Reader Calene writes:

It was my understanding that the swastika, used for both Buddhism and Hitler's regime, represented each depending on the direction the swastika was rotating...being clockwise or counterclockwise. Is this true? I can never remember which direction meant what but thought it an interesting note.

Answer:

This is a common notion, but not really true. The Nazi swastika usually (but not always) faces one direction, but Asian and Indian swastikas face both ways.

The Buddhist Swastika is called a Manji, and has a different meaning depending on the direction it faces, which is probably where people got the idea that one direction is "Buddhist" and one "Nazi." Right facing, it symbolizes strength and intelligence; facing left, love and mercy.

The Nazi Swastika is actually tilted at a 45 degree angle, which is the best way to differentiate between it and Buddhist or Hindu swastikas.

If you'd like to read more about Manji, there is a definition here:

Manji

More about the Swastika

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