Materials: Color printing, coarse woven cloth, Five Wealth Gods, Mantras

Dimensions: Approximately 18 x 13 cm x 5 panels

Description:

Five different designs are printed on five colors of polyester fabric and sewn onto horizontal display cords: Blue - Longevity Flag by Black Zambala (Black Wealth God), Whitehead Purification Flag by White Zambala (White Wealth God), Red - Wishful Filling Flag by Red Zambala (Red Wealth God), Greenland Magnetization Flag by Green Zambala (Green Wealth God), and Yellow - Abundance Flag by Yellow Zambala (Yellow Wealth God). They come pre-sewn with five flags. These are very insightful and last longer than most prayer flags, and their colors don't fade easily. The prayer flags are printed with sacred images of the aforementioned wealth gods, prayers, and mantras. It is said that anyone who touches their wind channel will carry the beneficial power of their prayers with them, thus bringing more wealth. Wind is the horse's natural element. When a horse gallops, the wind rises to meet it. Scriptures are carried by the wind, and in Tibet, prayer flags are also called "wind horse flags." Tibetan medicine and astrology both believe that human energy or coordination requires four elements: life, body, freedom, and luck. The wind horse itself symbolizes the positive energy generated by these four elements, which can eliminate disease, disaster, evil, and all obstacles caused by interstellar influences.

The wind horse flag itself embodies the body, speech, mind, merit, and deeds of all Buddhas. The five colors of the wind horse represent the cessation of the five poisons and the growth of the five wisdoms. When hung at the highest point, in order of blue, white, red, green, and yellow, good fortune is generated. It also symbolizes the five Buddhas and the five elements.

The celestial horse flag, also known as the wind horse flag or blessing flag, is an important prayer instrument in Tibetan Buddhism, its origins dating back to stories in India during the lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha. According to Tibetan Buddhist legends and scriptures, the origin of the Pegasus flag is primarily tied to two classic events, which emphasize its extraordinary merit in eliminating obstacles and increasing merit.

1. The Story of the King's Serious Illness:

During the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, a king in India fell seriously ill, and medical treatment was ineffective. He sought the Buddha's advice, and the Buddha explained that this was due to the karmic obstacles of the king's past lives, not simply karma itself, but external obstacles. The Buddha advised the king to release (or hang) 100,000 Pegasus flags in a clean place over seven days and dedicate them with a sincere heart to all living beings. The king followed his instructions, and the flags fluttered in the wind, spreading the merit of the scriptures far and wide. Not only was the king's illness immediately healed, but it also brought blessings to all living beings around him. From then on, the Pegasus flag became a convenient method for overcoming illness, karma, and obstacles.

2. The Story of the War between the Asuras and the Devas:

Another version of this story originates from the war between the Asuras and the Devas. The Asuras, repeatedly defeated, sought the Buddha's help. The Buddha expounded on the merits of the Celestial Horse Flag. Following this instruction, the Asura released the flag from a high point on the battlefield. The flag fluttered in the wind, bringing blessings and turning the Asura's defeat into victory. Later, while in the Thirty-three Heavens, at the request of Indra, the Buddha further expounded on the benefits of the Celestial Horse Flag, emphasizing its ability to quell conflict and increase wisdom and merit.

These stories first appear in the tantric texts of Tibetan Buddhism and in the traditions of Bon (the indigenous religion of Tibet). Bon considers the wind horse flag a primitive ritual tool used to invoke the protection of the wind and horse gods, and later incorporated it into Buddhism. Wind horse flags typically feature the five colors (white, red, green, yellow, and blue), symbolizing the Five Buddhas, the Five Wisdoms, and the transformation of the Five Aggregates. The flags are inscribed with scriptures, mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), and totems (such as the wind horse, symbolizing the swift wind horse carrying scriptures in all directions). Their design blends Bon shamanic elements with Buddhist ideals of compassion. When to Use the Tianma Flag

The timing of using the Tianma Flag is often related to Tibetan Buddhist prayer rituals, which emphasize releasing it in places where "wind flows smoothly and benefits all beings" to amplify merit. Common occasions include:

- **Daily Prayer and Obstacle Removal**: When an individual or family experiences illness, career setbacks, family discord, or low fortune, the Tianma Flag can be released to overcome karmic obstacles and increase blessings. This is particularly suitable for those recovering from a serious illness or disaster.

