A Tibetan prayer flag, a rectangular colored cloth that is colorful and rectangular in shape, can be found strung on trails or high up in the Himalayas. They can be used to bless the countryside or for other purposes.
There are two types of prayer flags. The horizontal ones are called Lung ta and the vertical ones are called Darchog. Prayer flags are traditionally sold in sets of five, one for each of the five colors associated with the five elements.
Traditional prayer flags featured a powerful horse in the center carrying three flaming jewels on its back. These jewels are called as ‘ratna’. Such type of Lung Ta flag symbolizes speedy transformation from bad luck to good fortune. The three ratnas, i.e., the three jewels, signify, The Buddha as the first jewel, Dharma, which indicate the Buddhist teachings as the second jewel and finally the third jewel signifies Sangha, the Buddhist community. These three concepts are considered as the main cornerstone of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and traditions, and they are symbolically indicated on these flags via the three jewels (ratnas).
There are two types of prayer flags. The horizontal ones are called Lung ta and the vertical ones are called Darchog. Prayer flags are traditionally sold in sets of five, one for each of the five colors associated with the five elements.
Traditional prayer flags featured a powerful horse in the center carrying three flaming jewels on its back. These jewels are called as ‘ratna’. Such type of Lung Ta flag symbolizes speedy transformation from bad luck to good fortune. The three ratnas, i.e., the three jewels, signify, The Buddha as the first jewel, Dharma, which indicate the Buddhist teachings as the second jewel and finally the third jewel signifies Sangha, the Buddhist community. These three concepts are considered as the main cornerstone of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and traditions, and they are symbolically indicated on these flags via the three jewels (ratnas).
There are varied versions of four hundred traditional mantras that are written around the centerpiece of Lung Ta. Each of these mantras is dedicated to a specific deity. Many of these mantras are given by the three greatest Buddhist Bodhisattvas of all time, namely- Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Avalokitesvara (the Buddhist Bodhisattva of compassion and patron of Tibetan people), as well as Manjusri. The prayer mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is also often mentioned on these prayer flags.
In addition to mantras, prayers for a long life and good fortune are often included for the person who mounts the flags.
Each corner of a flag is adorned with images or names of four powerful animals known as The Four Dignities. They are the Dragon, Garuda (eagle), Tiger and the Snow Lion.
Darchog (vertical prayer flags) are usually large rectangles that are attached to poles along the vertical edge. Darchog are symbolic in nature and are related to the Dhwaja (as mentioned within the very ancient Vedic Tradition, which included the current region of Tibet). Dhwaja is a victory prayer flag, or a flag that indicates one's supremacy over the space.
These prayer flags are considered sacred and are meant to be treated with love, respect, and reverence.
In addition to mantras, prayers for a long life and good fortune are often included for the person who mounts the flags.
Each corner of a flag is adorned with images or names of four powerful animals known as The Four Dignities. They are the Dragon, Garuda (eagle), Tiger and the Snow Lion.
Darchog (vertical prayer flags) are usually large rectangles that are attached to poles along the vertical edge. Darchog are symbolic in nature and are related to the Dhwaja (as mentioned within the very ancient Vedic Tradition, which included the current region of Tibet). Dhwaja is a victory prayer flag, or a flag that indicates one's supremacy over the space.
These prayer flags are considered sacred and are meant to be treated with love, respect, and reverence.
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