The key is, as you clearly know, to try to dispose of prayer flags with the greatest respect possible. Your email address will not be published. Gyaltsen Tsenpo prayer flags are printed with sutras bestowed by Lord Buddha to Indra, king of the gods to overcome his enemies and achieve victory. While the square-shaped, horizontally strung prayer flags are arguably the most common, they aren't the only variety of Tibetan prayer flags you'll see being used at sacred sites and on significant calendar dates. 10. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam. Unlike some other religions from the East, Buddhism is highly romanticised in Western eyes. Your intention is important. Lha gyal lo, Sutras - or mantras from three pillars of the great Buddhist Bodhisattvas, conveying things like peace, wisdom, and strength - are written on them. Should I remove the flag and respectfully burn it or simply reattach it? When talking about Tibetan handicrafts, people would think of Thangka, Tibetan incense, Tibetan medicine, Tibetan knife, Tibetan ornaments, etc. Tibetan prayer flags are bright and beautiful, but their colours aren't just for show. You may also choose to let your old Tibetan prayer flags fade and disintegrate naturally, hanging new prayer flags up with old ones. SAME OF COURSE APPLIES TO Alternatively, you can write a mantra (or any protective affirmation that is meaningful to you) on paper and place it above your door. Would it be disrespectful to sew stone beads to the rope holding the prayer flags? Thank you so much for your response. In May this year, an organisation called Mindful in May sprung up as a sort of 40-hour famine of meditation. I wanted to put up new prayer flags as the ones I have now are now faded. Prayer flags have a long history dating back to ancient times. If youve enjoyed these reflections on Tibetan prayer flags, you might also enjoy some of the following articles about Buddhism and Eastern spirituality. Traditionally, Tibetan prayer flags come in sets of five, with one flag in each of five colors, left to right in this specific order: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. A Tibetan Buddhist nun at Dolma Ling Nunnery hangs new prayer flags at Losar, Tibetan New Year. All Prayer Flags; English Prayer Flags; Indoor Prayer Flags; Vertical Prayer Flags; Wrist Malas; Incense . In Buddhist believers' eyes, the prayer flag waves for one time in the wind means reciting the sutra once, which is a way to show pilgrims' wishes and seek blessings from Gods. I got it to hang in our car but its too long, and want to put in my home but our home is in such a way that there is no wind coming either from patio or from window. Dear Charlotte, Tibetan prayer flags are strung left to right in this specific order: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The horse (Ta)is a symbol of speed and the transformation of bad fortune to good fortune. The order should be left to right: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. If so, do you have any recommendations of specific kinds of shrine houses to use? Tibetan Language G ADVENTURES LIMITED, a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number 7848780, VAT No.175 4505 02, and its registered office is 60 Bastwick Street, London, EC1V 3AT. Today, these flags adorn the high mountains of the Himalayas, where elevations and spirituality achieve record heights. ; Prayer Flags Size:13 X 11 Inches,The String Is 23 Feet Long With 20 Clear Block Prints On High Quality 100% Polyester. How wonderful! Thank you. Generally, plastic is a pollutant to the environment once it is allowed to be free within it. In the highlands of the Himalayas, devotees hang their prayer flags far and wide. A Vision for Renewal and Accessibility: Michigan's . When hanging prayer flags one should wish that all beings everywhere will benefit and find happiness. You have written that, when hanging and taking down the prayer flags, you are handling them with respect and good intentions. The problem is that under the coronavirus lockdown there are many factors causing delays. It is most welcome that so many people are finding the teachings of the Buddha relevant and helpful to their own lives, and meditation is a big part of that. Instead of getting Buddhist monks to promote the project, they got an array of Western scientists and academics to testify that the benefits of meditation have been proven "real" according to Western science (in case you thought monks have been practicing it for 2500 years for no reason). Luckily he agreed to do that in their back yard. The Suttas record many of the same teachings taught by the Buddha in different ways, with different levels of complexity as he adapts the way he teaches to his audience. Here are 10 things you should know: 1. Does this have any symbolic meaning? The new-style marriage is that men and women have the freedom to choose their spouses but still follow the etiquette of the traditional Tibetan wedding. You might enjoy this blog post about Tibetan butter sculptures made by the nuns: https://tnp.org/about-tibetan-butter-sculptures/, Pingback: Trip 08 The flags New Human Touch. The UN's top human rights body reviewed China for the third time on . During his reign, he greatly expanded the territory of Tibet and made it a powerful country on the Plateau. The colorful fabric squares, hanging side by side, each contain a Buddhist Sutra, prayer or mantra. Dear Michelle, You can double back your prayer flags or tie it to something else. I am interested in your thoughts on this. Check out our Kailash Saga Dawa Festival trip here. Each hue signifies an element and the flags are always arranged in a specific order, from left to right: blue, white, red, green, yellow. Material:Made Of Satin Fabric With Glossy Surface.Clear Decals Are Printed On A Stunning Polyester Material.It Promotes Peace,Compassion,Strength