What are Prayer Flags?

While many have the impression that Buddhism is a religion not known for its icons and symbols, this is not an accurate assessment. There are many components to the worship of Buddhism that are integrated into its worship. One such item is that of the prayer flag. In fact, so common is the prayer flag in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the defining symbolic item that clearly displays a Buddhist place of worship or the home of a practitioner of Buddhism.

So, what are prayer flags and what is their purpose? The following overview may provide some insight into these questions…

Prayer flags are commonly found in Tibet and they are usually employed to decorate monasteries and homes. (These are not the exclusive domains for the flags as mountain passes can be ado
ed with such flags as well) In general, these flags are symbolic of Buddhist worship but there are other specialized purposes to the acquisition and display of these flags. Actually, the origin of the flags predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet. Specially designed flags were commonly flown for both good luck and for prosperity. With the integration of Buddhist worship in Tibetan society, the flags began to be incorporated into the iconography of Buddhism.

In some ways, Buddhist prayer flags aid in integrating many elements of the natural world into the human conceptualization of how Buddhism should be acknowledged. How is this so? Basically, the flags represent human theories and emotions that are spread through the world via the elements. In particular, the element of wind is what aids in spreading the message of Tibetan Buddhism.

How is this achieved? Basically, mantras are drawn into the flags which are hung on homes and temples. As the wind blows through the flag, it is believed that the wind will ‘pick up’ the words on the flag and spread them throughout the world. Wherever the wind blows, the words and sentiments of the mantras will be carried. Considering the positive nature of the mantras, this is a good thing because feelings of prosperity and enlightenment would be carried throughout the world. Or at least that is the prime intention.

Please do not assume, however, that the flags are minimalist in design and creation. They are not merely drapes with words scrawled on them. In reality, many of these outstanding prayer flags are designed with true artistry. This makes the most artistic of flags impressive to behold. This is why many purchase such flags because they make truly outstanding decorations. Perhaps one of the best benefits of these flags is that even if you only purchase them for decorative reasons, the mantra printed on them can still be effectively carried with the wind. Consider that a ‘fringe benefit’ of having the prayer flag’s attractive appeal to the decorative minded that might not be totally aware of the religious undertones.

It is also wise to point out that the recipients of the benefits of a prayer flag are not just those in far off lands where the wind blows the mantras, prayers, and invocations. The person that hangs a prayer flag in his/her home is said to be the recipient of good luck and other such positive results. This could be because the person hanging the flag becomes a member of the perpetual cycle of promoting the true spirit of belief and enlightenment through the world.

There is a proper way in which to display such prayer flags. First and foremost, flags are – flags. Some may used them as door mats or even towels and this is a very disrespectful use of such a holy item. Rather than employ the flags in such a way, it is best to stick with traditional and have the flags placed in their original traditional manner.

That is, you will want to hang them horizontally from ropes or fasten them to poles for vertical display. As you can assuredly tell, such displays will aid in the wind traveling through them and spreading their mantras throughout the land. Again, the key is to display these Tibetan prayer flags in the proper manner so that they are treated with respect and can deliver on their intended result.

These flags also come in various colors with the five most common being red, white, green, yellow, and blue. Each of these colors possess their own symbolism with blue referring to space; white referring to air; yellow being symbolic of the earth; green being the representation of water; and white symbolizing fire. The integration of the natural elements of the world can also be considered a fusion of the flags, the flag bearer, and the natural world all being one with one another.

Yes, there is far more to these prayer flags than their mere decorative value. A closer look at these prayer reveals the depth of their symbolism and intent.