Prayer flags are 5 squares of fabric hung on a string. Each square is a different color representing the 5 elements. They are (in order of placement on the string): blue for sky/space; white for air/wind; red for fire; green for water; and yellow for earth. Printed on the flags are prayers and mantras to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom for all sentient beings throughout all of space. To fully understand the benefit of hanging prayer flags, we must first gain an understanding of lungta.
What is Lungta?
Lungta is a Tibetan word that literally translates to Wind (lung) Horse (ta). It is the energy of all potentiality, and resides in all sentient beings. Lungta is represented on Buddhist prayer flags as a horse, along with prayers and mantras promoting peace and harmony. In the same way that a horse carries a rider on its back, so too the prayers and mantras are carried by the wind to spread goodwill and compassion through all pervading space, and by doing so, revives the lungta of all beings. Lungta is the potential for good health, good fortune, happiness, peace and harmony for all sentient beings. And so, lungta and prayer flags go hand-in-hand.
Back to Prayer Flags
Hung in the open air, the wind that touches the flags makes its way throughout space touching all sentient beings and reviving lungta. Every time we feel a wind on our body, we can be certain that it is carrying rejuvenating benevolence and loving-kindness. The more tattered the flags become over time, the more that positivity has spread far and wide. When the flags finally are replaced by new flags, the old ones are burned so that the smoke continues to carry that goodwill.
How does this benefit me, my loved ones, and others?
Hanging prayer flags brings blessings to all sentient beings, as well as merit to those who sponsor or hang the flags. Flags can be hung for self, loved ones (living or deceased), or for all beings in general. In keeping with tradition, each year at the Garden of OneThousand Buddhas, the flags hung at the flag mound are replaced. People from all over the world have flags hung here for the benefit of all beings. This year the new flags will be hung in June and on June 18th will be the lungta ceremony which will be live-streamed on FaceBook Live. If you wish to have a flag(s) hung, you can donate for as many as you wish, and they will be hung before the ceremony. If you wish to include a dedication or name on the flag(s), let us know and we will write it on the flags before they are hung.
At this time in earth's history, we need peace, compassion and wisdom to flourish in our world. We can all play a part.
To purchase prayer flags for the Lungta ceremony in June, click the button below:
