In Buddhism, the swastika on the chest of a Buddha statue symbolizes compassion and peace, while the right-facing swastika used by Nazi Germany represents extreme violence, hatred, and genocide. Although these two symbols appear very similar, their meanings are entirely opposite. The nature of Buddha and demons is not fixed but shifts with the good and evil of one’s thoughts. A single thought can turn from good to evil or from evil to good, with everything depending on that single thought. This is the core of what I am exploring through the deviation of symbols.
This work also examines the profound impact that sudden shifts in faith, thought, and symbols can have. The contrast between the swastika and the right-facing swastika reveals how human thought and behavior can shift from good to evil or from evil to good in an instant. This conflict is not only a matter of opposing symbols but also reflects the duality of good and evil in human culture and history. This contrast prompts us to reflect on our own thoughts and actions, exploring how changes in faith and thought influence the course of culture and history.
