WHAT ARE TIBETAN PRAYER FLAGS?

Have you seen our new Tibetan prayer flags hanging outside the Reflection Wellness Studio? Aren’t they beautiful?

Tibetan prayer flags are often seen fluttering in the breeze along trails and peaks in the Himalayas. They are flown to promote peace, compassion and wisdom to all beings.

Traditionally, the flags are hand printed on pieces of cloth, they depict auspicious symbols, prayers and mantras. The flags are strung in groups of five and, each panel a particular colour and strung in a particular order. The five colours represent the elements: Blue- sky and space, White- air and wind, Red- fire, Green- water, and Yellow- earth. The five flags also represent five directions: North, East, South, West and Centre, and also the five wisdoms, which are compassion, harmony, wisdom of sight, kindness, and perfect wisdom.

Flags are usually changed during Tibetan New Year. New flags are suspended over old flags or exchanged for the old flags which are then burnt or buried. Flags can be hung inside the house, or most commonly, outdoors in high places like near the roof or on flag poles.

Over time, the flags become tattered and worn, as each thread loosens and blows away, the prayers are released on the wind. A tattered flag means prayers have been answered. The weathered remnants also symbolise the inevitable passing of all things. Whether the flags are left hanging or burnt and returned to the earth, they become a permanent part of the universe.

The best time to hang flags is on a sunny, windy day. If you are planning on hanging your own flags, perhaps you might make it a ceremony. Invite your friends and family to join in the joyous occasion!

Thubten Chodron says in his book “Buddhism for beginners”-
“Love and compassion benefit ourselves and others. With them, we feel in touch with and connect to all living beings. Feelings of alienation and despair vanish and are replaced with optimism.”

Our earth is undergoing great challenges at the moment, now is the time to reflect on love and compassion, and small acts such as the hanging of flags can help to remind us that we are not alone, we have each other.
We purchased our flags from yogaking.com, if you are interested in buying your own.