EBOOK
The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler's Cross
Rescuing a Symbol of Peace from the Forces of Hate
T. K. Nakagaki2.5
(2)
About
The swastika has been used for over three thousand years by billions of people in many cultures and religions-including Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism-as an auspicious symbol of the sun and good fortune. However, beginning with its hijacking and misappropriation by Nazi Germany, it has also been used, and continues to be used, as a symbol of hate in the Western World. Hitler's device is in fact a "hooked cross." Rev. Nakagaki's book explains how and why these symbols got confused, and offers a path to peace, understanding, and reconciliation. Please note: Photographs in the digital edition of the books are in color. Photographs in the print edition are in black and white.
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Reviews
"Too often conflicts and arguments start from simple misunderstandings. The Buddhist symbol of the swastika is an excellent example of this human miscommunication. What started as a positive and beautiful symbol by the Buddhists was perverted and twisted by the German Nazis. This seminal work by Rev Dr. T. K. Nakagaki finally clearly and beautifully clarifies this simple and unknown truth."
Rabbi Michael Schudrich, The Chief Rabbi of Poland
"The Nazi association with the symbol is so powerful in modern pop culture, it will be a long time before the swastika can be appreciated again as an expression of the positive, as it is in many ancient and Asian cultures still today. But Dr. Nakagaki's scholarly and moral accomplishment in this book is an important step in the right direction."
Robert Thurman, Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, Columbia Univers
"Reverend Toshikazu Kenjitsu Nakagaki has shown intellectual courage and integrity in selecting for his book the controversial symbol of the swastika, stigmatized in the West for its association with ideas of racism and hatred and revered in the East for ages as representing a sacred spirituality. He has done a commendable job in presenting his extensive study and research opening the door for the
Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2002-2007)