What does the Swastika means now ?

The other day I learnt that Germany has put a ban on the use of the swastika symbol because it represents Nazism … Hitler has turned swastika into hatred !!

This equatorial cross with its arms bent at right angles, all in clockwise direction, is the symbol of eternity & continuity of life and since time immemorial has been the auspicious symbol of the Hindus. swastika has symbolic meaning for the Jains and Buddhists as well.

Some authorities have interpreted swastika as the symbol of good luck in the old Mesopotamian culture and symbol of deity during the old iron age. Another interpretation of the symbol attaches it with power, strength & symbol of sun … and I guess that is what made Adolf Hitler pick it up for the Nazi flag !!

In Mein Kampf , Hitler described the Nazis' new flag: "In red we see the social idea of the movement, in white the nationalistic idea, in the swastika the mission of the struggle for the victory of the Aryan man, and, by the same token, the victory of the idea of creative work, which as such always has been and always will be anti-Semitic."

For decades, the swastika meant life and good luck. But because of the Nazis, it has also taken on a meaning of death and hate. Can there be two completely different meanings for a symbol?

Rendezvous with the Rambler

The word ‘Rambler’ means a person who loves leisure aimless walks or as described in American English ‘a Backpacker’. Rambling is a common summer pastime amongst the working class of Britain.

The lovely picturesque countryside of UK with its amazing terrain & contours attracts a lot of people like me for those long leisure walks after a strenuous hard-working day in front of the computer! Apart from being a wonderful cardiovascular workout rambling allows to increase one’s social circle.

Rambling can be pursued over the weekend as well as on the weekdays, after regular working hours. The sun set in UK summers is sometimes as late as 2200 hrs, giving plenty of time to unwind and explore the various natural habitats. The breezy country side evenings together with wide green pastures adds to the ideal environment for the ramblers.

Now a days, large number of rambler groups have been started by various private and public organizations which aids many a beginners to be associated with a club or a group. Many teenagers also have taken liking towards rambling as a result you find rambling club meets of almost all age groups.

A rambling activity is usually associated with trekking along with photography giving equal opportunity to both seasoned as well as an amateur. The traditional walk always ends with a good sumptuous meal at one of the authentic English country side pub – a reward for the sweating 5-6 hours of those abs-crunching fun and fervor.

The Final Inspection

One of the most beautiful poems I have come across ....

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."