BBC Documentary: The Story of the Swastika

[Sumi]

We thank the 'Hindu Association of the USA' for sharing the below passage and the video with us.

"At last, the BBC has produced an excellent video explaining how Hitler hijacked the swastika--a symbol of auspiciousness used by ancient cultures worldwide and held sacred by Hindus--and distorted its meaning so that the Western world now regards it with fear and loathing, as a symbol of hatred and genocide. Footage of Nazi Germany is contrasted with the swastika's uses and significance in Hindu culture and religious observances. Although the narrator doubts we can ever effect a complete recovery (even saying that Hitler "changed the perception of the swastika in the West forever"), the video ends on a very positive note, hypothesizing the day when each child's early exposure to the swastika will be in terms of its traditional, benevolent uses and meanings--and the later knowledge of Hitler's misuse of it will be met with the same sense of sock, horror and outrage that Hindus themselves feel. "And if we can get to that point, then Hitler will have finally been defeated."

[kahanam]

Nice and informative video. Maha Periyava lived and taught "Maithri" to all devotees. The followers of sanaathana Dharma will bring back the auspicious nature of Swasthika. In fact, our artists and painters of Divinity still use Swasthika in their works. Housewives use Swasthika in Kolams. Swasthika can in fact be a Symbol of Universal Peace, Divinity and Love! Hara Hara Shankara,
Jaya Jaya Shankara!



Maha Periyava's "Maithreem Bhajatha" song with meaning!

मैत्रीं भजत अखिलहृज्जेत्रीम्

आत्मवदेव परानपि पश्यत

युद्धं त्यजत स्पर्धां त्यजत

त्यजत परेषु अक्रममाक्रमणम्

जननी पृथिवी कामदुघास्ते

जनको देवः सकलदयालुः

दाम्यत दत्त दयध्वं जनताः

श्रेयो भूयात् सकलजनानाम्।





Maithreem Bhajatha , Akhila Hrujjethreem,

Atmavadeva paraanapi pashyatha

Yuddham thyajatha , Spardhaam Tyajata ,


thyajatha Pareshu akramamaakramanam

Jananee Pruthivee Kaamadughaastey

JanakO Devah Sakala Dayaaluh

Daamyata Datta Dayadhvam Janathaah

Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam

Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam

Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam



With friendship please serve,

And conquer all the hearts,

Please think that others are like you,

Please forsake war for ever,

Please forsake competition for ever,

Please forsake force to get,

Some one else’s property,

For mother earth yields all our desires,

And God our father is most merciful,

Restrain, donate and be kind,

To all the people of this world.

Let all the people, live with bliss,

Let all the people live with bliss,

Let all the people live with bliss

[radha]

HARI OM !
SOURCE:http://www.vkmaheshwari.com/WP/?p=1141

The Swastika or Svastika has been called “the most sacred and mystic symbol in India.” The word “swastika” comes from the Sanskritsvastika – “su” meaning “good,” “asti” meaning “to be,” and “ka” as a suffix.

The true and literal meaning of the Sanskrit word “Svastika” is “All is well.” In one sense it is a symbol of auspiciousness and has been used in Hindu symbolism to represent the Sun or Vishnu or Ganesha. The four arms bent at right angles also refer to the continual motion and revolution of the invisible forces of the universe and of the Cycles of Time. The conjunction of the two lines symbolises the union of Spirit and Matter whilst the central point represents the fixed, unchanging, eternal centre…the Infinite Divine Principle Itself…the ONE Ultimate Reality that Hinduism refers to as Brahman or Parabrahman; the Supreme Self. Today the right-handed Swastika is mainly used in Hindu temples, homes and sacred ceremonies as a symbol or affirmation of good luck, health and prosperity. A “yes” to life!

The swastika is an ancient symbol present in numerous and diverse cultures around the world, including the cultures of India, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. In India, the swastika has thousands of years of history and still retains its place of pre-eminence among the sub-continent’s spiritual symbols. It remains one of the most prominent spiritual symbols in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and is found adorning temples and religious shrines throughout Asia.
OM,SVASTIKA,SRI CHAKRA are all symbols signifying Truth,Divinity, Peace , Prosperity and the Eternal Brahman !

HARA HARA SANKARA JAYA JAYA SANKARA