| While many have the impression that Buddhism is a | | | | with true artistry. This makes the most artistic of |
| religion not known for its icons and symbols, this is | | | | flags impressive to behold. This is why many |
| not an accurate assessment. There are many | | | | purchase such flags because they make truly |
| components to the worship of Buddhism that are | | | | outstanding decorations. Perhaps one of the best |
| integrated into its worship. One such item is that of | | | | benefits of these flags is that even if you only |
| the prayer flag. In fact, so common is the prayer flag | | | | purchase them for decorative reasons, the mantra |
| in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the | | | | printed on them can still be effectively carried with |
| defining symbolic item that clearly displays a Buddhist | | | | the wind. Consider that a ‘fringe benefit’ of |
| place of worship or the home of a practitioner of | | | | having the prayer flag’s attractive appeal to the |
| Buddhism. | | | | decorative minded that might not be totally aware of |
| So, what are prayer flags and what is their purpose? | | | | the religious undertones. |
| The following overview may provide some insight | | | | It is also wise to point out that the recipients of the |
| into these questions… | | | | benefits of a prayer flag are not just those in far off |
| Prayer flags are commonly found in Tibet and they | | | | lands where the wind blows the mantras, prayers, |
| are usually employed to decorate monasteries and | | | | and invocations. The person that hangs a prayer flag |
| homes. (These are not the exclusive domains for the | | | | in his/her home is said to be the recipient of good |
| flags as mountain passes can be adorned with such | | | | luck and other such positive results. This could be |
| flags as well) In general, these flags are symbolic of | | | | because the person hanging the flag becomes a |
| Buddhist worship but there are other specialized | | | | member of the perpetual cycle of promoting the true |
| purposes to the acquisition and display of these flags. | | | | spirit of belief and enlightenment through the world. |
| Actually, the origin of the flags predates the arrival of | | | | There is a proper way in which to display such |
| Buddhism in Tibet. Specially designed flags were | | | | prayer flags. First and foremost, flags are – flags. |
| commonly flown for both good luck and for | | | | Some may used them as door mats or even towels |
| prosperity. With the integration of Buddhist worship in | | | | and this is a very disrespectful use of such a holy |
| Tibetan society, the flags began to be incorporated | | | | item. Rather than employ the flags in such a way, it |
| into the iconography of Buddhism. | | | | is best to stick with traditional and have the flags |
| In some ways, Buddhist prayer flags aid in integrating | | | | placed in their original traditional manner. |
| many elements of the natural world into the human | | | | That is, you will want to hang them horizontally from |
| conceptualization of how Buddhism should be | | | | ropes or fasten them to poles for vertical display. As |
| acknowledged. How is this so? Basically, the flags | | | | you can assuredly tell, such displays will aid in the |
| represent human theories and emotions that are | | | | wind traveling through them and spreading their |
| spread through the world via the elements. In | | | | mantras throughout the land. Again, the key is to |
| particular, the element of wind is what aids in | | | | display these Tibetan prayer flags in the proper |
| spreading the message of Tibetan Buddhism. | | | | manner so that they are treated with respect and |
| How is this achieved? Basically, mantras are drawn | | | | can deliver on their intended result. |
| into the flags which are hung on homes and temples. | | | | These flags also come in various colors with the five |
| As the wind blows through the flag, it is believed that | | | | most common being red, white, green, yellow, and |
| the wind will ‘pick up’ the words on the flag | | | | blue. Each of these colors possess their own |
| and spread them throughout the world. Wherever | | | | symbolism with blue referring to space; white |
| the wind blows, the words and sentiments of the | | | | referring to air; yellow being symbolic of the earth; |
| mantras will be carried. Considering the positive nature | | | | green being the representation of water; and white |
| of the mantras, this is a good thing because feelings | | | | symbolizing fire. The integration of the natural |
| of prosperity and enlightenment would be carried | | | | elements of the world can also be considered a |
| throughout the world. Or at least that is the prime | | | | fusion of the flags, the flag bearer, and the natural |
| intention. | | | | world all being one with one another. |
| Please do not assume, however, that the flags are | | | | Yes, there is far more to these prayer flags than |
| minimalist in design and creation. They are not merely | | | | their mere decorative value. A closer look at these |
| drapes with words scrawled on them. In reality, | | | | prayer reveals the depth of their symbolism and |
| many of these outstanding prayer flags are designed | | | | intent. |