Swastika - A Symbol of Auspicious Knowledge -1

Om Swasti N~indro Vradhashravaha, Swasti Naha Pusha Vishvavedaha |

Swasti Nastakshryo~aristanemihi, Swasti No Brihaspatirdadhatu ||
This sacred hymn of the Yajur-veda is a swastivachana - a prayer, an ardent aspiration,
for the highest good and well-being of all beings, of everything, of the whole universe.
Heart-felt chanting of this hymn is an integral part of initiating every religious sacrament
or important familial ceremony in the vedic cultural rituals. It conveys the core meaning
hidden in the vedic symbol of swastika. The term swastika emanates from the Sanskrit
word swasti = su (good) + asti (being).
As a symbol, swastika is a line-design invented by the vedic sages. Its specific geometry
is believed to have some relation with certain natural energy fields. It is drawn as a cross
with equal arms when all the arms are continued as far again at right angles clockwise.
The sublime effects, in terms of the cosmic energy currents superimposed in the unique
pattern of swastika, correspond to what the swastika symbolizes -- auspiciousness, wellbeing. The clockwise (dakshinavarta) direction is of significant importance, as it also
happens to be the direction of movement (as we see it on the earth) of the sun, which
rises in the east and sets in the west. The four sides of the swastika thus represent the
four principal directions.
The symbol of swastika is being used as a holy sign in India since the time of yore.
Scriptural descriptions define it as a divine symbol that encompasses (in coded form)
several important meanings and mysterious formulae or signs representing specific
energy cycles in the universe. The "Halayudh Kosha" regards it as prominent among the
twenty-four symbols of significance in the Indian Culture and states -- Chaturvinshanti
Chinhantargata Chinha Vishesha. The same scripture also refers to it as chatushpatha four paths emerging symmetrically in four directions from a common origin. The seedsyllable (sounding like "gam" in the Vedic script) of the Ganapati Mantra resembles the
swastika. This seed syllable together with the four segments (chatushtaya) of
the mantra seems to be encapsulated in the swastika symbol.
In some scriptures, four divine powers governing the physical system of Nature are said
to be subtly present around its four sides: Vradhdashrava Indra in the east, Brahaspati
Indra in the south, Pusha-Vishwaveda Indra in the west and Arishtanemi Indra in the
north. Scholars of vedic literature also interpret the swastika symbol as the coded design
of the electromagnetic / magnetic energy fields around the solar systems nucleus.
Valmikiya Ramayana cites the appearance of swastika symbol as that of the bluish linedesign seen on the crest of the cobra - king of snakes. This simile indicates a deeper
meaning - conveying the importance of swastika in tantra as well. The matrikas - special
sounds or packets of eternal sonic energy (Nada) indwelling the cosmos that were
realized by the rishis in a state of trance - are of fundamental importance in the science of
tantra and mantra. The signs (notations) representing the matrikas are said to be the
origin of the syllables of the Vedic Sanskrit script and hence of all the (ancient) languages.
Acharya Abhinav Gupt explains this in the "Tantraloka" as

Swastika - A Symbol of Auspicious Knowledge -2

Prathakprathaktattriyam Sukshmamityabhishabdyate |
Sanjam Karomi Madhuram Vadayami Bruve Vacha ||
The matrikas and (hence) the vowels and consonants were generated from the
manifestation of the omnipresent, eternal sound (Nadabrahm). The different forms of
voice - namely the pashyanti (voice of the inner self) madhyama (mental voice or the
voice that one hears while thinking) and baikhari (usual voice used in speech) - also
originated from the same Nada; each of them was further divided into the perceivable and
subtle forms. Thus the six-fold manifestation of the Nadabrahm came into existence. The
six line-segments of the swastika symbolize this occult knowledge. In this
context, swastika is further regarded as a sign depicting the secret facets of the origin of
Nature.
The vocal sound (baikhari vani), as we perceive it, consists of both -- the vowels and the
consonants. Of this, the vowels are fundamental; they exist as natural expressions of
sound, namely the swaras; the consonants cant be perceived without the suffix of
swaras. There are six basic swaras of musical notes. These are like the six major
components of the spectrum of light that is referred in the scriptures as "Yadevatatmakam suryarashmiktwam", and the ensemble of these six suryarashmi
(sunrays) is called "swastika".
Apart from the scriptural descriptions, the archeological findings, especially inscriptions in
the ancient caves indicate the popularity of swastika design in ancient times. The
paintings and stone carvings found at Singhanpur area in Raigardh, Baniya Beri in
Pachmari and several caves in the Chambal and Sagar-Bhopal regions are among the
authentic proofs available today in this regard in India. Many of the designs depict both
the dakshiavarta (clockwise) and the vamavarta (counterclockwise) swastikas. Both the
types are found engraved on the coins of the Age of Indus-civilization as well. However,
only the clockwise swastika, which we have referred so far, is found in the pictures or
inscriptions showing signs of religious rituals; it is indeed this type - the
(vedic) swastika that is used and worshipped in the Hindu religious sacraments.
The counterclockwise swastika is supposed to be used in some tantrika practices;
incidentally, the swastika symbol adopted by the Nazis is also of counterclockwise type.
As per renowned scholars like Prof. Maxmuller, this anti-clockwise design of swastika was
also favored in some orthodox Christian churches and was popular several hundred years
ago in England, and then in some varied forms in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. For
example, the related symbol in Sweden had the arms of the
counterclockwise swastika design expanded and connected to each other along a circular
contour; which appears like a cross embedded in a circle. It should be noted that in this
article the main focus of our discussion is only the vedic symbol (the clockwise swastika).

