Educate
Clear, sourced explanations of the Swastika's sacred role in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions — and how the Nazi Hakenkreuz differs in origin, meaning, and intent.
A permanent civil-rights, education & accountability toolkit
The Swastika Project
Reclaiming Sacred Meaning. Correcting Historical Confusion. Protecting Hindu Religious Freedom.
Document
A careful, sourced archive of how public institutions and media use — and misuse — the word "swastika," with exact quotations and verified context.
Respond
Practical, editable letter templates and guidance for respectfully correcting misrepresentation in media, schools, policy, and public life.
The foundation of this work
What everyone should know
A sacred symbol for millennia
The Swastika — from the Sanskrit su (good) and asti (to be) — has been a sacred symbol of auspiciousness, wellbeing, and the divine in Hindu tradition for thousands of years. It is drawn at weddings, festivals, temple openings, and on account books; it marks sacred spaces and invitations. Jain and Buddhist traditions also hold the symbol as holy, associated with peace and the Buddha's footsteps.
Nazi appropriation
In the early twentieth century, Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party adopted a rotated, hooked cross — the Hakenkreuz — as its emblem. That symbol was imposed on Europe through a regime responsible for the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews and millions of others. We honor the memory of the victims and survivors, and we take seriously the pain the Nazi emblem rightly evokes.
Two different symbols, one confused word
English-language writing has long used the word "swastika" for the Nazi emblem, and that historical usage is real. But the Nazi Hakenkreuz and the sacred Swastika differ in origin, meaning, orientation, presentation, and intent. Orientation alone does not tell them apart — context, history, and purpose do. When media, schools, or laws call every swastika a "Nazi swastika," they erase a living sacred tradition and can stigmatize the communities who hold it holy.
Why precision matters
Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist families display the Swastika in homes, temples, and ceremonies as an act of faith. Imprecise language has real consequences: children told their sacred symbol is a hate symbol, worshippers harassed for religious practice, and legislation drafted without distinguishing sacred use from hate. Careful words protect both the memory of the Holocaust's victims and the religious freedom of millions of peaceful worshippers.
Nazi symbols must never be used decoratively, and nothing on this page minimizes the Holocaust or the suffering caused by Nazi ideology. Our concern is precision: sacred use deserves protection, hateful use deserves confrontation, and confusing the two harms both goals.
Educational library
In-depth articles
In-depth educational articles are in preparation and will appear here after Foundation review.
Public accountability
Who called it a “Nazi swastika”?
This archive documents how media, institutions, officials, and organizations use the word “swastika” — with exact quotations, sources, dates, and verified context. Inclusion is documentation, not an accusation: historical English usage of the word for the Nazi emblem is real, and not every use reflects an intent to harm Hindus. Where the Foundation offers analysis, it is labeled separately from the facts.
The terminology archive is being built. Entries appear here only after Foundation researchers verify the exact quotation, source, and context.
Response toolkit
Editable letter templates
These free templates help you respectfully ask journalists, educators, officials, and organizations for precise language. Fill in the [bracketed] placeholders with your own details and send them as yourself — the templates never speak for the Foundation, and the Foundation does not sign or send them for you. Downloads are free after a short registration; your document is available immediately.
Media Correction Request
For contacting newspapers, television stations, journalists and digital publications about inaccurate or insufficiently contextualized descriptions of the sacred Swastika.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title, e.g. Editor / Standards Editor] [Publication or Outlet Name] [Outlet Address] Re: Request for correction and context — “[Headline or program name]” ([publication/air date]) Dear [Recipient Name], I am writing respectfully about your [article/report/segment] titled “[Headline],” published on [date], which describes a swastika as [quote or summarize the wording at issue, e.g. “a Nazi hate symbol” without further context]. I appreciate your coverage of [topic], and I am not writing to dispute your reporting on [the incident/event]. I am asking for precision about a word that carries deep religious meaning for nearly two billion people. The Swastika — from the Sanskrit su (good) and asti (to be) — has been a sacred symbol of auspiciousness and wellbeing in Hindu tradition for thousands of years, and it is also holy in Jain and Buddhist traditions. Hindu families draw it at weddings, festivals, and temple openings, and display it in homes and places of worship as an act of faith. The Nazi regime adopted a rotated, hooked cross — known in German as the Hakenkreuz — as its emblem, and that symbol is rightly condemned as a symbol of hatred, antisemitism, and the Holocaust. English-language writing has long used the word “swastika” for the Nazi emblem, and that historical usage is real. But when coverage refers to every swastika as a “Nazi swastika” without distinction, it erases a living sacred tradition and can stigmatize the communities who hold it holy. I respectfully ask that your outlet: 1. Distinguish the Nazi Hakenkreuz from the sacred Swastika when the context involves Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist use; 2. Add brief context where the symbol appears in religious settings, noting its sacred meaning; and 3. Consider this distinction in your style guidance for future coverage. I would be glad to provide references or connect your newsroom with Hindu community educators. Thank you for your attention to accuracy and for the important work your outlet does. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your City and State] [Optional: Your role, e.g. parent, community member, student]
School and Textbook Correction Request
