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The Power of the ‘Yin Yang’ Symbol in Feng Shui and What You Need to Know

What is the Yin Yang symbol and why is it so significant in Buddhism, both historically and today? Let's delve into the meaning of this ancient symbol in feng shui and explore the insights you need to know.

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9 August, 2024

The Buddhist swastika is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world today and is considered one of the 32 best characteristics of the Buddha. The swastika also appears on the Buddha’s chest. So, what is the meaning of the swastika in feng shui and what are the things to know about this special symbol? Please read the article below for more information.

1What is the Swastika?

According to the Wiki dictionary, the swastika (卍) is a type of cross with four right angles and four arms bent at 90 degrees in a clockwise direction. The term “swastika” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “well-being, peace, success, and prosperity.”

The swastika is one of the 32 best characteristics of the Buddha, located right in front of His chest. Other scriptures also indicate that this is the 80th characteristic of Lord Buddha and represents His infinite merit. It manifests on the Buddha’s chest, symbolizing complete enlightenment. This position symbolizes the Middle Way, not stuck on either side, transcending duality.

The swastika symbolizes good luck and represents the universe and the solar system, which is the source of infinite and eternal life. The image of the swastika is also present in temples and religious ceremonies.

Swastika on the Buddha’s chest

However, the swastika is also widely used as a symbol in Hinduism and Jainism. In Jainism, the swastika drawn on the hand reminds us of the four places of rebirth in the cycle of reincarnation: heaven, human world, flora and fauna, and hell. For the Hindus, this symbol placed on the first pages of books or during rituals represents heaven, the human world, flora and fauna, and hell, and is believed to offer protection from evil spirits.

There are two ways to write the swastika:

Write it as (卐) in a counterclockwise direction. This is also the natural direction of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun and its own axis. It can be translated as “auspicious sea cloud form,” which is considered as circumambulating the Buddha to show respect and admiration.

Write it as (卍) in a clockwise direction (the direction of generation in the Five Elements theory). This form is believed to bring out and offer good things, happiness, and blessings. It is called “auspicious,” “ten thousand characters,” or “virtue characters.” The auspicious power of this symbol is as deep as the ocean and as vast as the clouds.

2Meaning of the Buddhist Swastika in Feng Shui

The Buddhist swastika is revered by many followers of the Buddhist faith in various countries, who consider it a sacred symbol. In Vietnam, Buddhism is the predominant religion and is worshiped nationwide. Followers may use the swastika as an alternative to a Buddha statue to show their reverence. The swastika is also used as a decorative element in Buddhist architecture.

Meaning of the Swastika in Buddhism

The swastika is also used in Vietnamese decorative arts, such as wood and metal carvings, furniture, altars, and feng shui items.

3Where is the Swastika Symbol Commonly Found?

The swastika can be seen on the chest of Buddha statues, on book covers, and in Buddhist scriptures. It is also found on the hair, soles of the feet, or palms of the hands in images of the Buddha.

Images of the swastika can be found on large and small Buddha statues across Asia. One notable example is the giant bronze statue of Buddha on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, standing at over 35 meters tall and completed in 1993.

Buddha Statue on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

The swastika was also featured on postage stamps during World War II, evoking the bloody and brutal battles between Hitler and the Jews. As a symbol of good luck and well-being, it, unfortunately, also suffered negative associations due to its misuse during that time.

4Swastika Tattoo

Swastika Tattoo

The swastika – a single character that symbolizes numerous auspicious meanings and brings happiness and good fortune. You can get a swastika tattoo or display it in your home to attract luck and wish for peace and harmony.

Frequently asked questions

The Yin and Yang symbol is a fundamental concept in Feng Shui, representing the balance of opposing yet complementary forces. This ancient symbol embodies the belief that harmony exists in the interplay of light and dark, male and female, active and passive energies.

In Feng Shui, the Yin and Yang principle guides the arrangement of spaces to create a harmonious flow of energy, or ‘chi’. It involves balancing the Yin (dark, passive, feminine) and Yang (light, active, masculine) aspects within a home or office to promote positive energy and enhance the well-being of its occupants.

By incorporating the Yin and Yang symbol and its principles into Feng Shui practices, one can achieve a sense of balance and harmony in their living or working spaces. This balance is believed to bring good health, prosperity, and positive relationships. It also helps identify and address any imbalances in the environment, creating a more comfortable and nurturing space.

You can incorporate the Yin and Yang symbol in your space through various means. This includes using the symbol itself as decor, such as on wall art or ornaments, or by arranging furniture and decor to reflect the balance of Yin and Yang energies. For example, in a bedroom, you might create a Yin environment with soft lighting and comfortable textiles to promote rest, while in a home office, you could introduce Yang elements with bright lighting and vibrant colors to encourage activity and productivity.

A common misconception is that the Yin and Yang symbol represents ‘good vs. evil’ or opposing forces in conflict. Instead, it symbolizes the interconnectedness and balance of contrasting yet interdependent energies. Another misconception is that Feng Shui is solely about the placement of furniture; it also involves understanding the flow of energy and how it can be influenced by the arrangement of spaces and the incorporation of symbolic elements like the Yin and Yang symbol.