They come in a variety of types and sizes of prayer flags as follows: The Wind Horse or Lung-ta is the most prevalent symbol used on prayer flags. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam. A Closer Look at the Prayer Flags One unique traditional feature of the Tibetan prayer flag 'Lungta' is the image of a powerful horse with 3 'ratnas' or flaming jewels on its back. According to legend, the practice is said to originate with the Buddha himself, whose prayers were written on flags to protect the Devas in their cosmic battle against the mythological forces of evil. If you dont hang prayer flags on the new year how do you determine the most auspicious days to hang them? When disposing of old prayer flags one should burn them so that the smoke may carry their blessings to the heavens. Bon(Bonismo), originated from the "Gangdise Mountains" and "Manasarovar Lake" in ancient Xiangxiong, Tibet. Tibetan prayer flags are used to promote peace, wisdom, and compassion. KHATAS. You can string the prayer flags either way because the wind moves around and changes direction. Made of cotton cloth, yarn of ramie, silk and so on, those oblong-shaped prayer flags are combined with five different colors, blue, white, red, green and yellow. Khata scarves are the most common Tibetan gifts. Check the top 10 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. During his reign, he greatly expanded the territory of Tibet and made it a powerful country on the Plateau. Thank you. And the reason why they are put high above the roof is to let them flutter in the wind. I understand the blue start on the left my question would be on the left if I am facing downwind or upwind? It is said that if you recite the mantra during meditation, it can cure pride, jealousy, ignorance, greed, and aggression. We hope your move is smooth and happy. Khata scarves are the most common Tibetan gifts. As a writer and consultant, Fred is a leading voice in the world of bamboo. Its a combination of values like compassion, ethics, patience, diligence, renunciation, and wisdom. Hi, I recently hung my prayer flags, some are twisted right up on themselves. 1. It is considered disrespectful too if the Buddhist flags lay down on the ground or keep still. Learn how your comment data is processed. Traditionally, Tibetan prayer flags come in sets of five, with one flag in each of five colors, left to right in this specific order: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. So I thought, when the time comes, this might be the way to dispose of the (synthetic) prayer flags now hanging on my patio tree! When hanging prayer flags one should wish that all beings everywhere will benefit and find happiness. You have written that, when hanging and taking down the prayer flags, you are handling them with respect and good intentions. Sending you our very best wishes and thanks for your care and attention. Prayer flags are renewed every year as a symbol of good fortune. I know this this is not advisable for everyone, but if you have some woods or perhaps even just and undisturbed part of your land this could be a viable option. For the prayer flags, the combination of earth and earth is said to be the most auspicious. You can buy Tibetan prayer flags through the Tibetan Nuns Project online store. The flags contain sacred texts and symbols and should be treated respectfully. But even before that, Indians were printing these banners and displaying them as a symbol of their commitment to the tenets of Ahisma and non-violence. One should not have selfish or limiting thoughts. Then place a small line of hot glue on the back of the flag on fold created by the flap. It is said that her compassion for living beings is stronger than a mothers love for her children. Those flags are called lung dar prayer flags. Clearly you care deeply about not harming wildlife or the environment by burning any plastic materials or by hanging the prayer flags in a place where wildlife might be impacted. When raising prayer flags it is important to have a good motivation. As the fabric decomposes, new flags are hung alongside them, all serving to remind us of the unrelenting passage of time. It is best to hang them outdoors rather than indoors, for example, and ill-advised to hang them in the rain. In the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, the tradition dates back to at least the 11th century. He is the Politics and Arts Editor at Asian-Australian publication Peril Magazine and correspondent for Tokyo-based The Diplomat. One of the most significant events of Saga Dawa is the replacing of the Tarboche Flagpole, a famous flagpole draped in Tibetan prayer flags that stands on the sacred mountain of Kailash. Repeat until desired length is reached, leaving about an inch between flags. If you choose to enhance your home, garden or yoga studio with Tibetan prayer flags, its important to know the story behind them. The horizontal flags, known as Lung-ta or "Wind Horse", are either square or rectangular and are strung along the longest edge in a row between two high points or a high point and the ground. Any symbolism to pray upon? If so, do you have any recommendations of specific kinds of shrine houses to use? The colors blue and white represent the sky, the air, red represents fire, green represents water, and yellow represents earth. Tibetan prayer flags are religious. I sometimes receive paper prayer flags in the mail from organizations that want donations. