Question About Deleted Posts?

[xj220c]

It would be usual for the arms to be facing in the opposite direction to a swastika, but not always. However, the symbol would not be displayed leaning to the right, as the swastika is.

Well, here I have to disagree. The manji is frequently displayed in the opposite orientation to what you would normally see a Nazi symbol in. However, the manji isn't actually "sided". The whole point is that it's a symbol of balance. There's no "front" or "back" to it. It's more frequently seen in the "left handed" orientation in Buddhist contexts, but that's really a matter of tradition and has no significance to the object itself. I've looked through my pictures of India and all of the Jain and Hindu sculptures have it going to the right. I've been all over the east and have seen it used both ways.

Think of it like you would the American or Australian flag. Is the field of stars/cross in the upper left hand corner or the upper right? Depends on which way the wind's blowing in relation to where you're standing, doesn't it? You wouldn't say that it's not the American or Australian flag just because you're looking at it from one side or the other. Same goes for the manji. There's no front or back.

If you Google images for it you'll find plenty of examples of it being used both ways. I guess that, thinking about it, I have been seeing it used more in the "left handed" orientation on modern buildings. Maybe there's more awareness of it's offensive connotations to westerners and an attempt to soften it a little by using it in that orientation.

It is not true to say that

Most traditional Buddhist texts also have a manji as the very first character.

I think you would see it more in Theravada traditions. They seem to love stamping everything with some sort of symbol. Don't follow Zen much so can't comment there.

This may be a cultural thing, though. I've got lots of Buddhist literature from several different traditions that I bought in the east. Most of them have a manji or some similar symbol at the front of the book. Looking through the books I've bought in the west I can't find one of them that uses it. So I guess you're right when it comes to texts bought here. I suppose that, as with most things, the answer is "it depends".

Cheers, XJ.

[mars]

Hi xj220c

There is no point in me discussing this further. Your knowledge of Buddhism is obviously very limited and very flawed.

I stand by my original post, and will not waste more time on your further misinformation.

cheers

Mars

[xj220c]

There is no point in me discussing this further. Your knowledge of Buddhism is obviously very limited and very flawed.

LOL!

One thing I know is that a Buddhist would never say such a thing - no matter which tradition they followed!

So much for open and reasonable discussion. Like I said, just do a Google image search for "swastika temple". You'll find plenty of examples where the manji is used in both right- and left-handed orientations. There's no front or back. You don't have to believe me. People can go and verify it for themselves (which IS, by the way, part of the Buddhist tradition).

Cheers,
XJ.

Edit: Just to save people some time searching, here's an interesting chart showing various incarnations of the manji/swastika as used in multiple cultural traditions:

[DoriC]

Thanks xj, we never know where a simple question will lead us but it's certainly enlightening. That's why I love this forum. I keep staring at the Hindu symbol of what looks like the Star of David with a swastika in the center.

[Kenton]

Can't I just be a nazi?

Christ.