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卍 Saving the Sacred Swastika 卐
mugzy
Veteran
NOTE: The poster of this thread does not in any way support hatred, racism, bigotry, or anti-semitism.
As many people may or may not know, the swastika has been used throughout history as a symbol of peace, love, life, and the divine. It has been used by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Native Americans, indigenous Europeans, and many different cultures. It has many forms and was often used in religious artwork. You can still find it adorning temples in Asia and other places around the world.
Of course, this all changed when Hitler appropriated this holy image to make the Hakenkreuz (hook-cross) the symbol of the Third Reich. Now it is synonymous with hatred and death.
Many years ago I discovered ManWoman, a Canadian artist who is literally covered in swastika tattoos. He is a beautiful, gentle human being. He feels it is his spiritual mission to restore the swastika to it's rightful place and to cleanse it of it's negativity.
Do you think it's possible to reclaim this sacred image? Should people begin to "take back the swastika" from hateful bigots by using it in a peaceful way, and if so, how? How can we return it to it's rightful place and save it from being tarnished by it's Nazi association?
Please check out the Save the Swastika page for more information.
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As many people may or may not know, the swastika has been used throughout history as a symbol of peace, love, life, and the divine. It has been used by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Native Americans, indigenous Europeans, and many different cultures. It has many forms and was often used in religious artwork. You can still find it adorning temples in Asia and other places around the world.
Of course, this all changed when Hitler appropriated this holy image to make the Hakenkreuz (hook-cross) the symbol of the Third Reich. Now it is synonymous with hatred and death.
Many years ago I discovered ManWoman, a Canadian artist who is literally covered in swastika tattoos. He is a beautiful, gentle human being. He feels it is his spiritual mission to restore the swastika to it's rightful place and to cleanse it of it's negativity.
Do you think it's possible to reclaim this sacred image? Should people begin to "take back the swastika" from hateful bigots by using it in a peaceful way, and if so, how? How can we return it to it's rightful place and save it from being tarnished by it's Nazi association?
Please check out the Save the Swastika page for more information.
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WDApuEnOCJs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></object>
0
Comments
This is because most of us do not see 'reality as it is'. When we see a swastika we don't see a shape, we see the meaning normally attributed to that shape.
It's like the word 'negro'. Good, bad or indifferent it has a negative connotation even though the actual dictionary definition is pretty neutral.
Perhaps a question would be why try to reclaim this symbol? Everything changes and we suffer when we cling to that which no longer is and want it to remain as it was.
To me wanting this symbol to be restored to a more noble meaning is clinging and we all know where that leads. Let it go, it is already gone.
No, I don't think it's possible, at least not in the West (e.g., it's been deemed a universal symbol of hate by the Anti-Defamation League). I think it'd be more skillful to just let it go at this point.
In every single case, another member (non-Buddhist) came back and remonstrating with the poster in question, explained on my behalf! So not everybody is still entrenched in the ideas and notions of yesteryear.
But motivation and reasoning is important.... and this is why I no longer have a swastika avatar. Because although, as you understandably mention, it was an ancient symbol of Peace, universal love and harmony, I knew my reason for 'flaunting' it, was ulterior....
A Symbol is a Symbol only the ignorant would assume because something appears a certain way that it will be used for the purpose they imagine.
why does a korean building have one whilst the indian shop has one as well? did they both think of the symbol at the same time? no. it was one cultures symbol which happened to spread. Why worry about what other people think? that will only bring your life to more suffering and complexities. Than again the motive of this topic does the same.
I did not get that impression at all. I have followed his work for years, and I think he genuinely believes it is his life's quest to "take back" the swastika.
I think the current meaning of the swastika in the west is profound. Its a reminder that pain and ignorance can lead otherwise normal people toward destructive behavior. I would just as soon like to see the symbol left alone to stand as a testament.
That's an interesting point. I just think it's sad that such a beautiful symbol which represented so many positive attributes was tainted by evil actions.
Ironically, the main lesson of sowilo is that enlightenment is not something is important of itself, much like the sun is not important to itself. Rather, it is the boundless energy that enlightenment radiates that is its chutzpa, because it fuels transformation and life.
