The Living Journal - Tibetan Prayer Flags

The Tibetan word for prayer flag is called 'Lungta' literally means, "Wind Horse". When wind blows the sacred prayer flag flaps in the breeze. The prayers contained on the flags are carried by the wind as a blessing. By viewing the flags, you are reminded to pray for the welfare of people, and to be mindful of the motivation to be kind, compassionate, and joyful throughout the day. 

When we see a prayer flags, whether it is motionless or it is flying in the breeze, we are always to be reminded of the call to say a prayer or recite any mantra or particularly the mantra of OM Mani Padme Hung. It is known as the compassionate universal mantra from Avalokistesvara or Cherenzig Bodhisattva.

It's to remind us for the welfare of all beings, to work to bring about virtue, goodness, healing and happiness in the world around us. Tibetan believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and living compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all beings.  

By hanging flags in high places, the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessing 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 believed will purify and sanctify by the mantras itself.

This is the reasons why prayer flags are flown throughout the Himalayas and are often seen at holy sites, temples, monastery, holy caves, rooftop, mountain summits or any where the prayer flags may meet the wind. 

The flags are traditionally printed with auspicious symbols, mantras and prayers, which are blown by the wind and blessed by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for removing obstacles and be in goodwill, harmony, wisdom and protected from dangers and evils.

Life moves on and is replaced by new life, it's believed that we can renew our hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. The act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and unacknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle. Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods which, if they are practiced in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. 

Thank you for reading , may you find peace and joyfulness. With your support it helps spread the Buddha's precious teaching and turning the Dharma wheels in the world. 

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

May the precious Bodhichitta arise

Where it has not arisen

And where it has arisen may it not decrease

But increase further and further.

Nagarjuna's Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migrators from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

* Note

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Photos courtesy and credit to the rightful owners.