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes. Instead, Buddhism has been widely appropriated and pacified by a broader audience in a manner which fits broadly in the context of Orientalism. It's an incredibly important part of Buddhism to be present and intentional with your thoughts and actions. Tibetan prayer flags are flown without any understanding or consideration of their religious meaning. I would have burned them, but I have a feeling they are likely synthetic and I dont want to burn plastic materials. Devas, which in Buddhism are a type of god-like, non-human entity, would carry flags with Gautama Buddha's prayers written on them into battle with asuras, which are a type of demi-god. Thank you so much for your reply. We are moving and our old prayer flags need to be taken down. As a memorial to him we purchased prayer flags from a local Buddhist community, and adhered images cut from his many beloved T-shirts to the blank backs of the flags. Green for water. It shows the spiritual charm of the Tibetan people to the world, and also shows people the cultural landscape of the roof of the world. Buddhism and Zen mediation offered an escape from the materialistic mindset of the West. I wanted to put up new prayer flags as the ones I have now are now faded. And the colors of prayer flags are fixed and cannot be innovated casually. Each Color of the Flag Symbolizes an Element. live, learn and work. Tibetan Buddhism is important to Tibetans as it affects every aspect of their lives. This is a common prayer flag, especially at New Year, symbolizing new ventures and beginnings. It was founded in 2005 and recommended by Lonely Planet as one of the best reputed local Tibet travel agencies. The beads were rotten by insects and their strings were breaking into pieces. Thank you. Bon(Bonismo), originated from the "Gangdise Mountains" and "Manasarovar Lake" in ancient Xiangxiong, Tibet. While the cat is poised with mindfulness, it is without right intention. Meditation is one part of Buddhist practice and there are distinct and specific teachings that are intended to accompany it at various different stages. In any case, here are some signs your practice may be causing harm through cultural appropriation. I live in a desert so I am a bit lost. Your second question was about mantras to be said while hanging up prayer flags. I have been given a single Mongolian prayer flag . Material:Made Of Satin Fabric With Glossy Surface.Clear Decals Are Printed On A Stunning Polyester Material.It Promotes Peace,Compassion,Strength And Wisdom.These Flags Would Also Look Attractive In Your Home Or On The Yard. First used in the Bon religion, an early form of Tibetan Buddhism, they symbolized natural elements through association with primary . I recently purchased some new 100% cotton prayer flags to hang on my balcony, but Im not sure how to most respectfully dispose of the old ones. Dear Mary, We are very sorry for the loss of your friend. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with engaging with Buddhism through Western philosophy. The prayer flags made by the nuns at Dolma Ling are strung on white cotton. Is it inappropriate to hang prayer flags inside? This post is a draft, and thus is not publicly visible. While there is a real and growing presence of Buddhism among white Australians, much of the growth of Buddhist paraphernalia isn't from genuine followers. Dear Michelle, Yes it is totally fine to string multiple sets of prayer flags together and this is commonly done. Surely there can be no harm in adding prayer flags to compost where they will be consumed by living beings instead of fire and in turn become the raw material for new life. Tibetan prayer flags long 5 meters 20 flags from Nepal handmade frayed flags with prayers and blessings for peace Karmandala (1,551) $22.13 Healing Tibetan Prayer Flags Rolls - 2 Sizes (Small 7" & Large 10") meditation art, Buddhist wall art - Tibetan Prayer Flags Spiritual Flags HPvillage (2,134) $9.31 It took about 4 hrs to take out all (synthetic) strings from the beads. Tibetan prayer flags are flown without any understanding or consideration of their religious meaning. If so, you might want to try ironing the prayer flags so that they lay more flat. For more on common misperceptions of Buddhism in Western culture, you can also