Alternative Religions
Swastika
(fylfot cross)
The swastika is a type of solar cross, with arms bent at right angles, suggesting a whirling or turning motion. The swastika is one of the archetypal human religious symbols. It appears on every continent and is as old as humankind. Long before the symbol was co-opted as an emblem of Hitler's Nazi party, it was a sacred symbol in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions, as well as in Norse, Basque, and Celtic Paganism. Once used as marker of the sun's travels, the swastika can be seen on Pictish rock carvings, adorning ancient Greek pottery, on Norse weapons and agricultural implements, and scratched on cave walls in France seven thousand years old. A swastika marks the beginning of many Buddhist scriptures, and is often incised on the soles of the feet of Buddha in statuary. In the Jain religion, it is a symbol of the seventh Jina (saint), Suparsva. To native Americans, it is a symbol of the sun, the directions, and the four seasons. The name Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit "Suvasti"- "su," meaning "good," and "vasti"," meaning "to be" -well being. It is used as a fertility and good luck charm. The swastika is also known as:
The Manji represents Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. When facing left, it is the Omote (front) Manji, representing love and mercy. Facing right, it represents strength and intelligence, and is called the Ura (rear facing) Manji. Balanced Manji are often found at the beginning and end of buddhist scriptures. Related Symbols:
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