Prayer Flags of Bhutan
Prayer flags are synonymous with Bhutan. Found fluttering not only from monasteries, chortens (or stupas) and temples, but also adorning bridges, roads and the summit of every mountain peak, they add splashes of joyous colour to the rugged landscape.
But for the Bhutanese, prayer flags are considered sacred and holy. Made from piece of loosely woven cotton, each element carries meaning.
The five colours represent the five elements of nature – earth, fire, water, air and sky – and often also the five basic emotions (joy, fear, sadness, disgust and anger).
The meaning of the colours (thanks to the Daily Bhutan)
1. White (air) - Good fortune and purifying negative karma (Vajrasattva)
2. Blue (sky/space) - Health and longevity (Tsa La Nam Sum)
3. Yellow (earth) - Victory over obstacles (Gyaltsan Semo)
4. Green (water) - Compassion (Praise to the 21 Taras)
5. Red (fire) - Wish fulfilment (Sampa Lundrup)
The horse that features at the centre of almost all prayer flags is Lung-ta, or Wind horse. Symbolising speed and good fortune, Lung-ta is depicted bearing three flaming jewels on its back. These represent the Buddha, the Buddhist teachings and the Buddhist community and each one carries a wish. Surrounding the horse are roughly 20 mantras, each dedicated to a particular deity. There are also prayers for the long life and good fortune of the person who erects the flag.
The positioning of the prayer flags is equally symbolic. The people of Bhutan believe that prayers are released with every flutter of their flags and carried to the heavens on the winds. The more a flag flaps, the greater its divine value. The vivid colours of the flag fade in the sunlight which is considered a good omen – a sign that the prayer has been carried to the heavens.
There are several different types of prayer flag – here is a guide to some that you will see while you are in Bhutan.
Lungdhar is a colourful rectangle or square flag hung along a horizontal or vertical string or hoisted on a wooden pole.
Dachog are tall, vertical flags attached to poles placed in the ground
Goendhar are rectangular white flags edged with red, green, blue and yellow ribbons and can be seen fluttering from the centre of the roofs of Bhutanese homes. They bring blessings to the family.
Gyeltshen Tsemo is a cylindrical banner printed with mantras and inscribed with eight auspicious signs. Symbolising victory, a Gyeltshen Tsemo is sometimes raised at the end of archery contests.
Mani are plain white flags raised after someone has died.
Prayer flags are always raised with intention. Our holidays to Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon include the chance to take part in this ritual. As you do so, you might like to keep in mind this saying:
May all sentient beings everywhere receive benefit and find happiness.