Another scholar Mrs. Murray remarks in the volume entitled "Symbolism of the East and
West" that the vedic symbols encompass deep and important meanings. It is mostly these
symbols, which were propagated in different parts of the globe; some changes and
diversions occurred and got adopted with the flow of time. These variations are reflected
in several symbols used in different religions of the world. Swastika is a vedic symbol
which has acquired a rich global tradition and significance.
According to Indian Philosophy, the four arms of swastika symbolize the four Vedas, four
Varnas, four Ashrams, four Lokas and the four deities - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh (Shiva)
and Ganesha. Eminent vedic scholar Pt. Ramchandra Shastri further cites that the design
ofswastika resembles a four-petalled lotus (chaturdala kamal) which symbolizes the abode
of Lord Ganapati and is therefore worshiped in religious ceremonies and also enshrined at
the places of worship. Several savants also regard swastika as the symbol of the Kaustubh
Mani present on the chest of the embodied-manifestations of God Vishnu.

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
refersswastika 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 theswastika 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.

Atomic theory is an ancient science. The earliest record of it can be found in Vedic texts from india which are
many thousands of years old.
Legend has it that the Vedic civilisation was highly advanced. The sages that oversaw its development,
through their mystic insight and deep meditation, discovered the ancient symbols of spirituality: Aumkara
and Swastika. They also discovered many scientific principles that they applied to develop a highly advanced
technology. They gave the atom its sanskrit name "Anu".
While the technical achievements of this ancient civilisation have been forgotten the archetypal symbols of
spirituality have maintained their eminence in our consciousness. Now, thanks to advances in modern
atomic theory, the atomic basis of these divine symbols can be appreciated.
Western theories of the atom took shape in the 18th and 19th century. At the beginning of the 19th century,
John Dalton theorised that an atom was an indivisible particle of an element. However, after the electron
was discovered in 1897, and then the proton several years later, the atom model was revised. In 1909,
Ernest Rutherford showed that atoms were mostly empty space, revising the model of an atom to a tight
positive nucleus containing the protons and neutrons with electrons around it; by 1913, Danish physicist
Neils Bohr envisioned a planetary arrangement in which the electrons orbited the nucleus at different energy
levels.
The current way of describing an electron is a model called the charge cloud model/quantum mechanical
model/orbital model. This model based on the idea of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, which states that
we do not know the precise location or the velocity of any given electron. The model uses indistinct and
overlapping "probability clouds" to approximate the position of an electron.
Where a cloud is dense, the probability of finding an electron in that vicinity is low. In this model, each
electron energy level is denoted by numbers that take concentric shells as suggested by the Bohr model
because there are overlaps in the ordering of the energy levels.
In the case of the carbon atom the electrons occupy four tear drop shaped clouds in a tetrahedron-like
arrangement. These clouds represent the areas in which the electrons spend most of their time. They move
so rapidly in this zone that they form a cloud rather than a specific flight path
Recently a number of researchers have suggested that within these clouds exist specific zones that the
electrons favour. These zones form a spiral around the surface of each of the tear drop shaped clouds.
This new development came into the attention of a great Indian saint and mystic. Disciples were encouraged
to develop the principle as it related to the carbon atom.In deep meditation one of those disciples, who was
a chemist,spontaneously realised the true significance of this theory:
The electron's high probability zone formed spiral standing waves around the carbon atom's nucleus. When
this configuration was viewed from certain angles the physicist was surprised to find that the spirals formed
recognisable symbols.

