Tibetan Windhorse and 21 Taras Prayer Flags
See how prayer flags are
displayed in Nepal.
What are Tibetan Prayer Flags?
The Tibetan word for prayer flag is "Lung ta", meaning, "wind Horse". When wind blows (expressing the quality and nature of mind) the sacred prayer flag flaps in the breeze.
The prayers contained on the flag are carried out to all beings as a blessing. Seeing the flag also has a practical benefit of reminding people to be mindful of the Dharma as they go about their business. When I see a prayer flag either motionless or flying in the breeze, I am reminded of the call to pray for the welfare of all beings, to work to bring about virtue, goodness, healing and happiness in the world around me.
The traditional five colors represent the five Buddha families and five elements. Blue-space, White-water, Red-fire, Green-air & wind, Yellow-earth.
The auspicious symbol images invoke the power and influence of the beings or symbols depicted. In the case of the 21 Taras, one is invoking the blessings of Tara in all of her expressions or manifestations.
The horizontal flags are in the five colors, and connected at the top edge by a long cord which makes them easy to mount between poles, on the edge of a roof (similar to Christmas lights) or between trees.
The prayer flags are made of cotton and/or polyester. The prayer is written in Tibetan and always express positive intentions for the happiness, enlightenment and protection of all beings. The expressive blessed quality of the flag rests mostly in the wood block print, which imparts the prayers and blessings. Everyone loves these flags since they are so lovely to display and express such a generous,heartfelt Loving-Kindness for all beings.
The Wind Horse and Tara flag come with a free detailed explanation, of the history and correct use of prayer flags. For a more detailed explanation, we are now offering a book which discusses the prayer flags in great detail.
Purchasing prayer flags benefits the Tibetan Refugees who make them as cottage industries businesses.
Prayer flags are excellent for display at weddings, birthdays, holidays, shrines, holy sites, at a retreat center, home, mountain cabin or temple.
For a detailed explanation, about the meaning of prayer flags, please visit the educational page. It is helpful to read about the construction of the flags as well. Prayer flags last from 2-5 years when displayed outdoors depending upon weather, exposure to the sun and moisture content in the air. The element which causes greatest decay is ultraviolet light.
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