Every time I draw a Swastika, I no longer see it as merely a sacred symbol. I see it as a complete philosophy of life.
The word Swastika originates from the Sanskrit word "Swasti," which means "May all be well" or "May everything happen for the highest good."
Isn't that, in itself, the prayer every human heart carries?
A life filled with goodness, peace, and meaningful purpose.
The journey of the Swastika begins with a single central dot. To me, this dot represents the Self—the soul that resides within every one of us. Everything begins from within. Before we change the world around us, we must first understand the world inside us.
From this centre emerge four lines, extending in the four directions. These lines are drawn from outside towards the central dot. They remind us of the four great purposes of human life—the Purusharthas:
Dharma – living with righteousness and integrity.
Artha – earning wealth honestly and using it responsibly.
Kama – fulfilling life's desires with wisdom, balance, and values.
Moksha – the ultimate liberation of the soul.
These four paths teach us that life is not meant to focus on only one aspect. A meaningful life is one where duty, prosperity, aspirations, and spiritual growth coexist in harmony. The symbolic way of writing it towards the central dot represents that all these 4 aspects collectively make you the one who you are supposed to be.
The journey, however, does not end there. Another set of four lines is drawn, representing the path of liberation.
They remind us of the four stages of spiritual closeness to the Divine.
Salokya — living in the Divine's world.
Samipya — living close to the Divine.
Sarupya — gradually reflecting the qualities of the Divine.
Sayujya — finally becoming one with the Divine.
What a beautiful progression! It reminds us that spirituality is not a destination reached overnight. It is a journey of becoming more compassionate, more truthful, more humble, and more loving every single day.
At the end of these lines come another four expressions of our inner life represented in the form of small arcs at the end.
The Mind, which thinks.
The Intellect, which discriminates between right and wrong.
The Ego, which constantly reminds us of our individuality.
The Senses, through which we experience the world.
These are powerful gifts. If left uncontrolled, they can dominate our life. If disciplined with wisdom, they become our greatest companions on the path of growth.
Finally come the four sacred dots. Small in appearance... Yet immense in meaning.
They represent:
Devotion.
Faith.
Love.
Dedication.
Perhaps these are the qualities that complete not only the Swastika, but also a human life.
Knowledge without faith becomes pride. Action without love becomes mechanical. Success without devotion becomes empty. Growth without dedication never reaches its highest potential.
The Swastika quietly teaches us that life begins from within, grows through righteous living, progresses towards liberation, is guided by an awakened consciousness, and is completed only through love, faith, devotion, and dedication. Perhaps that is why our ancestors placed the Swastika at the entrance of homes, temples, and every auspicious beginning. Not merely as a symbol of good luck...
But as a gentle reminder that every new beginning should be rooted in goodness, guided by wisdom, and dedicated to the welfare of all.
For when our thoughts become Swasti—filled with goodness—our words become kinder, our actions become nobler, and our life itself becomes a blessing to the world.
The Swastika is not merely a symbol to be drawn. It is a way of thinking, a way of living, and a way of becoming.
— By Mrs. Deepalaxmi Bhat
Rays of Light | Reflections that Awaken the Soul 🌸
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