Though the Swastika was misappropriated by the German Nazi party becoming the symbol of evil, for thousands of years prior to it’s German adoption, the Swastika was a positive, powerful symbol of three religions – Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. The word swastika literally means good fortune, good health or well being. Among Buddhists, the swastika represents the footsteps of the Buddha. For Jains it is a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity and good fortune. In Hindu teaching, the swastika symbolizes spiritual evolution. Satguru Sivaya Subramaniyaswami, founder of the magazines Hinduism Today, notes:
"The swastika's right-angled arms reflect the fact that the path toward our objectives is often not straight, but takes unexpected turns. They denote also the indirect way in which Divinity is reached--through intuition and not by intellect. Symbolically, the swastika's cross is said to represent God and creation. The four bent arms stand for the four human aims: righteousness; wealth; love; and liberation….It also represents the world wheel, eternally changing around a fixed center, God.” Hindus and Jains believe that the swastika has an energetic power to ward off misfortune and negative forces. For that reason it is often painted on doors and entrances to homes and buildings.
The symbol transcends countries and cultures. It has been found on coins in Mesopotamia, Navajo blankets, and ancient pottery in Africa and Asia. Prior to the Nazi misappropriation of the swastika, it was used in Western Culture as a symbol of good luck, much like a “lucky” four leaf clover and horseshoe. The swastika was also displayed on birth announcements and greeting cards. Boy Scouts could earn a swastika badge while the Girls’ Club official membership pin was a swastika. Club. In 1908, two gold prospectors in Canada established a small town in Northern Ontario naming it Swastika. Several Canadian hockey teams were called The Swastikas.
"The swastika's right-angled arms reflect the fact that the path toward our objectives is often not straight, but takes unexpected turns. They denote also the indirect way in which Divinity is reached--through intuition and not by intellect. Symbolically, the swastika's cross is said to represent God and creation. The four bent arms stand for the four human aims: righteousness; wealth; love; and liberation….It also represents the world wheel, eternally changing around a fixed center, God.” Hindus and Jains believe that the swastika has an energetic power to ward off misfortune and negative forces. For that reason it is often painted on doors and entrances to homes and buildings.
The symbol transcends countries and cultures. It has been found on coins in Mesopotamia, Navajo blankets, and ancient pottery in Africa and Asia. Prior to the Nazi misappropriation of the swastika, it was used in Western Culture as a symbol of good luck, much like a “lucky” four leaf clover and horseshoe. The swastika was also displayed on birth announcements and greeting cards. Boy Scouts could earn a swastika badge while the Girls’ Club official membership pin was a swastika. Club. In 1908, two gold prospectors in Canada established a small town in Northern Ontario naming it Swastika. Several Canadian hockey teams were called The Swastikas.
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