The manji symbol, known as “manji”(Japanese swastika) in Japanese, has a long history and carries different meanings in various cultures. The manji is often found in religious contexts, particularly in Buddhism, where it The manji is often found in religious contexts, particularly in Buddhism, where it symbolizes eternal life or cyclicality.
It’s important to know that the manji is different from the swastika used by the Nazis during World War II. The Nazi Hakenkreuz is usually at a 45-degree angle and has a different historical and cultural background.
In Japan, the manji is used in maps to mark the location of Buddhist temples. It’s also seen in decorations and designs. Because of its sacred meaning in Buddhism and other Eastern religions, the manji is respected and holds a positive significance.
Long history and world-wide usage: Swastika - Wikipedia
- You would often see the symbol (swastika) in Buddhist temples. For example Sensoji Temple Red Lantern 🏮 in Asakusa, Tokyo.
- Additionally, Katsushika Hokusai, famous for his woodblock prints (Ukiyoe), used the pen name “Drawing-crazy elderly man swastika” as one of his Drawing-cragy elderly Swastika” as one of his aliases.
This page is auto-translated from /nishio/卍 using DeepL. If you looks something interesting but the auto-translated English is not good enough to understand it, feel free to let me know at @nishio_en. I’m very happy to spread my thought to non-Japanese readers.