A swastika is a cross with four arms that are bent at a right angle, all four arms are the same length and sometime there will be a dot or charm in the negative space. It is a common symbol throughout India and world wide. The name swastika comes from the Sanskrit word svasti, which means good fortune, luck and well-being. It has a variety of religious meanings such as a charm to bring good fortune and can be seen in two different versions, the right-hand and the left-hand swastika.
The right-hand swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the god Vishnu and is also a symbol of the sun and of the sun god Surya. The rotation of the arms is a imitates the course the sun takes through the sky as it passes from east south and west in the Northern Hemisphere.
The left-hand swastika sometimes called a sauvastika, usually represents the terrifying goddess Kali, night and magic. However, this form of the swastika is not "evil" as it has become known for its connection to Hitler. The left-hand swastika is the form most commonly used in Buddhism. Hindu art often shows the swastika as an auspicious symbol very commonly used in architecture and decoration. It can be seen on everything from temples, houses, doorways, clothing, cars, and even cakes. It is also a major part of the decoration for festivals and special ceremonies such as weddings.
The Nazis adopted the swastika because their understanding was that it was an Aryan symbol indicating racial purity and superiority. The Nazis propagated a theory that the early Aryans of India were white invaders. There is also a connection with the swastika's magical connections, for Hitler and other Nazi leaders were keenly interested in the occult.
For such a simple symbol the swastika's history is far reaching and controversial. It has been tainted by fear and hatred but the true meaning of the swastika will aways be one of good fortune, luck and well-being.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Hindu Swastika
Posted by J_Mac at 11:07 PM 0 comments
Labels: Buddhism, charm, good fortune, Hindu, India, luck, religion, Sanskrit, Swastika, well-being
Monday, March 2, 2009
Mind over matter.
Mind over matter. This is true in all parts of life. Every religion talks about the importance of your thinking.
"What we think, we become" Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C
Before anything became a reality, it was a thought. By taking control of our thoughts, we can achieve our dreams. Do you have a business idea? Use the power of the subconscious mind. Visualize success.
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
As a christian, I base my thoughts on the Word of God, the Bible. The proverbs, for example, have many teachings about the power of wise thinking and how it can affect your life.
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
There is scientific evidence that subatomic particles can have different behavior depending on the observer. Subconscious beliefs create realities. Meditate on words of wisdom and they will become part of your reality. The more knowledge you have, the more power your thinking will have.
"Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." Whorf
Picture yourself in that new car or in that mansion of your dreams. Keep away from thoughts that will hinder success. If you are charitable it allows you to have an open mind about money without being attached to it. Attachment to money is a hindrance toward becoming wealthy. Fear of illness invites sickness. Faith is a phenomena created by what we think.
About the Author
Nahom Kidanemariam
http://eduhelper.tripod.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
Life Force, Reiki Healing for All Peoples
Author: Margaret Ann Jones
Reiki, denoting 'Divine Life Force' is a secure and preferable manner of coping with a variety of complications. I say preferable because unlike the alleged conventional treatments founded on pills and medical interventions, the Reiki healing comes with no adverse effects.
With Reiki there are no contradications whatsoever.
The intense relaxation you feel with this type of unconventional remedy is like a light moving across your body. Clearing away every sign of ill health that has been troubling you.
You will see the affects for yourself: Reiki can deal with the troubles in life that both the body and the mind encounter, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When Reiki treatment is applied you can see your stress and anxiety melt away. And when you apply it at home after a busy and tiring day, the pressure of your daily life eases, and you truly relax.
Reiki is able to lighten up both your body and spirit by means of constructive and positive thinking. Reiki therapy is undemanding: just by positioning your hands on or near yourself or a patient, the life force runs from (the one who is channelling Reiki) to the recipient. Simple!
Reiki could be said to have its origins in one of the many Asian religions. Reiki is not a religion.
The most common conception is that Reiki developed as a changed structure of Buddhism. Buddhism stands as one of the oldest beliefs in the world. Some correspondence exists between Buddhism and the Reiki unconventional remedy; The most decisive similarity with Reiki and Buddhism is the profound healing principle of both.
Nonetheless, the creators of Reiki were not Buddhist. They had learned about Buddhism, but they had also studied other beliefs, such as Christianity. What is more, while Buddhism is viewed as a religion (albeit one lacking a god) Reiki is a way of coping with your physical, mental and spiritual problems.
Reiki is a particular type of delicate energy transfer. In the process, the healing has effect when the therapist puts his or her hands on or above the body. In this way, a relationship takes place between the patient and an immeasurable spring of life energy.
This energy transfer runs through the Reiki practitioner - he/she is the channel, the energy path. The Reiki Healing force is very strong, yet is incredibly soothing and kind to all. You can lead it towards oneself and towards others with complete understanding and faith that it is doing nothing but good.
The healing light/vibration is drawn from the 'Universal Life-Force' and is therefore multi-level. Reiki will awaken your mind, body and spirit to a more relaxed lifestyle.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/life-force-reiki-healing-for-all-peoples-675422.html
About the Author:
Awaken your Mind, body and Spirit to a more meaningful lifestyle. More relaxation and less stress.
Margaret A Jones http://www.thesimplicityofreiki.com
Click on the link above to find out more Reiki Insights.
Margaret is a Reiki Master/Teacher, and has been using her Reiki for herself and others for many years. And of course the animals we all love.