Let's explore the many things that are Basara...

Basara, Nekki. Pilot and rock singer in the anime Macross 7. We don't know much about this guy. Honestly, we tried watching an episode of that show, but our survival instincts took over and forced us to turn off the VCR, eject the tape, and burn it in the nearest incinerator.

Basara, a Japanese drum group based in Kyoto who named themselves after Basara Daisho (see below). They "desire to strive against conformity, to play freely, [their] hearts unrestrained." Here's their English website.

Basara, Kibukiri, a Samurai Showdown (videogame) character. He is Japanese, and his weapon of choice is the Spinning Tri-Blade. Basara resurrected from the dead to seek revenge for his wife's death. Could that be the ultra-nude babe standing behind him?

Basara, Daisho. He is one of 12 mythical warriors who protected Buddha. Other than that, we don't know much about this guy. He does look pretty badass.

Basara, the manga. Yes, there is actually another manga called Basara. Except this one is created by Shou Tajima, and appears to be the antithesis of shoujo. Just check out the dark and punkish character design. Here's the website we stumbled upon if you're curious.

So what does it really mean?

At the time of upheaval in the Kamakura Era, the word "Basara" meant "dandy and luxurious clothing" or "wild and unrestrained behavior." This seems to correspond to the meaning provided by Yumi Tamura:

"Basara - that spirit of freedom which denies old authority transcending traditions and customs." - translated by Odyssey Anime.

Tamura also says the word "Basara" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vajra," which has numerous connotations. But essentially, it means an indestructible substance: something durable, luminous, and able to cut. Therefore, it's usually represented by a diamond or a thunderbolt. The word "vajra" is closely associated with Buddhism.

Make what you will of all this...