Swastika: Understanding the Symbolism and History

Meaning of the Swastika in Buddhism

Swastika, the Buddhist Cross prior to being the "Hitler's Swastika"

Similar to Hindus, Buddhists also used the swastika to mark the beginning of Buddhist texts as they consider it a symbol of universal harmony, prosperity, plurality, good luck, abundance, dharma, fertility, long life, eternity. In different parts of the world, Buddhists give different meanings to the swastika.

For instance, in Tibet, the swastika was a graphical representation of eternity. There are 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha and the swastika is considered the first one. You can also find the swastika symbol imprinted on the body, palms, chest, or feet of the Buddha. It is used to mark the beginning of sacred texts or as a garment decoration. Buddhists in India regard the swastika as "The Seal on the Heart of Buddha".

Since ancient times, the swastika has been considered noble, which is well known in most cultures throughout history. It is also the most beloved symbol of the Aryans.

MEANING OF THE SWASTIKA IN BUDDHISM

The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" ("good" or "auspicious") combined with "asti" ("it is"), with the diminutive suffix "ka". The swastika literally means: "It is good" or "all is well". The swastika is a cross with four arms of equal length, the ends of each arm being bent at right angles. It is found in the art of Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Celts, Native Americans, and Persians worldwide. It is also associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and is used in the Nazi Party flag. People use the swastika as a charm to bring luck.

Read also: Buddhist Symbols | The Vajra (Thunderbolt)

The swastika has always been a symbol of peace before the Nazi Party seized it and made it their symbol. In Buddhism, it is representative of the Buddha's footprints. It is an aniconic symbol for the Buddha in many regions of Asia and a counterpart to the dharma wheel. The shape symbolizes eternal cycling, a theme found in the Buddhist doctrine of samsara.

The swastika symbol is common in the esoteric tantric traditions of Buddhism, along with Hinduism, where it is found with chakra theories and other meditative aids. The clockwise symbol is more common and contrasts with the counterclockwise version common in Bon Tibetan tradition and locally called yungdrung.

Furthermore, the name swastika comes from Sanskrit (Devanagari: स्वस्तिक) and means "conducive to well-being or auspicious". It was never intended to represent the horrible things that Nazism and white nationalism represent. I believe it is time for Buddhism and other peaceful religions to reclaim their symbols from these hateful organizations. This is one of the only ways for Buddhists and others like us to be able to use our sacred symbols again.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svastika