So basically, runic-ally, they were calling for the purest and brightest forces to nourish their journey. In my opinion that was counterintuitive to their goals, because they were not, apparently, working for the good of humankind... meaning their symbol would rally their enemies even moreso than themselves. Silly Nazis.
BTW.... Waffen SS Spellchecks as Waffle SS.
I wondered if these were removed before they went home or if they would just try to explain to their families what it stood for in hinduism.
Couldn't help but think a lot of people in Israel still would not accept it.As someone said to me once,"millions died under that symbol".
I agree. And like others have said, the Nazi's use of the swastika is has pretty much been its only use in the West (aside from some obscure Norse mythological references.) We wouldn't be "reclaiming" anything. Trying to do so would probably inflame hatred and suffering, definitely violating the whole "right speech" concept. It's just not that important.
People who get all offended at the swastika are pathetic attention seekers IMO, which, as usual, is nearly everyone. These activists seriously need to have their sensibilities offended more often. Not having enough things to be truly offended about in their lives, they're keyed up to get upset over just about anything, even a bunch of symbols that ultimately carry whatever meaning we give them.
Honestly, the nerve of these pricks, to imagine that an uncritical, near maniacal opposition to the use of some retarded symbol is going to benefit those who were killed in any way. The way I see it, the incredible shallowness of these activists is an ongoing insult to their memory.
If I were truly compassionate, I'd go out of my way to find out what else is "offending" and parade the stuff in front of them. Not for my benefit, (why on earth would I want people to hate me for being a pro-Nazi attention seeker?) but for theirs. These people really need to wake up and stop letting the herd mentality do their thinking for them.
Just my humble opinion, grounded firmly in the Buddhist tradition.
funny story though... i remember i learned about the "buddhist swastika" when i was in japan. i was riding in a car with gps, and on the gps we kept passing buildings with swastikas over top of them and i remember nervously asking what all this was about, thinking they were some sort of nazi affiliated places... haha.
If this is your heartfelt quest then I wish you luck, I have to wonder if such a quest is really worth the effort though....
I'm intrigued by your response! I wonder what ManWoman thinks about it, perhaps I should email him the link to this thread and see if he responds.
It's very clear that the symbol has been tainted, whether that is ever going to be reversed or not, or more appropriately, if it even warrants the effort to reverse, is something I cannot answer, its completely subjective I feel. To me it doesnt matter. Things change. People change. Meanings change.
The work incorporating swastikas that Marc of swastika freakshop fame was truly amazing, often subtle and attractive. I'm not sure if ManWoman is sporting any of his work, non is shown in the video but for those interested in seeing the swastika incorporated into some modern art or tattoo context I'd recommend looking him up.
Let it go, indeed! It's irreparably broken.
symbols are used as a quick reference or definiton of the person or place it is on. the symbol describes very quickly what that person or place stands for.
the swastika is the official symbol of the nazi party. when people see this symbol they dont think about how it has ancient origins. they think about nazis. why?
because in the west at least, world war II was the single biggest event in the twentieth century. when we are children and learning history we learn about WWII and the nazi party. the swastika is right there along side hitler. we are told hitler was an evil man who murdered millions of people because he didnt like them. very quicklly our minds begin to equate the following: hitler was evil - hitler was a nazi - swastika represents nazis - swastika represents evil.
this is why white supremacist continue to use it as their symbol to this day.
it is not irrational or attention seeking to be offended by the swastika. it represents evil.
ok, so you say it doesnt it represents good and it was corrupted by the nazis. youre half right. it no longer represents good because it WAS corrupted. it used to represent good. it no longer does.
in marketing there is a saying. "perception is reality." its also used in politics. but theres truth there. im not talking about enlightened truth. im talking about how images resonate with the general populace.
i watched that video and even knowing before hand about the history i cannot remove that symbol from what it currently represents. evil.
You can see it however you want, you don't have to "reclaim" it... that's just forcing your opinion on others.
Why else?
Many Indians who live in Western countries use the symbol. As a decal on the car, or as a key chain or maybe as something to hang off the mirror of the car. Either way it's still used. Should they not be using it because they have become a part of the western country where it is taboo, or should people look at the context and implied meaning rather than the initial reaction?
