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Learn about our Symbol
"The Swastika as a symbol of prosperity and good
fortune is widely distributed throughout the ancient and modern
World" (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The Swastika is one of the World's oldest and most
sacred symbols. It represents the Supreme Eternal Law (Sanatana
Dharma) whereby the Supreme Being supports and governs the Universe. Its four arms symbolise the forces
whereby the Universal Law radiates into the four corners of the World as it
eternally revolves round its central point which is the hub of the Universe
and Source of all things. The four arms also symbolise the
Four World Ages that follow one another in a recurring cycle till the end of
time. The four circular dots represent the four states of
consciousness whereby the Supreme Intelligence descends into physical
existence, as well as the four classes of beings, celestial, astral,
terrestrial and subterranean, which inhabit the Universe. What does Swastika mean? The Sanskrit word "Svastika"
has various levels of meaning. It can mean Universal Welfare, from
"Su", well and "As", to be. In the Imperative (su-asti), it signifies "Let it be well!" and
expresses the wish of Health, Harmony and Happiness for all beings. The word Svastika may also be
derived from "Sva", self and
"As", to be which is expressive of the desire to be oneself. Health
(Wholeness), Harmony and Happiness may only be attained when man is, or
abides in, his own true self (sva) which is the
source and origin of everything that is good. On a higher level, the Self is Shiva, the Soul of the Universe
and Supreme Principle of Goodness (God). By abiding in Unity with Him, the
whole World can attain lasting Peace. By contrast, Disunity with the Supreme
Being and transgression of His Supreme Eternal Law results in Unhappiness,
Disease and Discord. For this reason, the Swastika symbol has enjoyed great
reverence among all the great cultures of the World, from prehistoric times
down to this day. It is particularly esteemed by the great religions of In the Yoga Tradition, the Swastika stands for Unity with the
Supreme and Harmony with His Eternal Law which is the ultimate Goal of all genuine
Spiritual endeavour. One
of the main sitting postures is known as the Swastika Posture (Svastikasana) and is widely used for contemplation and
meditation. Unfortunately, this ancient Spiritual Symbol of World renown
has lately come under mounting pressure to take on a new and unexpected
meaning. Elements of the political, religious and media establishment
in the Western World have chosen to take a selective and revisionist view of
history and in consequence would like to associate the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist
and Yogic Swastika with certain ignoble teachings and practices prevalent in
20th-century Europe. Our reply to this is that the errors of the Western World are
entirely of its own making. They cannot reasonably be blamed on, or in any
way associated with, the East. Asian people have suffered immensely as a result of the
imperialistic actions of Western powers. Indians, in particular, have been
subjected to invasions, occupation, slavery and genocide at the hands of
arrogant and self-seeking Westerners. Any Western attempt to suppress Indian religion and culture
represents therefore an act of exceptional cruelty and injustice that cannot
be tolerated in any form or shape. A new symbol of resistance In response to these deplorable and shameful developments, the
Swastika is becoming a symbol of legitimate resistance and defiance against
the malevolent forces of political, cultural and religious oppression which
are set to be unleashed once again upon the long-suffering people of In their boundless generosity and tolerance, the Indian people
have chosen not to ban the symbols of Western faiths in their own country.
The Western World should repay this generosity and tolerance by not
suppressing the sacred symbols of the East or turning them into symbols of
hatred. To do anything else would be irrational, cruel, criminal and
irresponsible. The Western World must grow up and understand that it cannot
protect one minority by oppressing another, totally unrelated and innocent
minority. It cannot redress a past injustice by committing a new one. In a free, multicultural World, the oppression of any one
culture can have no place under any excuse or pretext and must be resisted by
any means available to us so that Humanity does not return to the dark ages
of oppression and discord but peacefully advances towards a glorious future
of freedom, harmony and unity. Our message to all Hindus is: To read Hemant G Padya’s article on the
Swastika go to: Support us in our campaign Join us in our struggle to end E-mail us today on: |
