The prayer flag is a colorful rectangular cloth, often found along the high mountains and peaks of the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding area and for other purposes. The prayer flag is believed to be from Bon. At Bon, the shamanistic Bonpo uses a basic plain colored flag in Tibet. Traditional prayer marks include text and wood-printed images.
Video Prayer flag
History
Nepalese sutras, originally written on banners of cloth, are transmitted to other regions of the world as prayer flags. The legend depicts the origin of the prayer flag to Gautama Buddha, whose prayers are written on the banner of war used by the gods against their enemies, the asuras . The legend may have given India my bhikku the reason for carrying a heavenly banner as a way of showing its commitment to ahimsa . This knowledge was brought to Tibet by 800 CE, and the actual flag was introduced no more than 1040 CE, where they were further modified. The Indian monk Atisha (980 - 1054 CE) introduced the practice of printing Indians on cloth prayer flags to Tibet and Nepal.
During the Cultural Revolution, prayer flags were dispelled but not completely eliminated. Many traditional designs may have been lost. Today, various styles of prayer flags can be seen throughout the Tibetan region.
Maps Prayer flag
Lung ta/Darchog style
There are two types of prayer flags: the horizontal, called Lung ta âââ ⬠(Wylie: rlung-rta âââ ⬠, which means "Horses Wind ") in Tibetan, and the vertical, called Darchog (Wylie: dar-lcog , which means" flagstaff ").
Lung ta ââh> (horizontal) prayer flags are rectangular or rectangular, and are connected along their upper edge to long strands or threads. They are usually hung on a diagonal line from high to low between two objects (eg, rocks and pole tops) in high places such as the tops of temples, monasteries, stupas, and mountain passes
Darchog (vertical) prayer flags are usually a single rectangle attached to a pole along their vertical edge. Darchog is generally grown in soil, mountains, liquids, and on the roof, and is iconographically and symbolically associated with Dhvaja .
Color and order
Traditionally, the prayer flag consists of five sets: one in every five colors. Five colors are arranged from left to right in a certain order: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The five colors represent five elements and Five Pure Lights. Different elements are associated with different colors for particular traditions, purposes and sadhana. Blue symbolizes sky and sky, white symbolizes air and wind, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes the earth. According to traditional Tibetan medicine, health and harmony are generated through the balance of five elements.
Symbols and prayers
The traditional prayer flag center features Lung ta (strong or strong horse) with three glowing gems (especially ratna ) on its back. The Ta is a symbol of speed and transformation of bad luck for good fortune. The three glowing gems represent Buddha, Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and Sangha (Buddhist community): the three pillars of the Tibetan philosophical tradition.
Surrounding Lung ta âââ ⬠are various versions of about 400 traditional mantras, each dedicated to a particular god. These writings include the mantras of three great Bodhisattva Buddhas: Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Avalokite? Vara (Chenrezig, compassionate bodhisattva, and Tibetan protector), and Manjusri.
In addition to spells, prayers for a long life of luck are often included for the person riding the flag.
Images or names of four powerful animals, also known as the Four Dignions, adorn every corner of the flag: dragons, eagles, tigers, and snowlion.
Symbolism and traditions
Traditionally, the flag of prayer is used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not bring prayers to the gods, which is a common misconception; on the contrary, Tibetans believe that prayers and spells will be blown by the wind to spread goodwill and compassion into all the space available. Therefore, the flag of prayer is considered to bring benefits to all.
By hanging flags in high places, Lung ta âââ ⬠will bring a blessing that is depicted on the flag to all beings. As the wind passes over the surface of the flag, which is sensitive to the smallest wind movement, the air is purified and purified by the mantra.
The prayer flag becomes a permanent part of the universe because the image fades from the exposure of the elements. Just as life moves and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continuing to display new flags alongside the old ones. This action symbolizes the welcome of life change and the recognition that all beings are part of a larger continuous cycle.
According to traditional beliefs, because the symbols and spells on the prayer flag are sacred, they should be treated with respect. They should not be placed on the ground or used on clothing. The old prayer flag should be burned.
Time hanging and taking note
Some believe that if flags are hung on an unfavorable astrological date, they can bring negative results as long as they fly. The best time to install a new prayer flag is in the morning on sunny and windy days.
The old prayer flags are replaced with new flags each year on the Tibetan New Year.
See also
- Namkha
- Phurba
- Buddha Buddhist
- Tibetan prayer wheel
- Stupa
- Bunting (textiles)
Note
References
- Barker, Dian (2003). Tibetan Prayer Flag . Publishing Book of Connections. ISBNÃ, 1-85906-106-0.
- Beer, Robert (2004). Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motives . Serindia Publications Inc. ISBNÃ, 1-932476-10-5
- Wise, Tad (2002). Blessing in the Wind: Mystery & amp; The Meaning of the Tibetan Prayer Flag . Book Chronicle. ISBNÃ, 0-8118-3435-2.
External links
Source of the article : Wikipedia