String of 10 Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags representing the Five Basic Elements.
These are traditional Buddhist prayer flags that have been translated from Sanskrit into English. They depict Lungta (The Wind Horse,) Green Tara, Medicine Buddhas and Chenrezig (the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas). Each flag has a detailed screen print on cotton in the five elemental colours representing the sky and space, air and wind, fire, water, and finally earth.
Each flag measures 25 x 25cm (9.8in)
Overall length approx 300cm (approx 10ft)
Made in Nepal
The practice of hanging prayer flags goes back thousands of years to the Bon tradition which pre-dates Buddhism. It was a shamanic medicinal practice to help bring balance to the ancient elements that the colours of the flags represent. It is said that this balance can be achieved both internally, bringing health to mind and body, and externally by bringing harmony to the environment. In fact the Tibetan word for prayer flags is Dar Cho, “Dar” means to increase life, fortune, health and wealth. “Cho” means all sentient beings.
Prayer Flags can be hung both inside to increase harmony and spiritual awareness or outside (the higher the better) to benefit the environment and all beings touched by the wind. It is important to remember that prayer flags should be treated with respect as they contain sacred text and symbols. When hanging the flags it is also important to have the correct intentions: “May all beings benefit” rather than something self-motivated: "I will benefit."
