Buddhist Prayer Flags

A prayer flag is a colorful flag often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes. There are two kinds of prayer flags: horizontal ones, called lung ta (meaning “Wind Horse”) in Tibetan, and the vertical Darchor. Dar translates as “to increase life, fortune, health and wealth”, and Cho translates as “all sentient beings”

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.

buddhist prayer flags swinging in wind near taglang la

One of my favourite photography subjects, colourful prayer flags fluttering and sending their constant prayers from the top of a pass.

prayer flags with sacred text near body gaya

colorful flags with sacred buddhist text

indus river in the foot hills of himalayas

sacred writings in the buddhist prayer flags

prayer flags all over the vulture peak

buddhist flags in leh valley

Prayer flags and the Old Fort high above Leh.

colorful buddhist prayer flags

We like to thank Photographers marksquared, wildxplorer, mckaysavage, Devil.Bunny, mikeemesser and प्रतीक for sharing their work.

By emperor • Arts, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir • 1 • Tags: , , ,