What? A Swastika

Over the past few months i've been seeing swastikas on temples, buddhas and even taxi's. i kept thinking to myself, is this some WWII leftovers? Impossible.. right? From the U.S. world history classes I took, this symbol always stood as a reference to the Nazi Party. The swastika represented the slaughter of millions of people, the most hated tyrant on earth (besides DT), and one of the most destructive world wars. As I traveled South East Asia, I continued to see this symbol. Then encouraged by a museum controversies class, I explored the origins of the symbol.

The Nazi party wasn't the first to use the swastika symbol. The Hindus and Buddhists across almost all Asean countries have been using the swastika for thousands of years. Apparently, this symbol was also used in Ancient Greece and was found on the ruins of the ancient city of Troy, a society that existed over 4,000 years ago. Nordic tribes and even early Christians used the swastika as one of their symbols. The symbol has continued to occur throughout Europe and even Ethiopia.

The word swastika, a sanskrit word, translates into "well being", "good existence" and even "good luck". Depending on how the symbol is drawn can render it a positive or negative meaning. In Buddhism, the swastika is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, abundance and eternity. It has direct associations with Buddha. A swastika can sometimes be depicted on the souls of Buddhas feet and on his heart. It is said that Buddhas heart contained his mind.

In Thailand the word "swasdi- ka" means hello. As I began to learn Thai, I remember telling an American friend "Hello" and she told me it sounded like I was saying swastika more so than the Thai Hello. Actually, this formal greeting was derived from the word swastika and meant to be a greeting that also wished well being, good existence, and even good luck... Go figure!

Sending positive Buddhist and Hindu Swastikas to you!