Meaning of Prayer Flags in Nepal
25 Mar 2019 NEG
Nepal is regionally categorized into 3 different ways- Himali, Pahadi, and Terai region and each different region present many different cultures, religions, and eccentricities of Nepal, likewise Himali region is a popular Region of Buddies religion to see Prayer Flags in Mountains of Nepal almost every single resting point. Meaning of Prayer Flags in Nepal represent several meaning which are interrelated with Hinduism and Buddhism.
The prayer flag is a rectangular cloth of various colors which is found in Tibetan areas and high peaks in the Himalayas. The main use of a prayer flag is for promoting peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The prayer flag consists of various unique symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. It is firmly believed the prayer flag brings happiness, long life, and prosperity to the flag planter which is the main reason that most of the Tibetan Buddhists from centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and many places of spiritual practice.
During the era of the Cultural Revolution prayer flags were hugely discouraged but not entirely vanished. Many traditional styles were lost at that time and now the current prayer flags across the Tibetan regions found are of 2 main types. One is the horizontal one, known as Lung ta which means Wind Horse. The second one is a vertical one, known as Darchor which means flagstaff.
The traditional practice of prayer flags involves 5 dynamic colors in 1 set. The arrangements of the colors are done from left to right in a managed way: Blue, White, Red, Green, and Yellow. Different colors represent different elements. Blue symbols sky and space, white symbols air and wind, red symbols fire, green symbols water, and yellow symbols earth. The flag consists of 4 powerful animals in each of the corners of the flag. The dragon, the Garuda, the tiger, and the snow lion
The Tibetans have got a strong belief that the prayers and mantras will certainly be blown by the wind for spreading goodwill and peace into all places. The flag needs to be hung at the best time which is in the morning on sunny, windy days. Tibetans believe if the flags are hung on inauspicious days then it results in bad news as long as they are flying. In the day of Tibetan New Year, old prayer flags are replaced by new ones annually. As the symbols and mantras present in prayer flags are sacred they are never placed on the ground or used for any clothing purposes. The old flags are burned
There are some frequently asked questions about Buddhist prayer flags which are as bellows:
What is the meaning of Buddhist prayer flags?
The all different colors of prayer flags got meaning says Wisdom, compassion, peace, strength, and holy monks. There is some misunderstanding that the flags carry you to Gods, somewhat the Buddhist people believe that the Buddhist mantras & Religious prayers will be speared by the air to space, However, the prayer flag symbolized the major essential things which are compulsorily needed for the spices in the planet.
- Blue color means- Sky
- Yellow means- An Earth
- Green means: Water
- Red meas -fire,
- White means- Air
Can I hang the prayer flag along the trekking route and passes in the mountain of Nepal?
yes, for sure you can hang the prayer flag along the trekking route in the Himalayas of Nepal but it is suggested to hang the prayer flag around the villages, Suspension bridges, Mountain passes, Stupa & around the Memorial area but don’t put the flag on the floor or in a very low land touching to the floor as it is disrespectful.
Why prayer flags always hanging in high places?
The religious buddies people believe that if they hang that prayer flag on high places such as mountains, bridges, and passes of mountain means they could bliss the Surroundings universe and also when there is the wind blows through the flags than holy mantras “Om Mane Padme Hum “ of the flag fly all around the planet makes peaceful.
Where do you find Prayer flags in Nepal?
The prayer flags are easily available almost everywhere in Nepal, you can buy them, in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and also around all trekking routes in Nepal. There are few sizes of prayer flags you can buy and the price determines accordingly the size of it, however, a roll of Prayer flag cost $1 to $2 US.
Meaning of “Om Mani Padme Hum”
Om means: sacred syllable
Mani means: Jewel
Padme means: Lotus
Hum means: Spirit of enlightenment
The meaning of this mantra does not have a specific meaning; it’s all about the combination of important Things such as compassion, durability, ethics, patience, meticulousness, and perception.
4 thoughts on “Meaning of Prayer Flags in Nepal”
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I was curious always with those many colors of prayer flags when i saw in television but after this useful blog reading i knew what it is and why they use it so thank you author.
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