In the first view a 3dimensional Aumkara could be seen. From a different angle that Aumkara became a
flat, 2-dimensional Swastika. The Swastika, he concluded, was actually 2-D representation of the 3-D
aumkara.
Rotating the model to another angle shows those symbols change into the Greek Alpha and Omega. At a
cosmic level the symbols of Eastern spirituality (Aumkara and Swastika) are literally and only different
aspects of the same spiritual truth that is also represented by the symbols of Western spirituality (Alpha and
Omega).
All people, objects and even energy itself are expressions of the same divinity that so many religions,
cultures and philosophies have tried to claim exclusively as their own.
The Carbon atom, by containing within it these universal symbols, demonstrates that matter is a
manifestation of the same Divine consciousness experienced by the saints and sages of all history. Matter is
innately spiritual.
The Universe does not exist separately from the Universal Consciousness; it is a direct expression of it.
Living matter, which is carbon based, must have a unique role in this expression. A saint is one who lives in
eternal experience of this all pervading divine purpose.
All people, objects and even energy itself are expressions of the same divinity
The alpha and omega are traditionally ascribed to Christ. In india the Deity called Ganesha presides over
the Swastika and Aumkara.
There are some remarkable similarities between the two:
Both deities demonstrate the value of childlike innocence; Ganesha is himself an eternal child famous for his
simple wisdom ;while Christ, son of god, often exhorted his disciples to "be as little children";
They both are divine children; both conceived immaculately;, both divine sons of a holy trinity (Christ is the
son of Yahweh and The Holy Spirit/Mary and Ganesha son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati).
Are Ganesha and Christ the one and the same deity?
Each, like their symbols that exist as different aspects of the carbon atom, represent different aspects of the
archetypal cosmic child.
Thus the distinction between Eastern and Western spirituality, like any division based on race,culture or
belief, is no more than ignorance of the true spiritual nature of the universe and all that exists within it.

Swastika or Swastik Symbol - Insight about the

meaning
I got this insight about meaning of Swastik or Swastika symbol when I sat for meditation. This is
quite unusual because I normally don't focus much on symbols, rituals etc. Before explaining the
meaning, here is some background about Swastik/Swastika for those who are not fully aware of it.

Swastika or Swastik Symbol

Swastika is a symbol (shown in the first image) dating back to thousands of years used in eastern
religions like Hinduism. Swastik or Swastika is a Sanskrit word, meaning goodness and wellness.
This is considered as a symbol for well being and is used for auspicious occasions.
Unfortunately it's meaning got misled later when during last century, Nazis used a similar symbol for
their party. (Our Saints did not believe in patenting the symbol :-)). Later on Germany banned it for
political party use.
Now coming to the interpretation I got, I will use the second diagram below to explain the point.

Swastika Symbol - meaning interpretation

It all started with a thought about the purpose of meditation. One of the ways of explaining the
purpose of meditation is spiritual progress, by taking energy inside and upwards. Now consider the
above diagram, the energy is at point 6, we take the energy inwards to 7, raise to 8, further rise to 9
and take it inwards further to 10 in order to get a higher understanding. Once we get the higher
understanding, and we are in the inward plane (axis 5, 4, 10), we use the lower end of the energy
from 5 to 4, bring it outwards (4, 3 , 2) and use it in the external world with a higher consciousness
(point 1).
In summary, Swastika / Swastik symbol represents rising of spiritual consciousness and then
using it for external use.

Interestingly after getting this insight, I was searching for the traditional meanings and I read that one
interpretation is - a forward Swastika represents involution and reverse evolution of the universe.
See the diagram below.

I did not know this interpretation earlier but I find that this is also inline with my present insight or
understanding. Pravritti in Sanskrit means a characteristic external trait or outward action, this is
required for any being in order to live and progress in the external universe. On the other hand,
Nivritti means going inwards, renunciation - this is required for the soul progress.

Back to Issue 11

OBJECT..................ENERGY LEVEL

4.

1.

A Healthy Human Being 6,500 bovis

2.

Ringing of Church Bells 11,000 bovis

3.

Tibetan Prayer Wheel 14,000 bovis

Call from an East facing Mosque 12,000 bovis

5.

The Hindu Swastik 1,000,000 bovis

6.
7.

An inverted Swastik -1,000,000 bovis

Fire of any form/size Infinite positive energy

Certain objects have the ability to emit positive or

negative spiritual energy, depending on their nature. The 'Lecher' and 'Lobe' antennae are simple scientific
devices, which can be used to measure subtle amounts of energy emitted from living organisms and inanimate
objects. Experiments using these antennae, connected to a 'Biometer', measuring energy in 'Bovine' units, were
conducted to find the energy generated by certain religious objects and symbols of good luck.

The findings are shown above.