===Literature===
In the interview included at the end of the audio versions of his books, author [[Robert Jordan]] has stated that his internationally bestselling fantasy series, [[The Wheel of Time]], borrows this concept from Hindu mythology.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
===Television===
The ABC TV series ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' features on its island setting a literal wheel which various characters physically turn to manipulate time. In one instance, the wheel has fallen off of its axis, causing the Island to skip violently back and forth through time.

==See also==
*[[Kalachakra]]
*[[Wheel of the Year]]

{{Time Topics}}
{{Time in religion and mythology}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Time]]
[[Category:Tibetan Buddhism]]
[[Category:Buddhist cosmology]]

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