listen to the recent RN Encounter program, "Instant Karma's gonna get you.". Buddhism in Western Society Presenting Khata expresses good wishes and respect. This way the prayers on the Tibetan prayer flags will be fully free to blow in the breeze and spread prayers and good wishes to all sentient beings. The key is to try to dispose of your prayer flags with the greatest respect possible. All of those activities are prohibited by the virus and the lockdown. Above the home temple or on the door at the entrance? Each color on these flags is not just for good looks, but these colors symbolize an element. No, there is no consistent answer for this; not everyone does this. Thank you so much for supporting the nuns! The annual Saga Dawa Festival, which takes place in Tibet, is the most important religious festivals in the country. The cloth strip is often sewn on a thick and long flagstaff in front of the squares and monasteries, such as the square of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. can you wash TIbetan prayer flags and re-hang them? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The prayer flags signify an affiliation with Tibetan Buddhism, and those who decorate with them presumably embrace the ideals of mindfulness, tolerance, and non-violence. Windhorse prayer flags made by the nuns are available in three sizes. Prayer flags are believed to have originated within the religious tradition of Bon. Winds have dispersed some to the ground which I left as part of that original idea. To be clear, the reason behind hanging Tibetan prayer flags is to spread blessings not only for us but also for other beings and people all over the world, up to the place, the spirit of the Lungta settles and reaches. This is a common misconception: rather, the mantras printed on the flags are carried on the wind and believed to spread goodwill and positive energy wherever they go. These prayer flags are often tied to willow branches and can be seen everywhere on the roofs of buildings in Lhasa's old town. If you are hanging the prayer flags to make yourself happy, then you can have the prayers facing in toward you or you can face the prayers outwards to spread out to the world. As you pointed out, this is a very unique way of disposing of them. Perhaps you can give the prayer flags to someone who would like them. In Buddhist believers' eyes, the prayer flag waves for one time in the wind means reciting the sutra once, which is a way to show pilgrims' wishes and seek blessings from Gods. Perhaps there is a Buddhist temple or meditation center near you that you can give them to. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from continuing to happen? Here are 10 things you should know: 1. Handmade art has been an indispensable part of the lives of the Tibetan people. I dont want to keep the prayer flags just because they were sent to me unsolicited but I dont want to throw them in the trash or recycling. On top is blue, followed by white, red, green, and yellow, which denote the five elements: sky, air, fire, water, and earth. Is there an appropriate way to store them for moving? As they blow in the wind, they confer blessings and peace. What is your suggestion to do with them? Cut a length of thread long enough for your desired length. The prayer flags created . Tibetan prayer flags are flown without any understanding or consideration of their religious meaning. More and more Westerns are engaging in Buddhism through online resources and Vipassana meditation centres often serve as an introduction to meditation. These are the most often seen kind of . Hes been working in the industry since 2006 and has a network that spans all 6 continents. Dear Alanna, Were so sorry that you keep losing your prayer flags to squirrels. You can not only see marvelous religious artworks but also discover the spiritual home of Tibetan people. The traditional cotton prayer flags, like those made by the nuns at Dolma Ling and sold in our online store, fade more quickly than synthetic ones and may be safely burned. A photograph shows a swastika flag bearing the names Trump and Pence displayed at the Operation Gridlock protest in Michigan. Tibetan prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Yes, you can. Vipassana meditation is re-named "insight or mindful meditation" and Anapana meditation is renamed "breathing meditation." The contrast between old and new prayer flags is a reminder of impermanence and the continuing cycle of birth and death. Thanks for your question, Billy. Also when will you have more flags in stock Some that I am interested in are not available right now. They're so sacred, they shouldn't touch the ground and must eventually be burned as they age. Alternatively, you can write a mantra (or any protective affirmation that is meaningful to you) on paper and place it above your door. While the square-shaped, horizontally strung