In 2014, I traveled to Nepal and embarked on a four week trekking adventure to the base camp of Mount Everest. During that time, so many amazing experiences unfolded! Some ranging in grand presentations, while others gently whispering in my ears for later realization. One of those subtle encounters included the observation of Tibetan Prayer Flags beautifully displayed throughout Nepal.

I was so inspired, one of the few items I bought while visiting Nepal was a set of Tibetan Prayer flags, in fact I acquired a few of them. Before hanging my own prayer flags along the front of my home, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding to why Tibetan Prayer Flags are so revered, even by those who are not practicing Buddhists. Below, I’ve provided some key insights that I’ve come across during my research.

Prayer Flag Brief History

Prayer Flag roots actually originate from India where sutras were created with woodblock-printed text and images on cloth. This knowledge was carried into Tibet by 800 CE, and the actual flags were introduced no later than 1040 CE, where they were further modified by Buddhist monks and nuns.

There are two main types of prayer Flags

Lung -ta: translates to "Wind Horse" in Tibetan. These prayer flags could be square or rectangular in shape. The flags come in a set of five and are connected with thread and hang horizontally. The image of the Windhorse is printed in the center of the prayer flags while along the outside corners you’ll the Four Dignities: garuda (wisdom), dragon (gentle power), tiger (confidence) and snow lion (fearless joy).

Dar Cho: translates as "to increase life, fortune, health and wealth to all sentient beings". These prayer flags are generally made of one large, rectangular cloth that is hung on a pole along the longest edge of the flag (like a vertical banner).

Symbolic Meaning of the Prayer Flags

In general, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The Tibetans believe the mantras are blown by the wind to spread good will and compassion universally into all living species and beings. It’s said as the wind passes over the surface of the flags, the air is cleared and blessed by the mantras.

It is said the prayer flags in general are fused with the six true words, Om Mani Padme Hum.

• Om- The sacred syllable - the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness

• Mani- Jewel

• Padme – Lotus 

• Hum – Spirit of enlightenment

It is a common practice to hang new prayer flags with old ones as this serves as a reminder with the impermanence and continuing cycles of birth and death.

Colors of prayer flags

The prayer flag colors represent the five elements; blue symbolizes the sky and space (either), white symbolizes the air and wind, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes earth. According to Traditional Tibetan medicine, health and harmony are produced through the balance of the five elements.

Just an FYI, while conducting research on prayer flag color symbolism, I found some sites switched around the color association between some of the elements.

Best Times Throughout The Year to Hang Prayer Flags

When hanging prayer flags it is very important to hold good intentions. In the simplest of terms, avoid hanging prayer flags if your in a bad mood. Energy flows, where attention goes.

In regard to particular dates in when to hang your prayer flags, in general the most common times throughout the year is during the Chinese New Year (lunar or solar) or Tibetan New Year (losar). It’s also recommended that you hang the prayer flags within the morning hours and preferably on a windy day.

Digging a bit deeper, according to Dharmashop.com, they provide a list of INAUSPICIOUS DATES in 2020 as when NOT to hang prayer flags. They recommend avoiding these listed dates you see below:

• March: 4, 16, 31

• April: 11, 27

• May: 8, 20, 23

• June: 15, 30

• July: 12, 27

• Aug: 7, 22

• Sep: 3, 15, 29

• Oct: 12, 26

• Nov: 7, 21

• Dec: 4,18, 30

• (2021) Jan: 11, 26

Letting go of Prayer Flags

Tibetan prayer flags will fade and disintegrate over time while being exposed to the natural elements. If you choose not to hang the old prayer flags with the new, it’s said you could burn the old prayer flags. However, you need to do so in a form of ceremony and with respect. Never throw your prayer flags into the garbage.

Feng Shui and TIBETAN Prayer Flags

In terms of Feng Shui, consultants recommend addressing the exterior of your home first (if able to) and then move your way inside. Why? The energy of the land is where it all begins and from there, it seeps into the rest of your home and self. For me, I personally resonate to the symbolic meaning, look and energy of Tibetan prayer flags. I have them carefully hang in front of my home and near my front door. On particularly windy days when I see them blowing about, I think to myself, look at how many blessings my family and I are receiving.

The design of the flags may not be for everyone, so you’ll have to decide if this is the look (in that sense) that you are going for. Either way, to have something thoughtfully placed by the front of your home that provides blessings and a sense of protection, is a wonderful Feng Shui addition to any home.

BTB Feng Shui Tip - to further enhance the energy of the prayer flags when hanging them, I invite you to implement the 3 Secrets Reinforcement taught by his high holiness grand master professor Lin Yun. The three secrets include, a sacred hand gesture (i.e. prayer position), reciting of a mantra or prayer (i.e. “Om Mani Padme Hum”), and envisioning / feeling the blessing already being received. This is done after hanging the prayer flags, standing within their presence and becoming conscious of ‘supercharging’ the energy of the flags.

Source:

• https://tnp.org/how-to-hang-and-dispose-of-prayer-flags/

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_flag

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_Horse

• http://www.thepeaceflagproject.org/historyoftibetanflags.htm