Prayer flag
A Tibetan prayer flag is a colorful rectangular cloth, often found strung along trails and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes.
Prayer flags are believed to have originated within the religious tradition of
History
Nepal
During the Cultural Revolution, prayer flags were discouraged but not entirely eliminated. Many traditional designs may have been lost.[citation needed] Currently, different styles of prayer flags can be seen all across the Tibetan region.
Lung ta/Darchog styles
There are two kinds of prayer flags: horizontal ones, called Lung ta (Wylie: rlung-rta, meaning "
Lung ta (horizontal) prayer flags are of square or rectangular shape, and are connected along their top edges to a long string or thread. They are commonly hung on a diagonal line from high to low between two objects (e.g., a rock and the top of a pole) in high places such as the tops of temples, monasteries,
Darchog (vertical) prayer flags are usually large single rectangles attached to poles along their vertical edge. Darchog are commonly planted in the ground, mountains, cairns, and on rooftops, and are iconographically and symbolically related to the Dhvaja.
Color and order
Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five. The five colors represent the
Symbols and prayers
The center of a prayer flag traditionally features a
Surrounding the Lung ta are various versions of approximately 400 traditional
In addition to mantras, prayers for a long life of good fortune are often included for the person who mounts the flags.
Images or the names of four powerful animals, also known as the
Wishes are also written on them.[6]
Symbolism and tradition
Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is 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.
However, some believe that the prayers are sent to Tian.[6]
By hanging flags in high places the Lung ta 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's changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.
According to traditional belief, because the symbols and mantras on prayer flags are sacred, they should be treated with respect. They should not be placed on the ground or used on clothing. Old prayer flags should be burned.
Timing of hanging and taking down
Some believe that if the flags are hung on inauspicious astrological dates, they may bring negative results for as long as they are flying. The best time to put up new prayer flags is in the morning on sunny, windy days.
In Tibet, old prayer flags are replaced with new ones annually on the Tibetan New Year.
See also
Notes
References
- Barker, Diane (2003). Tibetan Prayer Flags. Connections Book Publishing. ISBN 1-85906-106-0.
- Beer, Robert (2004). Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Serindia Publications. ISBN 1-932476-10-5.
- Hall, Rebecca S. (2016). "Between the living and the dead: three-tail funeral banners of Northern Thailand". Ars Orientalis. 46: 41–57.
- Wise, Tad (2002). Blessings on the Wind: The Mystery & Meaning of Tibetan Prayer Flags. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0-8118-3435-2.