Even though many have the impression that Buddhism is a religion not known because of its icons and symbols, this is not an accurate assessment. There are many elements to the worship of Buddhism that are integrated into its praise. One such item is that of the prayer flag. In fact , therefore common is the prayer flag in certain circles of Buddhism that the flag is the defining symbolic item that obviously displays a Buddhist place of worship or the home of the practitioner of Buddhism.

So , what are prayer flags and is their purpose? The following overview may provide a few insight into these questions...

Prayer flags are commonly present in Tibet and they are usually employed to decorate monasteries and houses. (These are not the exclusive domains for the flags since mountain passes can be adorned with such flags while well) In general, these flags are symbolic of Buddhist worship but there are other specialized purposes to the acquisition as well as display of these flags. Actually, the origin of the flags predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet. Specially created flags were commonly flown for both good luck as well as for prosperity. With the integration of Buddhist worship in Tibetan society, the flags began to be incorporated into the iconography associated with Buddhism.

In some ways, Buddhist prayer flags aid in combining many elements of the natural world into the human conceptualization of how Yoga should be acknowledged. How is this so? Basically, the red flags represent human theories and emotions that are spread with the world via the elements. In particular, the element of wind is exactly what aids in spreading the message of Tibetan Buddhism.

Exactly how is this achieved? Basically, mantras are drawn into the flags which are hung on homes and temples. As the blowing wind blows through the flag, it is believed that the wind will certainly 'pick up' the words on the flag and spread these throughout the world. Wherever the wind blows, the words and sentiments from the mantras will be carried. Considering the positive nature of the mantras, this is a good thing because feelings of prosperity and enlightenment would be carried throughout the world. Or at least that is the prime intention.

Make sure you do not assume, however , that the flags are minimalist within design and creation. They are not merely drapes with terms scrawled on them. In reality, many of these outstanding prayer flags operate on true artistry. This makes the most artistic of flags amazing to behold. This is why many purchase such flags simply because they make truly outstanding decorations. Perhaps one of the best benefits of these types of flags is that even if you only purchase them for ornamental reasons, the mantra printed on them can still be efficiently carried with the wind. Consider that a 'fringe benefit' of getting the prayer flag's attractive appeal to the decorative oriented that might not be totally aware of the religious undertones.

Additionally it is wise to point out that the recipients of the benefits of a plea flag are not just those in far off lands in which the wind blows the mantras, prayers, and invocations. The individual that hangs a prayer flag in his/her house is said to be the recipient of good luck and other such positive results. This might be because the person hanging the flag becomes a member of the particular perpetual cycle of promoting the true spirit of perception and enlightenment through the world.

There is a proper way in which to show such prayer flags. First and foremost, flags are - red flags. Some may used them as door mats and even towels and this is a very disrespectful use of such a holy product. Rather than employ the flags in such a way, it is best to stick with conventional and have the flags placed in their original traditional manner.

Which is, you will want to hang them horizontally from ropes or secure them to poles for vertical display. As you can assuredly inform, such displays will aid in the wind traveling through these people and spreading their mantras throughout the land. Again, it is very important to display these Tibetan prayer flags in the proper way so that they are treated with respect and can deliver on their meant result.

These flags also come in various colors with the five most typical being red, white, green, yellow, and blue. Each one of these colors possess their own symbolism with blue referring to area; white referring to air; yellow being symbolic of the planet; green being the representation of water; and white-colored symbolizing fire. The integration of the natural elements of the world may also be considered a fusion of the flags, the flag bearer, and the natural world all being one with one another.

Indeed, there is far more to these prayer flags than their simply decorative value. A closer look at these prayer reveals typically the depth of their symbolism and intent.