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 Asia: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Bon-po and others.
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 India and the East.
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.
- Shri Somananda
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