For parents and students requesting accurate explanations of Hindu religious symbolism in school lessons, textbooks and educational materials.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title, e.g. Principal / Curriculum Director / Teacher] [School or District Name] [Address] Re: Request for accurate teaching about the sacred Swastika — [class, textbook, or lesson] Dear [Recipient Name], I am the [parent/guardian of a student in [class/grade] / student in [class]] at [school name]. I am writing about [the lesson/textbook/chapter] used in [class name], which presents the swastika [describe: e.g. “only as a symbol of Nazi hatred”]. I want to begin by saying that teaching about the Holocaust and the horrors of Nazi ideology is essential, and I fully support that instruction. My concern is that the material, as presented, describes the swastika solely as a hate symbol, without explaining that it is a sacred religious symbol for Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist communities. For Hindu families like mine, the Swastika is a thousands-of-years-old symbol of auspiciousness, peace, and wellbeing. We draw it at weddings and festivals, mark it on sacred books, and display it in our homes and temples. When children learn only that it is a symbol of hate, Hindu students can feel ashamed of their faith, and classmates may come to view a sacred symbol of their friends’ religion as something evil. The Nazi emblem — the Hakenkreuz, or hooked cross — was an appropriation of an ancient symbol, rotated and redefined by a regime responsible for the Holocaust. Historical English usage has often called it a “swastika,” and that usage is real; but accurate teaching should explain both the sacred symbol and its Nazi appropriation, so students understand the difference in origin, meaning, and intent. I respectfully ask the school to: 1. Review the [lesson/textbook] language and add accurate context about the symbol’s sacred meaning; 2. Ensure teachers present the distinction between the sacred Swastika and the Nazi Hakenkreuz; and 3. Let me know how the school approaches religious literacy on this topic, so I can support that effort. I would be happy to meet, share educational references, or connect the school with Hindu community educators. Thank you for your commitment to accurate, inclusive education. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your relationship to the school] [Contact information]
University Religious Accommodation and Educational Clarification
For university students and campus organizations seeking accurate educational treatment or accommodation involving the sacred Swastika.
[Your Name] [Student ID, if applicable] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title, e.g. Dean of Students / Professor / Housing Director] [University Name and Department] [Address] Re: Request for religious accommodation and educational clarification regarding the sacred Swastika Dear [Recipient Name], I am a [student / member of [student organization]] at [university name]. I am writing about [describe the situation: e.g. a course lecture, a campus policy, a housing or display issue, an incident response] involving the swastika. The Swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, as well as in Jainism and Buddhism. For thousands of years it has represented auspiciousness, wellbeing, and the divine. Hindu students display it in worship, during festivals such as Diwali, and in religious observance. At the same time, the Nazi Hakenkreuz — a rotated, hooked cross adopted by Adolf Hitler’s regime — is a symbol of hatred and of the Holocaust, and its hateful display deserves clear condemnation. Historical English usage has often applied the word “swastika” to the Nazi emblem, and that usage is real. The difficulty arises when university policies, lectures, or incident responses treat every swastika as a hate symbol without distinguishing sacred religious use. [Describe your specific situation in two to four sentences: what happened, when, and how it affected you or your organization.] I respectfully request that the university: 1. [Your specific request, e.g. review the policy language / correct the course material / reconsider the decision regarding the religious display]; 2. Distinguish sacred religious use from hateful use in relevant policies and training; and 3. Meet with me [and representatives of [student organization]] to discuss an accurate, respectful approach. I value the university’s commitment to both combating hatred and protecting religious freedom, and I believe these goals are fully compatible. I would welcome the opportunity to provide educational resources or connect you with Hindu community educators. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your program/year or organization role] [Contact information]
Government and Legislative Representation
For communicating with elected officials and public agencies about terminology in legislation, policies and official communications.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] The Honorable [Official’s Name] [Office / Agency] [Address] Re: [Bill number / policy / communication] — request for precise terminology distinguishing the sacred Swastika from the Nazi Hakenkreuz Dear [Title] [Last Name], I am a constituent from [city/district], and I am writing about [bill number / policy / official statement], which refers to the swastika [describe: e.g. “as a symbol of hate in the context of prohibiting hate symbols”]. I fully support efforts to confront hatred, antisemitism, and white supremacy, including restrictions on the display of Nazi symbols. My concern is precision. The Swastika is a sacred symbol of auspiciousness and wellbeing in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and has been for thousands of years. Hindu families in our community display it in homes, temples, weddings, and festivals as an act of faith. The Nazi emblem — the Hakenkreuz, or hooked cross — was a twentieth-century appropriation of an ancient symbol by a regime responsible for the Holocaust. Historical English usage has often called the Nazi emblem a “swastika,” and that usage is real. But legislation or policy that names “the swastika” as a hate symbol without distinction can inadvertently criminalize or stigmatize the sacred religious practice of millions of peaceful Americans. I respectfully ask that you: 1. Amend or clarify the language of [bill/policy] to distinguish the Nazi Hakenkreuz from the sacred Swastika, for example by referring to “the Nazi hooked cross (Hakenkreuz)” or by expressly exempting religious and cultural use; 2. Consult Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist community representatives when drafting language touching on this symbol; and 3. Share how your office approaches this distinction in future legislation and public communications. Several jurisdictions have adopted language that protects both goals — confronting hate and protecting religious freedom — and I would be glad to share examples. Thank you for your service and for your attention to the concerns of your Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist constituents. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your City and State] [Optional: organization or community role]
Workplace Religious Accommodation
For employees seeking consideration of religious practices or symbols in workplace policies.
