It is a symbol in both Jainism and Buddhism, as well as a Nordic runic emblem and a Navajo sign. By definition, the swastika is a primitive symbol or ornament in the form of a cross.As the illustration below shows, the arms of the cross are of equal length with a section of each arm projecting at right angles from the end of each arm, all in the same direction and usually clockwise.t is a symbol in both Jainism and Buddhism, as well as a Nordic runic emblem and a Navajo sign. By definition, the swastika is a primitive symbol or ornament in the form of a cross.