The Significance of the Swastika

The Swastika signifies a ‘union of principles’- the infusion of spirit and matter which forms an essential aspect of Relativity, namely, energy and matter are one and inter-convertible.

The ancient Hindu seers depicted the original cosmic creative process with somewhay more sensitivity, poetic visualization and direct insight than does modern physics. Hindu seers saw subtle forces and proceeding energies crystallizing or condensing into gross matter.we have contrived the ‘Big Bang’ theory – a typically western aggressive concept – whereas the Hindu termed it ‘the churning of the milky ocean’. This ‘churning’ is represented geometrically in Tantric rituals as a four-armed cross within a circle. The cross is meant to be imagined as oscillating backwards and forwards. The circle represents the universe in its potential unmanifested state prior to creation, and is called in Hinduism ‘Bramhanda’. The Hindus believe also that the universe periodically dissolves and is then recreated. The period between dissolution and recreation is known as ‘Pralaya’ or time of rest or neutrality between creative periods. A period of creativity is called a ‘Manvantara’, and both periods (i.e. creation and dissolution) constitute a ‘Kalpa’ or a cycle of creation.

Swastika, a Sanskrit word, means literally ‘well-being’, which has many variables depending upon the application. The Swastika is representative of the life-force being set in motion to initiate the cyclic process of nature. Both images are thus closely inter-related. The Swastika as a magical symbol suggests an indicated direction (forward or reverse) by the angle at which the ‘arms’ point.

The left-angled Swastika symbolizes the centripetal force related to pull of gravity- the force which ties us to mental stagnation- decay and dissolution.

The right-angled Swastika symbolizes the centrifugal force which strives to release all things from the gravitational pull and propels us towards mental activity, growth and evolution.

The Swastika as a Vedic image finds expression in the magical ritual worship or ‘sacrifice’ known as Yagna. The purpose of the sacrifice is to ensure the fertility and well-being of the individual, his family and domestic animals and ultimately the whole community. It constitutes an offering to the Gods, or universal forces, to sustain them in their task of maintaining the world, directing its manifold generative activities and at the same time ensuring protection against the sometimes malevolent forces of the planets. The Swastika was evident on the seals of Mohenjo Daro in the Indus Valley, as well as it was found in Troy, in Mesopotemia, and is still used by the Navajo and Hopi Indians in the USA in their rituals and art work.