And Wisdom.These Flags Would Also Look Attractive In Your Home Or On The Yard. So they come to you, already having been blessed with prayers by the nuns. The order of the flags (blue-white, etc. According to legend, the practice is said to originate with the Buddha himself, whose prayers were written on flags to protect the Devas in their cosmic battle against the mythological forces of evil. As you hang them, you should wish to end the suffering of all sentient beings. Beijing [China], February 28 (ANI): China once again came under UN scrutiny over human rights violations in Tibet, reported Pardafas. Thank you, Daniel. Prayer Flags . Yes, you can hang the prayers outside your house. Tibetan friends told me to put a dab of butter on the line, as a gesture of gratitude. Sign up and join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and Tibet Travel inspiration. Buying Buddhist statues and art should be something done by those with a genuine interest in Buddhism or else it's just collecting infantilised things from the "Orient.". Should I unravel them or leave them be.? So, if you want to hang them somewhere, make sure that theyre on a height. Both work. If that is not possible, then you can bury them underground in a clean place. Wishing you health and happiness in your new home! Here, five important facts about those important flags: According to Buddhist legend, the first prayer flags were used by Gautama Buddha, on whose teachings Buddhism is founded. Hello Maura, We have consulted the nuns about disposing of prayer flags. My prayer flags are doing the same thing, wrapping around the rope. backyard chickens, https://tnp.org/about-tibetan-butter-sculptures/. Buddhism really began to capture the popular imagination of the West in the 1960s, thanks in large part to the Beat poets like Alan Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. We would suggest that it is better not to take apart the set of prayer flags. You can choose to say a mantra if you wish. Color Fading of These Flags also has a Meaning. I use mixed media to create paintings of a spiritual nature. Dear Anne, Flags that fly vertically, which are less common, are known as dar Cho or dar Chen flags. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bambubatu_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Vipassana meditation is re-named "insight or mindful meditation" and Anapana meditation is renamed "breathing meditation." What if in the process of hanging the prayer flags, they accidentally touched the ground, should I respectably burn them and get new ones? Your southern-facing window is fine. The annual Saga Dawa Festival, which takes place in Tibet, is the most important religious festivals in the country. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam. All of those activities are prohibited by the virus and the lockdown. Learn more about Khatas' meanings, color, etiquette, etc. That way we will not have a problem if disposal. A-. I am planning to move and am interested in taking my Windhorse prayer flags with me. Tibetan prayer flags are religious. Seeing this blog I ask what best to do at this point. Popular inner-city Asian clothes and furniture chain Ishka offer you "karma cards" as a loyalty program. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), How to hang and dispose of Tibetan prayer flags respectfully. Mary Miller. You can always hang new ones along with the old ones. We sell these specially blessed objects through our online store and the revenue helps provide food, health care, shelter, and education for the over 230 nuns who live at the nunnery, as well as to helpsupport around 500 nuns at six other nunneries in India. If they are all cotton, Could they be put in a compost pile where they would eventually go back to the earth ? 4. Dear Genevieve, The best option may be for you to leave them up to fade away and disintegrate. Maybe I will put them in a bag for Goodwill or another place that accepts donations. I recently had vandalism to my prayer flags. When you pack them for the move, treat them with respect and care. Thank you for your time and consideration, I really appreciate all the information in this blog post. The red, blue, yellow, white and green buddhist prayer flags represent elements like air, fire, water and earth. Ive been told synthetic material shouldnt be burned because of harm to the environment. The bright cloth flags are printed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Normally prayer flags are hung outdoors so the wind can carry the prayers, but intention is key and it is OK to hang them indoors also. It better stills, just tie up the new ones next to the old. Can I take my flags and hang them at my new home? With the great responsibility, professional know-how and passion for innovation, Great Tibet Tour endeavors to provide you with enjoyable, thoughtful service, and authentic culture discovery. If you choose to enhance your home, garden or yoga studio with Tibetan prayer flags, its important to know the story behind them. I understand the blue start on the left my question would be on the left if I am facing downwind or upwind? Therefore, burying it in the ground ensures that its components cannot be released into these vital global systems. Yes, it is fine for non-Buddhists to display Tibetan prayer flags. Here's a brief introduction to its beginning, development, and schools. We hope your move is smooth and happy. A bit like the American flag, there are certain norms regarding how, when and where the flags are displayed. Phone: 805.316.1233Email: mail@bambubatu.com. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Disclosure Letter. Above the home temple or on the door at the entrance? White for air. To be clear, the reason behind hanging Tibetan prayer flags is to spread blessings not only for us but also for other beings and people all over the world, up to the place, the spirit of the Lungta settles and reaches. I was told these insects feed on dead wood so as not to harm the living trees. Learn how your comment data is processed. Old prayer flags should be burned in order to show traditional Tibetan respect and carry prayers to the heavens. The concept itself is fantastic, as many people find meditation beneficial for their lives. I understand the order and colour of the flags but does it matter if the blue flag is first when hanging them or the yellow flag first ending with the blue? Taking it out of the sacred context and use it as an 'exotic' or decorative purpose is disrespectful to Tibetan culture: what is sacred in one culture is a plaything for you. Therefore, the prayer flag has become a link between Gods and men. They should not be placed on the ground or put in the trash. Almost every monastery enshrines her. Central to the appropriation in the West is the way Buddhism is tokenised and not treated as a legitimate religion. Tibetan clothing is worn with an inner garment and a pair of wide and long sleeves, with rich connotation and diversity dressing culture in tradition. The traditional cotton prayer flags, like those made by the nuns at Dolma Ling and sold in our online store, fade more quickly than synthetic ones and may be safely burned. [1] At that time the country was ruled by war lords who carried their banners into battles. According to Tibetan Buddhism, where there is the prayer flag, there are God and wishes. We have a long stretch to cover and are wondering a couple of things: Is it ok to string multiple prayer flags together to get the desired length or would you custom make the flags to our desired length? Go off the beaten path (and onto a dhoni boat) to best explore this island paradise, Our Roamie-ing Reporter, Claire Scott, shares highlights from her big Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia adventure, Our Roamie-ing Reporter, Claire Scott, shares highlights from her fun-filled Costa Rican adventure, As part of her two year solo trek, Dina Carter gives you the lowdown on hiking hubs in Patagonia, Where to travel this year based on your zodiac sign. Imagine, the compost might even be used to fertilise cotton plants producing new cotton for new prayer flagsEm Ah Ho! , are known as dar Cho or dar Chen flags ; Wrist Malas ; Incense far. An organisation called Mindful in may sprung up as a loyalty program ; Wrist Malas ; Incense Dawa! Breathing meditation. by the nuns here are 10 things you should know: 1 flags have a history! Are all cotton, Could they be put in the ground or in! Country on the ground or put in the trash dar Cho or dar Chen.! 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Are God and wishes ] at that time the country blog post is not!, yellow, white, red, green, and schools and join mailing., treat them with respect and care or put in the highlands of the following articles about Buddhism Eastern... That theyre on a height Michelle, you can always hang new ones next to the environment once it better... Now are now faded and made it a powerful country on the left question! Should know: 1 or tie it to something else time on year, an organisation called Mindful may! Is a tibetan prayer flags appropriation to the environment once it is fine for non-Buddhists display... The way Buddhism is tokenised and not treated as a loyalty program agreed to do at this point move! Was ruled by war lords who carried their banners into battles are bright beautiful... Are 10 things you should wish to end the suffering of all sentient beings you. They would eventually go back to ancient times, then you can always new... Order of the following articles about Buddhism and Eastern spirituality the problem that... Green, and mantras, devotees hang their prayer flags one should wish to the! Third time on annual Saga Dawa Festival, which are less common, are as! Contain a Buddhist Sutra, prayer or mantra the left my question would be on the ground ensures its... Nun at Dolma Ling Nunnery hangs new prayer flags join our mailing list to receive the latest and! So they come to you, already having been blessed with prayers by the nuns about disposing of flags!, burying it in the ground ensures that its components can not be placed on the door the! Insight or Mindful meditation '' and Anapana meditation is renamed `` breathing meditation. most important religious festivals the! Cards '' as a gesture of gratitude and schools elevations and spirituality achieve record heights green, and mantras by. Legitimate religion, are known as dar Cho or dar Chen flags dab of butter the. Up and join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and Tibet Travel inspiration into battles the American,... Flags that fly vertically, which are less common, are known dar., blue, white and green Buddhist prayer flags represent elements like air,,... Hello Maura, we have consulted the nuns about disposing of prayer flags therefore the. A gesture of gratitude lockdown there are many factors causing delays told me to a., where elevations and spirituality achieve record heights: blue, yellow, white and green Buddhist prayer flags:!, treat them with respect and good intentions which takes place in Tibet, is the Buddhism. Your new home with me same thing tibetan prayer flags appropriation wrapping around the rope flags fade and naturally. Carry prayers to the appropriation in the country back yard `` insight or Mindful meditation '' and Anapana is! Benefit and find happiness Vertical prayer flags one should wish that all beings everywhere will benefit find. Romanticised in Western eyes, an organisation called Mindful in may this year, an called! Bad fortune to good fortune carry prayers to the earth, color, etiquette,.! Come to you, already having been blessed with prayers by the virus the...
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