Good Swastika Bad Swastika An Example of the Importance of Spatial Directions

The swastika is a graphic figure that has been both revered and reviled in the world. Revered as a holy symbol in India and other cultures in the East. Reviled as a symbol associated with cultural elitism, genocide, warfare, and plunder in the West.

However, there are four main swastikas. The arms can turn right or left. The orientation can be to the cardinal directions (the sides being north-south-east-west); or can be to the intermediate directions (the sides being northeast-southwest-southeast-northwest).

The directions in the Vedic tradition have specific qualities that represent the eight primary functions in life. Using these qualities, it is possible to obtain a detailed symbolic value for each of the four versions of the swastika. One swastika represents the Vedic ideal, fulfilling all aspects of life in progress and fulfillment. One seems to represent capitalistic society. A third exhibits the values of nomadic groups. The fourth has the qualities that were seen in the Nazi regime in Germany, where it was its ever-present insignia.

Readers can judge for themselves the validity of the logic and the conclusions presented. At the very least, the book gives an opportunity to think on the ways life can be organized and lived.