Swastika - A Symbol of Auspicious Knowledge - 3

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Dear ALL,

 

Namaste.

 

*Swastika - A Symbol of Auspicious Knowledge -3*

 

In Jainism, swastika is revered as the symbol associated with the

seventh tirthankar Suparshvanath. The followers of Jain religion regard the four

sides of the swastika as symbolizing the four possible places where one could

be reborn or reside after death. These abodes are described as - the animal or

plant kingdom, the earth, jivatma (soul in the subtle body that awaits rebirth)

and the hell. Imprints of swastika are found inscribed in the Buddhist

Monasteries as well. It can also be found in the houses of the Lamas and in some

temples in Tibet. In the views of George Birdwood, the

Buddhist symbol of the wheel (lifecycle), the cross of Greece, and the

swastika, all symbolize the sun. He further refers swastika as among the most

ancient symbols that contains sublime implications.

 

Prof. Maxmuller is among the noted European scholars, who had studied

Sanskrit language and the vedic literature and also written commentaries there

on. Commenting on the global propagation of the swastika symbol, he once wrote

in a letter to Dr. Schloman indicating that -- this vedic symbol could be found

in Rome, Milan, Pompia perhaps in almost every part of Italy, in some ancient

cities of England, at several places in Hungary, Greece, China, and in many

other parts of the world. He has also supported the views of E. Thomas, where

the latter has described swastika as a symbol of the

continuous motion of the sun (and the solar system).

 

Prof. D. A. Mackenjee throws light on several other implications of this vedic

symbol. His studies indicate that apart from being an important sign or code in

the ancient Indian astrological and astronomical formulae, the swastika was also

used as a symbol describing multiple meanings, such as -- the birth-cycle, a

flying bird, and all-round progress. It was a useful sign in commercial records

in the ancient times and a symbol of fire, electricity, lightening, water,

magnet, etc. Yet another western researcher opines that swastika, the symbol of

auspiciousness and well-being, as designed by the Indian rishis (sages) of the

Vedic Age, was well received and recognized by the different civilizations

across the globe who adopted it in various forms of similar designs. He views

that this symbol, likewise the other marks of the Vedic Culture, carries the

spirit of enlightening thoughts and wisdom, the flow of which is eternal like

that of the divine values of this culture.

 

Many more aspects of knowledge, deeper meanings and philosophical teachings and

feelings and effects might have been folded in the distinctive and comprehensive

design of swastika. But at the core of it lies the spirit of auspiciousness and

well-being of every individual, every family, society, nation, and the whole

creation. It therefore continues to be of universal significance and reverence.

What is required is that we grasp its implications and adapt them in all walks

of life. Let the auspicious sentiments and teachings encoded in the swastika be

expressed in our aspirations, thoughts and deeds. Let swastika not only be

worshipped in our shrines, let it also be enshrined in our hearts and minds as

the spirit and light of saintly sentiments, knowledge and wisdom.

 

*Source : **www.awgp.org* <http://www.awgp.org/>

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Thank You

Have a Fulfilling Day

 

Venkat Koppaka