prayer flags are arguably the most common, they aren't the only variety of Tibetan prayer flags you'll see being used at sacred sites and on significant calendar dates. And soon the flags had been fully absorbed into the milieu, as just another symbol of the counter culture lifestyle. The Dalai Lama, along with other Buddhist teachers, have actively sought to engage Westerners in Buddhism through the lens of Western philosophy and there is a direct comparison that can be draw here to the Buddha's own life. In Tibet, the tradition of hanging flags began more than 2,000 years ago. 7. Dear Charlotte, Tibetan prayer flags are strung left to right in this specific order: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The problem I have is that I live in a city that does not permit burning as it is very dry here and sunny. Dear Alana, Yes you can hang them on your wall. There are two different kinds of prayer flags: Lung-ta, meaning wind horse, and Dar Cho, where "Dar" means to increase fortune, wealth, health . Does this have any symbolic meaning? Regarding the order of the prayer flags hung on a balcony, theres no true rule for this. Hes currently consulting on bamboo projects in Thailand, India, Kenya, and beyond. There is a concerted effort to make the Dhamma (the teachings of the Buddha) completely compatible with modern Western thinking and disregard for the supernatural. This was a blog post written by the Tibetan Nuns Project, does that answer your question? 6 4 It had been advised to make a wooden enclosure or something to protect the damaged holy objects and this could be placed in the forest as a sort of shrine house. Dear Lynne, you can hang prayer flags any time. So this could be photos, prayer flags, thangkas, etc. A symbol of spiritual enlightenment or international brotherhood, these prayer flags hang from awnings and sway in the breeze, indicating a certain philosophical orientation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'bambubatu_com-box-3','ezslot_6',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'bambubatu_com-box-3','ezslot_7',118,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-118{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Hi. White for air. 9 Likes, 0 Comments - Tibetan Culture (@culturetibet) on Instagram: "Tibetan prayer flags are either designed for horizontal or vertical hanging. I was not sure if that was disrespectful. China was grilled at the last two days of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights session in Geneva on February 15-16. The main contents of the scriptures are the Indian Dharani mantra, the six-character Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum), Sanskrit mantras, auspicious words, proverbs, and prayer scriptures, etc. Your information is being handled in accordance with the. I assume they are building their nests with them. The new-style marriage is that men and women have the freedom to choose their spouses but still follow the etiquette of the traditional Tibetan wedding. And therefore, Tibetan prayer flags are believed to promote prosperity, compassion, peace, and wisdom. Your idea of a shrine seems a lovely solution, so what type of shrine works best for you would be suitable. These jewels represent the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and the Sangha (Buddhist community) which are the three cornerstones of Tibetan philosophical tradition. But its always better to know the rules before you break the rules. in touch with us and receive great news when we have Meaning if the wind blows West to East does the blue start in the North or South? Please tell me specifically when I can hang them. You may also choose to let your old Tibetan prayer flags fade and disintegrate naturally, hanging new prayer flags up with old ones. Chinese authorities in Tibet have ordered the destruction of prayer flags in many parts of the region in one of China's most direct assaults to date on visible symbols of Tibetan culture and . Tibetan clothing is worn with an inner garment and a pair of wide and long sleeves, with rich connotation and diversity dressing culture in tradition. The problem is that under the coronavirus lockdown there are many factors causing delays. Moreover, the arrangement order of each color is strictly stipulated. They should not be placed on the ground or put in the trash. During his reign, he greatly expanded the territory of Tibet and made it a powerful country on the Plateau. Tibetans do not wash prayer flags. This is because, unfortunately, plastic does not biodegrade, which is to say it does not break down into its atomic components (ie, carbon, water, etc). His Holiness, the fourteenth Dali Lama is undoubtedly the face of Buddhism in much of the world, and while he is widely revered figure by all Buddhist there is a lack of understanding in the west that he only leads Tibetan Buddhists. Color Fading of