|
Prayer flags are cloth printed with formulas of mantra designed to benefit beings in different ways, such as removing obstacles, granting long life, giving good fortune, and so on. They can be blue, white, red, yellow or green. People may put up prayer flags of the five colors alternating or of only one color - according to the astrologer's recommendations. As the wind blows the prayers are carried into the environment and any beings that meet the air or breathe in that air are blessed. In Palpung Sherabling there are 15ft prayer flag poles that run beside the stupas, and prayer flags can be seen there and also at the monk's retreat center.
In general there are two different kinds of prayer flag called, in Tibetan, Lung Ta & Jo Dar.
LUNG TA
Lung Ta are mainly offered to increase people's spirit, success and luck. Lung Ta normally have a horse in the middle, and in the 4 corners are the four majestic mystical animals; the snow-lion, garuda, dragon & tiger. Which represent the four human and four heavenly qualities of a majestic human being.
JUR DAR
Jo Dar are made to increase merit. Jo Dar have prayers or mantras printed on them. No images of animals or birds, only Tibetan text.
TOP
|