The Swastika is one of the most recognizable and misunderstood symbols in the world. Its meaning and connotations have been distorted over time, leading to widespread bans and restrictions on its use. However, the Swastika has a rich and complex history, with deep roots in various cultures and traditions; and has been used in religions for thousands of years, but was misused by the Nazis during World War 2, and currently white supremacists, neo-Nazi groups, and vandals have continued to use it as a symbol to stoke fear and hate.
The Swastika is an ancient symbol that dates back to the Neolithic period (7000-1700 BCE), with evidence of its use found in various cultures, including the Indus Valley Civilization, ancient Greece, and Nordic Europe. The word “Swastika” comes from the Sanskrit which means “auspicious” or “lucky” or “that which brings good luck and well-being.”
In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the Swastika is considered a sacred and auspicious symbol, representing the harmony and balance of the universe. The Swastika’s evolution is closely tied to the development of human civilization. In ancient India, the Swastika was used to represent the sun, the wheel of life, and the cycle of birth and death. In Buddhism, the Swastika is associated with the Buddha’s teachings and is often depicted on Buddhist artefacts and monuments. In Jainism, the Swastika is a symbol of the seventh Jina, Suparśvanātha, and is considered a powerful emblem of spiritual growth and self-realization.
Differences between Swastika, Sauvastika, and Hakenkreuz
The Swastika, sauvastika, and Hakenkreuz (pronounced “Ha-Ken-Kroytz”) are often confused with one another, but they have distinct differences:
- Swastika: The traditional Swastika symbol, with its arms bent to the right (clockwise) (卐) is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, and Jainism, representing good fortune, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
- Sauvastika: The sauvastika, also known as the “left-handed Swastika” (counter-clockwise) (卍) has
its arms bent to the left. While it is sometimes considered a variant of the Swastika, it is not as widely recognized or revered as the traditional Swastika; although Buddhism tend to use this left-
facing symbol. - Hakenkreuz: The Hakenkreuz (meaning “hooked cross”) also known as the Nazi Swastika, is a stylized version of the Swastika tilted at an angle of 45 degree, is often associated with the Nazi Party and its ideology. The Hakenkreuz is a corruption of the traditional Swastika symbol, and its use is widely condemned due to its connection to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. It must be emphasized that Hitler repeatedly referred to the Nazi symbol as Hakenkreuz and not as a
Swastika. [The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) is a faith group that advocates for the
Swastika as a sacred symbol, not a Nazi symbol read this article].
swastika symbol signified good fortune and well-being thousands of years before the Nazis even
existed. To the many civilisations and cultures an important one, representing their history and
beliefs. The Nazis, by adopting the swastika, annihilated the significance of the ancient symbol.
Today, the swastika is to most people a symbol of evil, a symbol of demise, and a symbol of ruination.
It is extremely depressing to find that although the swastika is a symbol of life, and symbol of joy, it
has been made a symbol of evil, something the people of the ancient world never intended it to be.
Fortunately, there are marked differences in forms and characteristics to distinguish between the
Buddhist swastika symbol and the swastika symbol of evil Nazism.
The Buddhist swastika is left facing form put flat and mainly in gold, yellow and red colour and not in
black. The Nazi used the right facing form and tilted the swastika symbol at an angle of 45 degrees
with the corners pointing upwards and invariably in black.” – A Revisit – “The Swastika (卐) A
Symbol of Buddhism or Nazism?”, Buddhism and Daily Living, by Chin Kee Thou
The Nazi Connection and the Ban
The Nazi Party’s adoption of the Hakenkreuz as its emblem in the 1920s led to a profound shift in the Swastika’s meaning and connotations. The symbol became synonymous with hatred, intolerance, and violence, and its use was subsequently banned in many countries, including Germany, Austria, and France. However, this ban has had unintended consequences, as it has also restricted the use of the traditional Swastika symbol in educational, religious, and cultural contexts. This has led to a loss of cultural heritage and a misunderstanding of the symbol’s original meaning and significance [Read
this link on how the Swastika is wrongfully accused as Hakenkreuz].
Preserving Cultural and Religious Significance
The Swastika is an integral part of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, and its ban has had a profound impact on the cultural and religious practices of these communities. In India, for example, the Swastika is a common symbol in Hindu temples and homes, and its use is an important part of religious and cultural rituals. Similarly, in Nordic traditions, the Swastika was once considered a sacred symbol, representing the sun, the wheel of life, and the cycle of birth and death. The ban on the Swastika has led to a loss of cultural heritage and a disconnection from the region’s rich history and traditions. This has led to religious groups to rehabilitate the Swastika as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and restore it to a place of sanctity in their faiths.
Shorinji Kempo, and the Theosophical Society
Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese Martial Art (registered as a religion in Japan) which claims that it is a modified form of Shaolin Kung Fu originally used the left-facing (symbolising love), and right-facing (symbolising strength) Swastika on its flag, but given the social stigma of the emblem, replaced it with a new emblem in 2005.
The Theosophical Society which aims to promote the study of comparative religion and philosophy, fostering a universal brotherhood of humanity, and investigating powers latent in human beings, uses a Swastika symbolizing creation and cosmic energy as part of its emblem.
According to the Australian website of the Theosophical Society, “THE SWASTIKA, placed in the emblem at the head of the serpent, is one of the numerous forms in which the symbol of the cross is found. It is the fiery cross, with arms of whirling flame revolving clockwise to represent the tremendous energies of nature incessantly creating and dissolving the forms through which the evolutionary process takes place. In religions which recognise three aspects of Deity, the swastika is associated with the Third Person of the Trinity, who is at once the Creator and the Destroyer: Shiva in Hinduism and the Holy Ghost in Christianity. Applied to humanity, the figure may show the human as the link between heaven and earth, one “hand” pointing toward heaven or spirit and the other toward earth or matter”.
Conclusion
The Swastika is a complex and multifaceted symbol with a rich history and cultural significance. While its association with the Nazi Party has led to widespread bans and restrictions, it is essential to preserve its cultural and religious significance, particularly in the context of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. By understanding the differences between the Swastika, Sauvastika, and Hakenkreuz, and by acknowledging the symbol’s original meaning and connotations, we can work towards a more nuanced and informed approach to its use and display. Ultimately, the Swastika’s significance extends far beyond its association with the Nazi Party, and its preservation is essential for maintaining the cultural and religious heritage of communities around the world. [Click here to read about: Historic Multi-Religious Coalition Formed to Spread Awareness About the Sacred Swastika].
Watch this YouTube video on: The Hakenkreuz, Swastika, and the Christian Cross – A Conversation
with a Jewish Researcher.
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