Tibetan Prayer Flags are believed to be beneficial to those in their vicinity, offering protection against dangers and evil, and invoking compassion, harmony, peace, wisdom and strength. Flown throughout the Himalayas, they are often seen at bridges, crossroads, holy sites, temples, rooftops, mountain summits or anywhere the prayers may meet the wind. The Tibetan name for prayer flag is Darcho. Dar means to increase life, fortune, health and wealth, and cho refers to all sentient beings. Lung-ta is the Tibetan word for 'Wind horse', and is also the name for prayer flags which hang horizontally. The five different flag colors have many meanings in Tibetan Buddhism, including the five directions, the five wisdoms, the five meditation Buddhas, the five mental attributes, and the the five physical elements ~ blue sky, white cloud, red fire, green water, and yellow earth. The flags naturally fade as they are exposed to the elements, and traditionally, are replaced during the Tibetan New Year.

Windhorse

In the center is the Windhorse, evoking power, the subduer of evil, and the vehicle of enlightenment. The Windhorse (Tibetan Lung-ta) carrys three jewels on its back. The three jewels represent the Buddha, the Buddha Dharma, and the Sangha, or community of Buddhist monks. Upper left is the Kyung, or Garuda, the destroyer of evil. Upper right is the Druk or dragon, whose roar cuts through the fog of ignorance, the prime obstacle on the path to enlightenment. Lower left is the Senge or snowlion, a symbol of bravery. Lower right is the Tag or tiger, who depicts strength and confidence which one must possess to follow the path and become one with the Dharma.

Windhorse Buddha

Windhorse prayer flags showing the five traditional windhorse figures as well as Buddha in the "earth-touching" Shakyamuni mudra, and a Buddhist stupa. Literally 'relic shrines', stupas are holy sites for remembering the Buddha or where devotees can venerate sacred remains or objects to gain merit, karma. Windhorse Tibetan prayer flags that show the figure of Buddha at the top center and a stupa at the bottom center. In the center is the Windhorse, evoking power, the subduer of evil, and the vehicle of enlightenment. The Windhorse (Tibetan Lung-ta) carrys three jewels on its back. The three jewels represent the Buddha, the Buddha Dharma, and the Sangha, or community of Buddhist monks.

Health and Longevity

Tsa La Nam Sum, Health and Longevity prayer flags with a short version of the Buddha’s Long Life Sutra along with prayers and mantras for health and long life. Amitayus, the Buddha of Limitless Life is in the center of the flag. The other two long life Deities shown are White TaraVijaya, for victorious protection.

Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet through the building of Samye monastery in 8 c.e. He is shown seated on a lotus with his right hand outstretched, holding a vajra - symbol of compassion and skilful means. His left hand holds a skullcup and long-life vase brimming with nectar, showing his realisation of wisdom and emptiness. His tri-coloured robes (white, red and blue) show his attainment of the three vehicles. Padmasambhava was a Siddha, a realized tantric master. In Tibet he is revered, his name means "Precious Teacher".

Goddess Tara

Amidst prayers to the various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of Tibetan Buddhism, is the central figure of Tara, mankinds saviour and protector across the ocean of existence. She is said to have been born from a single tear of Avoloketshevara, the Boddhisatva of eternal compassion, and as such, she is seen as a symbol of understanding and compassion. Her love for living beings and her desire to save them from suffering on their journey to enlightenment is said to be stronger than a mother's love of her child. Through the eyes in her forehead, palms, and soles she is able to see all human pain.

Five Designs

Strings of twenty-five flags showing all five of the above designs: Windhorse, Windhorse with figure of Buddha and a stupa, Tsa La Nam Sum Health and Longevity prayers, Guru Rinpoche, and Goddess Tara.