[Your Name] [Your Department / Position] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title, e.g. Human Resources Director / Manager] [Company Name] [Address] Re: Request for religious accommodation and clarification of [policy] regarding the sacred Swastika Dear [Recipient Name], I am writing to request a religious accommodation and a clarification of [company policy / a recent decision / a training document] concerning the swastika. I am a practicing Hindu. The Swastika is a sacred symbol in my faith — as it is in Jainism and Buddhism — and has represented auspiciousness, peace, and wellbeing for thousands of years. It is customary for Hindus to display the Swastika during religious observances, festivals such as Diwali, and in personal devotional practice. [Describe your specific situation in two to four sentences: e.g. a request to display a small sacred symbol at your desk or during a festival, a concern about training material that describes the swastika only as a hate symbol, or a question about how a policy applies to religious use.] I want to be clear that I fully support the company’s commitment to a workplace free of hatred and harassment, including its stance against Nazi symbolism. The Nazi Hakenkreuz — a rotated, hooked cross adopted by Hitler’s regime — is a symbol of hatred and of the Holocaust, and it has no place in any workplace. Historical English usage has often called the Nazi emblem a “swastika,” and that usage is real. My request concerns only the distinction between that hateful emblem and the sacred symbol of my faith. I respectfully request that the company: 1. [Your specific request, e.g. permit the modest display of the sacred Swastika in a religious context / clarify that the policy distinguishes sacred use from hateful use / correct the training material]; 2. Consider religious-literacy guidance so that policies are applied with an understanding of this distinction; and 3. Meet with me to discuss a reasonable accommodation. I am confident we can uphold both the company’s values and religious freedom, and I would be glad to provide educational resources. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your position and department]
Museum, Publisher and Educational Institution Correction
For requesting historically accurate and context-sensitive interpretation of Hindu symbols from museums, publishers and educational institutions.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] · [Your Phone] [Date] [Recipient Name] [Title, e.g. Curator / Editor / Director of Education] [Institution Name] [Address] Re: Request for historically accurate interpretation of the sacred Swastika — [exhibit / book / program name] Dear [Recipient Name], I am writing about [the exhibit / publication / educational program] “[name],” which [describe: e.g. presents the swastika solely as a Nazi symbol / does not explain the symbol’s sacred history]. Institutions like yours shape public understanding, which is why precision on this topic matters so much. The Swastika — from the Sanskrit su (good) and asti (to be) — has been a sacred symbol of auspiciousness and wellbeing in Hindu tradition for thousands of years, and it is also holy in Jain and Buddhist traditions. It appears in temples, weddings, festivals, and sacred art across Asia and in communities worldwide. The Nazi regime’s Hakenkreuz — a rotated, hooked cross — was a twentieth-century appropriation of this ancient symbol by a movement responsible for the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews and millions of others. Historical English usage has often applied the word “swastika” to the Nazi emblem, and that usage is real and should be acknowledged. But presenting the symbol’s history as beginning with, or belonging to, the Nazi era is inaccurate, and it causes real harm to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist communities whose sacred symbol becomes stigmatized. I respectfully ask that your institution: 1. Review the [exhibit text / publication / curriculum] and include the symbol’s ancient sacred history alongside its Nazi appropriation; 2. Distinguish the sacred Swastika from the Nazi Hakenkreuz in interpretation and labeling; and 3. Consult Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist community scholars when this symbol appears in future work. I would be glad to suggest references or connect you with community educators. Thank you for your dedication to accurate and respectful public education. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your City and State] [Optional: relevant affiliation]
Report a misrepresentation — privately
Seen a sacred Swastika described as a hate symbol, or a Nazi emblem discussed in a way that erases its victims? Tell us. Reports are private, consent-based, and never published automatically. Submitting a report does not guarantee assistance or legal representation.
Keep going
Know Your Rights
Practical guides to religious freedom at school, work, and in public life.
OpenAnti-Hindu Hate / Hinduphobia
Research, patterns, and reporting paths for anti-Hindu bias.
OpenResource Library
Guides and toolkits for students, parents, educators, and workplaces.
OpenThe Swastika Project provides education and documentation. Nothing here is legal advice, and legal resources mentioned are information, not a guarantee of outcome or representation.
LA LOTUS Foundation is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(2). EIN: 43-2126367. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.