"Nazi Did Not Invent the Swastika!”
- Swastika has been used as a peaceful symbol for over 2,000 years in many parts of the world -
Hope that you had a good Fourth of July holiday.
During the holiday weekend, I attended the Summer Camp by
the Buddhist Association of the United States at Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel,
NY. The camp consists of teens, youth,
family and adults.
I gave teachings to four classes about traditional Buddhist
symbols and I focused on a swastika symbol which was sadly misused and defiled
by the Western society. The participants
were very enthusiastic to learn the Buddhist swastika. Young people have only learned the western
evil image of swastika at school, but never learn about sacred and good
swastika, and how it became evil from sacred symbol.
These young people see the swastika at the temple but only
explanation they have heard was that the Buddhist swastika is the opposite
direction from Nazi’s symbol. But in the
sutras, Buddhist scriptures, it says the swastika is right turn which is the
same as the Nazi’s or Hindu and Jain. Also the sutra says, either right or left
(front or back) have the same meaning of auspiciousness, greatness, and good
luck,.
I felt encouraged by their positive reactions from the
participants. Now, I have another public talk at 20-47 129th street, College Point, NY 11356, on
Sunday, July 30, at 4:30pm – 6:30pm. Please
join a discussion on my book “The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler’s Cross.”
Swastika appears on different occasions
(Lanterns with swastika on the Buddha's birthday celebration, NYC)
Buddhas Statue with golden swastika on the chest
(Chuang Yen Monastery, Carmel, NY)
Peace,
TK
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