These Flags also has a Meaning. Tibetans believe that the prayers will be spread by the wind, bringing goodwill and auspiciousness to all beings. The intention is the most important thing. Dear Kimberley, There is no problem with incorporating a prayer flag into your art. I have read that there are mantras to be said while hanging up the flags, what are they? The Tibetan people have a long history and relationship with spirituality in their cultureso much so, that almost any thought of Tibet conjures up images of monks and temples in our minds. In Tibetan folk traditions, mountain passes and river bridges are often guarded by the gods of heaven, so people praying in these places are easily heard by the gods. So the Dalai Lama became a best-selling author and a social media sensation. Instead of getting Buddhist monks to promote the project, they got an array of Western scientists and academics to testify that the benefits of meditation have been proven "real" according to Western science (in case you thought monks have been practicing it for 2500 years for no reason). Temples and monasteries are springing up and serving both Asian migrant communities and Western followers alike. While stringing your flags up wherever you choose to display them, it's important to keep good, selfless motivations in mind, in keeping with the flags' ultimate purpose, which is spreading positivity far and wide. And so the cycle continues. The five colors are: blue, white, red, green and yellow. Tibetan nuns at Dolma Ling Nunnery in India remove and burn old prayer flags and set up new ones to mark Losar, Tibetan New Year. Surrounding the Lung ta are mantras and Buddhist sacred symbols. Its ideal that they slowly disintegrate as this is a reflection of the prayers being sent out to the world. I am wondering if it would be disrespectful to incorporate prayer flag panels into a painting? The festival is celebrated to commemorate when Sakyamuni (Buddha) attained enlightenment, and is typically observed by visiting temples, lighting lanterns and practising kindness and generosity. Ive read through some of the comments on here, and I also dont want to bury them or tie them in nature as that would also allow for the plastic components to be free in the environment and not degrade over time (and possibly harm wildlife as a result). Learn more about Khatas' meanings, color, etiquette, etc. If you violate the thousand-year-old traditions of northern India, youre not likely to be punished with 144 days of bad karma, so long as you act mindfully, respectfully and in accordance with the laws of nature. Traditionally, the squares were printed with wooden blocks, and to this day that same method is often still used. Hi! The Origin of the Tibetan Prayer Flags. My friends husband, a Tibetan ex-monk, then said it was best to bury them as burning was not advisable. 1. Prayers vary, but typically they invoke a series of blessings, including longevity, prosperity, health and peace. In our actions, it is our intentions and thoughts that are important. Since the ancient Zhangzhung period of the Tibetan Plateau, prayer flags have become popular here. The colors on the prayer flags depict the same. hello! Now, it's widely used in the northern part of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Mariusz. I really appreciated these teachings about prayer flags. Buying Buddhist statues and art should be something done by those with a genuine interest in Buddhism or else it's just collecting infantilised things from the "Orient.". You can order Tara prayer flags in three sizes here. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-114{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}With ever-increasing popularity, the Dalai Lama was able to raise awareness about the plight of Tibet and the Buddhist monks who had been driven into exile by the Chinese communist regime. 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Lama became a best-selling author and a social media sensation blessings to the world of bamboo, that... And consultant, Fred is a Buddhist temple or on the left if I am a lost! Let your old Tibetan prayer flags either way because the wind, they confer blessings and.! Them for moving new flags are flown without any understanding or consideration of their religious meaning are their! Thoughts that are important flags either way because the wind, they blessings! And thanks for your care and attention fold created by the wind, they symbolized elements... Fits broadly in the industry since 2006 and has a network that all! If the Buddhist flags lay down on the door at the Operation Gridlock protest in Michigan beads were rotten insects... Everywhere will benefit and find happiness practice and there are distinct and specific teachings that intended! They lay more flat tibetan prayer flags appropriation incorporate prayer flag into your art the materialistic of.