- **Festivals and Dharma Rituals**: Such as World Smoke Offering Day (around the 15th day of the fourth lunar month each year), temple smoke offerings, and pilgrimages. At these times, Tianma Flags are released collectively to pray for favorable weather, peace, and prosperity.

- **Special Locations and Events**: At sacred Tibetan sites (such as Mount Kailash), high mountain peaks, river mouths, road junctions, or windward locations, such as well-ventilated, elevated locations. Traditionally, it was used to pray for the end of war, for disaster relief, or for pilgrims crossing mountain passes, symbolizing the overcoming of obstacles.

- **Modern Application**: Among Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, it is also used at new home openings, business openings, and environmental protection prayers (such as those combating climate change), with the merits spread by the wind benefiting nature and sentient beings.

In short, the principle of using it is "sincerity and the wind will help you achieve success." It is suitable for any occasion that requires increasing positive energy and dispelling negative karma.

How to Use a Tianma Flag

Using a Tianma Flag is simple and convenient. The key lies in "hanging and dedicating the merits," allowing the wind to carry the merits of the sutras and spread them with the wind, benefiting all sentient beings. Below are the detailed steps and precautions:

1. **Materials Preparation**:

- Tianma Flags are typically long, strips of cloth, with a set of approximately 10-20 pieces, ranging in length from 1 to 2 meters. The five colors are arranged in order: white (east, symbolizing the Dakini), red (south, symbolizing growth), green (west, symbolizing harmony), yellow (north, symbolizing longevity), and blue (center, symbolizing wisdom).

- The flags are printed with Tibetan mantras and wind horse motifs (a horse carrying a precious jewel galloping in the wind symbolizes the swift spread of merit).

2. **Launching Steps**:

- **Site Selection**: Choose a high, well-ventilated location, such as a mountaintop, treetop, rooftop, or bridge. Avoid low-lying areas or areas with weak winds to ensure the flags flutter.

- **Hanging**: Use ropes to tie the flags in an east-west orientation (from east to west, clockwise), allowing them to flutter naturally in the wind. While hanging, chant a mantra, such as the Six-Syllable Mantra or the dedicated wind horse prayer: "Om Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hum" (to request the wind horse's blessing).

- **Dedication**: After placing the flags, sincerely dedicate the merit: "May this merit benefit all sentient beings, dispel obstacles, and increase merit and wisdom." This can be combined with chanting or smoke offering rituals to amplify the effect. **Quantity and Frequency**: Traditionally, at least one set (10 flags) is recommended. In cases of severe obstacles, more flags may be released (such as the 100,000 flags in the king's story). If worn, flags can be burned and dedicated to the deceased; they should not be discarded.

3. **Merits and Taboos**:

**Merits**: The flag moves with the wind, spreading the merits of the mantra and sutras freely like the wind. This purifies the environment, protects the person who releases it and all sentient beings, and brings health, longevity, and increased wisdom. Tibetan masters often say, "The merit of one flag is greater than a thousand sutras; when the wind blows in one place, blessings spread in all directions."

**Taboo**: Do not release flags with evil thoughts or impurities; do not hang the flag upside down or step on it; choose modern printed flags produced by authentic temples and avoid commercial imitations.

The Pegasus flag is not only a religious tool but also a symbol of Tibetan culture, embodying the philosophy of "compassion follows the wind, and merit is boundless." If you intend to release a flag yourself, it is recommended to consult a local master for guidance to receive the best blessing.

PS: Please keep the flag as clean as possible. If damaged, it is recommended to replace it immediately. Old and damaged flags can be cremated. If you need to discard it, please wrap it in a separate garbage bag before disposal.