If we all hide it, how can it ever be restored as a positive symbol.
I an reminded of the days when the neo-fascist racist groups in the UK took the Union Flag as their symbol. Eventually it was reclaimed by the people as a national symbol, but for a considerable time it had a very negative connotation.
Give it publicity, let the swastika breathe and become well known. If others misunderstand it, it is a problem in their own minds which we may help them overcome. That will never happen if the symbol is treated as an object of shame.
My Jewish friends, and their emotional Holocaust mantra of "never again," use the swastika as a reminder of the pure evil brought down on so many people (and certainly not just Jews).
I fear this is a cause that's perhaps not winnable.
Yes, I agree. It may take more time on some places than others, and some may never forget the association with the Nazis.
Ironically, I have a pendant with a six pointed star, relating to a Vajrayana Buddhist deity. More than one person has asked me if I'm a Jew. LOL
you should not display it publicly. if you live in the west then you know that when people see it they think of nazis. you are purposefully being controversial. you are throwing a very negative symbol in their face and attempting to force your ideas of what the symbol represents onto them. its never a good idea to force your ideas on someone.
I think the best thing to do with the swastica is to transform it.
I remember years a go, seeing some neo nazi graffiti of a swastica painted on a wall on the way to the art college I used to go to.
One day, while walking to college I took a big permanent marker with me, and I drew flowers on the end of each spike on the swastica.
This, in my eyes transformed it from something that stood for something very sinister into something of beauty and softness.
This is what the world needs. Not war but transformation...
:-)
People should always look at the context and try to understand beyond the superficial.
And besides, can Indian people even be Nazis?
Well, i imagine they can be national supremacists as much as people from any other nation. I mean, Indian nazism is as valid as any other non Germanic Aryan Race Supremacy. (not that I condone any form of race supremacy. I see all race supremacy as ignorant).
From what I know, the ww2 Nazi's were national socialists who believed in the superiority of the German Aryan race.
I guess this is no different to any other socialist race supremacist.
Not that I have anything against socialism.
Actually, I would have thought that race supremacy would come quiet natural to some Indians who perhaps prescribe to the Hindu Caste System based on birth. Is this not similar to Race Supremacy.
When I was in India, I tried to visit temples, but some of the locals did not approve based on my race and were very hostile.
Also, if you look at the roots of Rastafarian Religion, you will also find another form of Race Supremacy. In this case, Black Supremacy, with a mother land of Ethiopia. Not to be confused with the One Love creed that was later preached by Ras Tafari, who incidentally was not a rasta and did not reconize the people who created a religion on the basis that he was God.
Bob Marley was special among rasta's. He also didn't prescribe completely to the Black Superiority creed that many other Rastas of the time did. Lucky really, as he was half white. (father white).
Also, many other religions are very much like race supremacists in that they treat their followers as "the chosen" and everyone else as inferior/unclean/or the "devils" own
Look at Jewdaism - 12 Holy Tribes of Isreal.
The Many Strains of Christianity (not sure if Jesus would approve in their prejudice).
Jehovah Witnesses
and many others, espcially cults.
Most have a smug superiority complex going on.
The Us and Them factor (Insider/Outsider).
At least with Agnostics, their honest and not so arrogant.
One other interesting observation is that out of all the world religions, it is only the Hindu faith that do not preach equality. Christianity / Muslim / Buddhism all want to make things fair and equal. and give love equaly (ideally). *Nothing against Hindu's by the way, when I went to India, I found the people to be generally very kind hearted, honest and friendly.
It is only Hinduism that still has a caste system.
Anyway, I think that the Indians who use the swastica likely do so because of religious beliefs and not because they are National Sociatist Race Supremacists.
I guess the Buddha taught No Supremacy, based on wealth, race, sex etc. Ideally treat everyone equally. From the saint to the sinner.
They can't be Nazis in the sense that they support the Nazi party (thought I had one friend who did), but unwittingly supporting the same beliefs is quite common.
I was talking more about ignorant prejudices that people from the same group prescribe to. Ultimately, it is these prejudices that need to be transformed into acceptance of others. (although, it is harder in practice as loving thy enemy is no small achievement). I guess more Metta Meditation for all.