Tibetan Prayer Flags: Tara, Animal, & Auspicious Symbol Styles

These silk-screened prayer flags, available in Tara, Animal, and Auspicious Symbol styles, are made by the Tibetan Nuns Project (TNP) in Dharamsala, India. TNP's sewing unit uses traditional silk-screening techniques, hand-printing flags one by one and then sewing them together in strings.

In Tibetan culture prayer flags are hung to promote good fortune and dispel danger. Along with traditional prayers printed in Tibetan script for peace, happiness, and well-being, images may include protective animals such as tiger, snow lion, garuda, and dragon; auspicious symbols such as conch, dorje, and tingsha; and important deities such as Tara.

The wind is meant to convey the prayers contained in the flags across the universe for the benefit of all. The practice of printing flags with prayers became popular in Tibet after the arrival of the Indian scholar Atisha in 1040 C.E. when the tradition of the Indian Victory Banner merged with the use of colored flags in Bon healing ceremonies. The five colors represent the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Air. Because the text and images on prayer flags are considered sacred, they should be disposed of in fire when no longer in use.

Established in 1987, Tibetan Nuns Project provides housing, health care, education, and freedom of religious practice for hundreds of Tibetan nuns fleeing persecution in Tibet. Over 700 nuns are supported by the Project.

Details:

Size: 

Tara: Individual flags: 11"h x 8"w, Full string: 4' l

Animal: Individual flags: 6"h x 4"w, Full string: 6' l

Symbol: Individual flags: 11"h x 8"w, Full string: 4' l

A Fair Trade product. 

All prices are in US dollars. 

Customers are responsible for any additional duties, customs, and/or sales tax.