Prayer Flags

Prayer flags

Prayer flags are colorful panels or rectangular cloths placed on single poles or strung along lines, on mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas, on temples or homes. Prayer flags were used by Tibetans well before the arrival of Buddhism by Tibetan armies as regimental flags. Tibetan Shamans in the Bon tradition[1] adopted the flags into spiritual shaman rituals. Tibetan villagers adopted the shamanistic practice of prayer flags into their daily lives.
Buddhism has always demonstrated its ability to adopt and absorb shamanistic rituals into its own spiritual practices. Shamanism, Daoism, and Buddhism have evolved together in a kindred relationship throughout the history of Buddhist expansion in Asia. After Buddhism arrived in Tibet as early as the fourth century B.C.E., monks adopted the shaman's colored flags into Tibetan Buddhist practice. These flags came to be seen as prayer flags, adopted into the very fabric of Tibetan Buddhist belief. The prayer flags have retained their shaman uses to bring benefit and protection, including good health, and to invoke blessings on special events. Buddhist practitioners use the prayer flags to seek spiritual blessings including benefit in future reincarnations and the experience of Nirvana. The flags are often set at the highest places possible in the Himalayan mountains on single poles or strung on a line on houses.  When set on mountain peaks, the flags have a unique beauty. The wind that blows through them carries blessings to all sentient beings. When used in its most noble way, the beauty of these flags in the range of religious symbols and "tools" is that they do not function to bring blessing to those who place them, rather the one who puts them there does so for the sake of others.

Color and Order

Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five, one in each of the five colors. The five colors represent the elements,[1]the Five Pure Lights, and are arranged from left to right in a specific order. Each of the elements is associated with a color for specific traditions, purposes and sadhana:

1. Blue (symbolizing sky/space)
2. White (symbolizing air/wind)
3. Red (symbolizing fire)
4. Green (symbolizing water)
5. Yellow (symbolizing earth)

Symbolism and Tradition

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.
By hanging flags in high places the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras.
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.

Wind Horse Prayer Flage

 Wind Horse flags are by far the most common prayer flag. The flag is believed to bring good fortune. The wind horse, usually in pictorial form, always occupies the centre of this flag. The texts on the flags vary but usually consist of a collection of mantras or a short sutra.The four great animals always guard the four corners of the flag: Garuda, Dragon, Tiger and Snow lion. Flying Horse represents accomplishment of positive works in a most suitable and instant way.Garuda eating a snake represents the frightening away of evil thoughts or intentions.Dragon represents the removal of different threats from the sky, such as lightening and storms Tiger represents each step of life without hurdles or obstacles. Lion is the front-runner in each step of life.

Tara Prayer Flage

Tara flags are also frequently seen and are believed to promote compassion. This is because Tara was born from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara. As he shed tears at the thought of all the suffering that sentient beings must endure, one of the tear drops transformed into the Green Tara who then manifested herself in an additional twenty other forms. Tara flags usually show the Green Tara in the centre and often conclude with her mantra OM TARE TUTARE TURE SOHA. Tara is a female Buddha and has eyes in her hands & forehead with which she is able to see all human pain. The purpose of this flag is to spread compassionate blessings.

Hanging Flags

Flags should be hung in the correct sequence, from left to right, with yellow first, then green, red, white and blue last. Most flags come already strung on cord so it’s rare to have to sort them out yourself. Traditionally they are hung outside to catch the wind, but they may also be hung indoors where even slight air movements will still send their benefits out to the world. For the best effect they are hung on an auspicious day or at an auspicious moment, such as early on a windy morning, especially on a Friday. Try to avoid hanging new flags on Tuesdays and Saturdays

Because the symbols and mantras on these prints are sacred, we ask that they be treated with the traditional Tibetan respect - please do not place them on the ground or use them in articles of clothing. When disposing of an old print please burn it.