Tibetan Prayer Flags
- retrofuturist
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Tibetan Prayer Flags
Greetings,
I've received some Tibetan prayer flags as a gift, and I was wondering if there are any protocols for hanging them up? Possibly there is some auspicious or inauspicious way to go about it? Where would be a suitable place to hang them? Traditionally they're hung up outdoors, yes? etc.
Metta,
Retro.
I've received some Tibetan prayer flags as a gift, and I was wondering if there are any protocols for hanging them up? Possibly there is some auspicious or inauspicious way to go about it? Where would be a suitable place to hang them? Traditionally they're hung up outdoors, yes? etc.
Metta,
Retro.
Live in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.
- KathyLauren
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Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Hi, Retro. Traditionally, they are hung outdoors, in a place where they are highly visible, and preferably where they will catch a lot of wind. The wind blows the prayers and blessings from the flags to sentient beings elsewhere, so the more wind, the better. That is why they are often seen at mountain passes in the Himalayas.
Om mani padme hum
Keith
Om mani padme hum
Keith
Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
retrofuturist wrote:Greetings,
I've received some Tibetan prayer flags as a gift, and I was wondering if there are any protocols for hanging them up? Possibly there is some auspicious or inauspicious way to go about it? Where would be a suitable place to hang them? Traditionally they're hung up outdoors, yes? etc.
Metta,
Retro.
Hi Retro
Here is a link which you might find useful regarding when to hang Prayer Flags
Also, taken from wiki:-
regards,Symbolism and Tradition
Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.
By hanging flags in high places the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras.
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.
Timing of Hanging and Taking Down
Some believe that if the flags are hung on inauspicious astrological dates, they may bring negative results for as long as they are flying.
The best times to put up new prayer flags are in the mornings on sunny, windy days.
rt
- retrofuturist
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Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Thanks for the info!
Metta,
Retro.
Metta,
Retro.
Live in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.
Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
I would like to know a little more about prayer flags. How does the symbology work?
Sergeant Schultz knew everything there was to know.
Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Here are mine.
All the passerbys get to see them.
- retrofuturist
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Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Greetings,
I'm a bit worried that hanging them up publicly in the area I live might be a bit of an invitation for people to vandalize the house or something... so I'll have to keep that in mind.
Metta,
Retro.
I'm a bit worried that hanging them up publicly in the area I live might be a bit of an invitation for people to vandalize the house or something... so I'll have to keep that in mind.
Metta,
Retro.
Live in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.
Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
A neighbour might show up out of nowhere too and say, "Hey I didn't know you were Buddhist! Me too! You want to come over for dinner sometime?"retrofuturist wrote:Greetings,
I'm a bit worried that hanging them up publicly in the area I live might be a bit of an invitation for people to vandalize the house or something... so I'll have to keep that in mind.
Metta,
Retro.
Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
So you just put a prayer on a piece of cloth and fly it? Or is there more to it?
Sergeant Schultz knew everything there was to know.
- retrofuturist
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Re: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Greetings,
I've managed to find somewhere for them that seems to have a moderate balance of:
- Traditional / intended location
- Not annoying the wife
- Somewhat visible to passers by (especially in Winter)
- ... but not enough to get the house targeted.
May there be auspiciousness!
Thanks again for the recommendations.
Metta,
Retro.
I've managed to find somewhere for them that seems to have a moderate balance of:
- Traditional / intended location
- Not annoying the wife
- Somewhat visible to passers by (especially in Winter)
- ... but not enough to get the house targeted.
May there be auspiciousness!
Thanks again for the recommendations.
Metta,
Retro.
Live in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.