Materials: Color print, coarse woven cloth, Buddha statue, mantra

Dimensions: Approximately 50x30cm x 5 panels

Description:

Wind is the natural element of the horse. When a horse gallops, the wind rises to meet it. Scripture is carried by the wind. In Tibet, prayer flags are also called "wind horse flags." Tibetan medicine and astrology 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 all obstacles caused by illness, disasters, evil, and astral 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 the 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 Prayer Flag, is an important prayer instrument in Tibetan Buddhism. Its origins can be traced back to stories from India during the lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha. According to Tibetan Buddhist legends and scriptures, the origin of the Celestial Horse Flag is primarily related 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, who explained that this was due to the king's karmic obstacles from past lives, not simply karmic force but external obstacles. The Buddha advised the king to release (hang) 100,000 Celestial Horse Flags in a clean place over seven days and dedicate them with devotion 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 blessings also came to those around him. Since then, the Celestial Horse Flag has become a convenient method for combating illness, karma, and obstacles.

2. The story of the war between the Asuras and the Devas:

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

These stories were first found in the tantric texts of Tibetan Buddhism and in the Bon tradition (an indigenous Tibetan religion). Bon considered the wind horse flag a primitive ritual tool used to invoke the protection of the wind and horse gods, and it was later incorporated 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 and mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), as well as totems (such as a wind horse, symbolizing a swift wind horse carrying scriptures in all directions). Their design blends the shamanic elements of Bon religion with the Buddhist ideal of compassion.

When to Use the Sky Horse Flag

The use of the Sky Horse Flag is often associated with Tibetan Buddhist prayer rituals, emphasizing the placement of the flag in locations where "wind flows smoothly and benefits all beings" to maximize merit. Common occasions include:

- **Daily Prayer and Obstacle Removal**: When an individual or family experiences illness, career setbacks, family discord, or low fortune, the Sky Horse Flag can be used to overcome karmic obstacles and increase blessings. It 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) in the Tibetan calendar, or temple smoke offerings and pilgrimages. At these times, celestial horse flags are collectively released 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 those with good ventilation and elevated locations. Traditionally, these flags were used to pray for the end of war, disaster relief, and for pilgrims crossing mountain passes, symbolizing the overcoming of obstacles.

- **Modern Applications**: Among Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, these flags are also used at new home openings, business openings, and environmental prayers (such as those combating climate change), with the merits spread by the wind benefiting nature and all living beings.

In short, the principle of "sincere and sincere intentions, and the wind will help you achieve your goal" applies to 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 is to "hang and dedicate the merits of the sutras," allowing the wind to carry them and spread the merits, benefiting all sentient beings. Below are the detailed steps and precautions:

1. **Materials**:

- Tianma flags are typically long, strips of cloth, with a set of approximately 10-20 flags, ranging in length from 1-2 meters. The five colors are arranged in order: white (east, symbolizing dakinis), 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 a wind horse pattern (a horse carrying a precious pearl galloping in the wind, symbolizing the swift spread of merit).

2. **Casting Procedure**:

- **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 fly freely. - **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 offerings to amplify the effect.

- **Quantity and Frequency**: Traditionally, at least one set (10 flags) is recommended. In cases of severe obstacles, more flags can be placed (such as the 100,000 flags in the king's story). If worn, flags can be burned and dedicated; discarding is not recommended.

3. **Merits and Taboos**:

- **Merits**: As the flags flutter in the wind, the merits of the mantra and sutra spread freely like the wind, purifying the environment, protecting the person who places the flags and all sentient beings, and bringing 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 a flag with evil thoughts or if it is unclean; do not hang the flag upside down or step on it; choose modern printed flags from authentic temples and avoid commercial imitations.

The Tianma flag is not only a religious tool but also a symbol of Tibetan culture, embodying the philosophy of "compassion follows the wind, and blessings are boundless." If you wish to release the 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 discarded, please wrap it in a separate garbage bag before disposal.