Buddhist Prayer Flags: Significance and Colour Meanings

Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the Himalayan wind are a common sight on mountaintops, stupas, monasteries, and hiking trails in Nepal. They carry deep spiritual meaning, spreading blessings, compassion, and wisdom to all beings.

How to Hang Prayer Flags

Buddhist prayer flags are vibrant rectangular cloths used to bless the surrounding area. The tradition likely originated with Bonpo shamans of Tibet, who initially used plain flags in bright primary colors. Texts and symbols were added later using woodblock printing.

Tibetans and other Buddhists believe the prayers and symbols on these flags are carried by the wind, spreading kindness and benevolence across the universe. Over time, exposure to sunlight, wind, and rain causes the flags to fade, symbolizing the impermanence of life. Old flags are continuously replaced with new ones, reflecting the ongoing cycle of life and renewal of intentions.

Types of Buddhist Prayer Flags

Prayer flags are primarily categorized into two types:

Horizontal Flags (Lung ta)

Also called Wind Horse flags, Lung ta are square or rectangular flags attached along the upper edge to a rope. They are hung diagonally between two points, such as mountain passes, rooftops, or stupas.

Vertical Flags (Darchog)

Darchog flags are large vertical rectangles mounted on poles. They are often placed in the ground, on mountain peaks, or on rooftops.

Buddhist Prayer Flags: Colour Meanings

The five traditional colors of prayer flags represent the Five Elements:

• Blue: Sky and space

• White: Air and wind

• Red: Fire

• Green: Water

• Yellow: Earth

These colors also correspond to the Five Pure Lights, promoting balance, wellbeing, and peaceful coexistence. Flags are adorned with auspicious symbols and prayers to enhance these qualities.

Symbols, Tradition, and Prayers

At the center of a prayer flag is typically a Lung ta (wind horse) carrying three flaming jewels (Ratna), symbolizing the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Around it are mantras and prayers from revered Buddhist Bodhisattvas like Padmasambhava, Avalokitesvara, and Manjusri.

Each corner often depicts the Four Dignities: dragon, garuda, tiger, and snow lion. The mantra OM MANI PADME HUM carries profound spiritual meaning:

• OM: Body, speech, and mind purification

• MANI: Compassion and love

• PADME: Wisdom

• HUM: Stability and unchangeability

Additional prayers for longevity, prosperity, and wellbeing may also be included.

Things to Remember

• Prayer flags should be handled with reverence; they are sacred.

• Old flags are replaced on special occasions like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) or Buddha Jayanti, typically burned to honor their sanctity.

• Flags do not require one to be Buddhist, but should be hung with good intentions. Spiritual efficacy increases when one wishes benefit for all beings, rather than personal gain.