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