Swastikas in religions

[jasonwill2]

Swastikas have an extremely prolific history in cultures around the world for thousands of years before the Nazi's stupidity caused all this modern Stigma, and even in Eastern cultures today the Swastika still maintains itself as not associated with fascist movements.

This topic is for discussing the depiction of swastikas in religions.

 

[Breathe]

I know for a fact the swastika is found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Norse paganism, and Bön (the land of Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring is the land of nine "sauwastikas" (or "left-facing swastikas").

I've seen the swastika displayed quite evidently in the local Hindu temple. I admit, I did doubletake at first, but then again, it was because I wasn't expecting it to be there, not because I don't know what it means.

 

[apophenia]

I have seen the swastika with my minds eye. It's more dynamic than the simple version used as a symbol ( it rotates like a catherine wheel, and is like fire of various colors.). It is one of those archetypal thingies which no-one can explain.

edit : That made me remember something. I was once sitting by a lake, near overhanging trees. I was looking at the reflections of branches on the surface of the water, and right there was a beautifully formed pentangle, rippling gently.

As I gazed at it in appreciation, a flock of wild ducks flew overhead, and bombed me with crap, quacking and honking. It was very funny, and left me with a pleasant glow.

Now I am remembering other classic symbols which have appeared spontaneously at different times, both in my mind's eye, and 'externally'. I can think of quite a few. So basically, I don't think we can say a swastika or whatever means this or that as if there is a 'real' meaning that you could find in a book.

 

[Caladan]

The Swastika is more universal than you might think. Found in Native American art, but also even in ancient Jewish synagogues.

 

[Father Heathen]

Damn nazis ruined a perfectly good symbol. I remember as a really young kid seeing the swastika and thinking it was cool before even knowing or understanding what a nazi was. I drew it on my folder and got my *** spanked for it. lol

 

[jasonwill2]

The Swastika is more universal than you might think. Found in Native American art, but also even in ancient Jewish synagogues.

Ancient Greece too.

 

[Caladan]

Ancient Greece too.

It's certainly found in classical sites. The Romans used it extensively as well.

 

[Caladan]

Damn nazis ruined a perfectly good symbol. I remember as a really young kid seeing the swastika and thinking it was cool before even knowing or understanding what a nazi was. I drew it on my folder and got my *** spanked for it. lol

LOL. I think the symbol should be liberated from its 20th century stain. Or at least appreciated for its use throughout history. Today there is not much understanding of its importance in other cultures and in history.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Symbols are a form of communication. Meanings change.

 

[Caladan]

Symbols are a form of communication. Meanings change.

This goes without saying. But It was disturbing to see the ignorance of some visitors in a Buddhist temple in China when they saw swastikas and naturally conntected it to the Nazis.

 

[jasonwill2]

This goes without saying. But It was disturbing to see the ignorance of some visitors in a Buddhist temple in China when they saw swastikas and naturally conntected it to the Nazis.

I imagine that the visitor's reactions were either hilarious or very, very scary.

 

[Caladan]

I imagine that the visitor's reactions were either hilarious or very, very scary.

To me it just seemed paranoid. I think people should have a basic understanding of world cultures, especially if they plan on visiting some of them.

 

[Father Heathen]

Meanings change.

History doesn't.

 

[jasonwill2]

History doesn't.

I agree with this statement. As well, I like the swastikas with four circles near them. the Hindu one that is.

 

[ratikala]

reminds me of dipvali

 

[MD]

reminds me of dipvali

That is a beautiful picture!

In Zoroastrianism swastikas represent the sun.

 

[BSM1]

LOL. I think the symbol should be liberated from its 20th century stain. Or at least appreciated for its use throughout history. Today there is not much understanding of its importance in other cultures and in history.

You are right, of course, but wouldn't this be almost equivalent to someone naming a kid Judas?

 

[Caladan]

You are right, of course, but wouldn't this be almost equivalent to someone naming a kid Judas?

There are many Jews who are called Yehuda still today (Judas).

 

[Shuddhasattva]

You are right, of course, but wouldn't this be almost equivalent to someone naming a kid Judas?

Not at all. The Swastika was used, and continues to be used, for legitimate religious purposes in many places around the world, particularly in the Hindu & Buddhist context.

And, as Caladan pointed out, Judas' name is still in circulation in the ethnic group it originally emerged in.

 

[jasonwill2]

You are right, of course, but wouldn't this be almost equivalent to someone naming a kid Judas?

So people that used a symbol for thousands of years should abandon it because of one decade of use by Nazis and because some ignorant folk in Western countries would be offended?