Tibetan Prayer Flags

These prayer flags owe their origins to both the Bon religion and the dharma of Indian Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced into Tibet by Padmasambhava (800 A.D.). Previously the Tibetans professed the Bon religion which was fundamentally shamanistic. They already used the five-colored flags for protection but Buddhism added the sacred mantras to them, turning them into the current Tibetan prayer flags.

They are printed on woodblocks or fabrics in the five traditional colors. These represent the five families of Buddha and the five elements: blue (sky - space), white (water), red (fire), green (air and wind), yellow (earth).

Flags are always placed in this order of colors. They must be hung in windy places so they are usually found in open spaces and at heights.

By touching the flags, the wind is purified and sanctified by the mantras. The prayers are transformed into blessings and spread over the surrounding inhabitants. The flags carry the Bodhisattva's intention to pray and work for the welfare of all sentient beings.

It reminds us and leads us to promote peace, compassion, kindness, strength and wisdom.

The sun and rain wear them down, turning them into strips of dull colors, a reminder that nothing is permanent.

They are renewed again every Tibetan New Year (end of February). This event represents the people's welcome to permanent change and the recognition of the cycles of everything in the universe.