Materials: Color printing, Polyester, Buddha and Bodhisattva mantras

Size: Approximately 18.5" x 13.5" / Five panels

Description:

The printed flags include the following deities:

 

Medicine Buddha for health and well-being

 

Avalokitesvara for compassion and bodhicitta

 

Guru Kumarajiva for love and relationships

 

Green Tara for energy

 

Manjushri for wisdom.

 

The Pegasus flag, also known as the Wind Horse flag or prayer flag, is an important prayer implement in Tibetan Buddhism. Its origins can be traced 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 related to two classic events, which emphasize its extraordinary merit in eliminating obstacles and increasing merit.

 

1. The Story of the Seriously Ill King:

 

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

 

2. **The Story of the Asuras and 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 extraordinary merits of the celestial horse flags, and the Asuras, following the instructions, released the celestial horse flags from high above the battlefield. The flags fluttered in the wind, bringing blessings and enabling the Asuras to turn defeat into victory. Later, while the Buddha was in the Thirty-three Heavens, at the request of Indra, he again expounded in detail on the benefits of the Celestial Horse Flag, emphasizing its ability to quell war and increase wisdom and merit.

 

These stories first appear in the tantric texts of Tibetan Buddhism and in the traditions of Bon (the indigenous Tibetan religion). Bon considers the wind horse flag a primitive ritual tool used to pray for the protection of the wind and horse gods, and later incorporated it into Buddhism. Wind horse flags typically use 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 concepts of compassion.

 

When to Use the Celestial Horse Flag

 

The use of the Celestial 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 Prayers and Obstacle Removal**: When an individual or family experiences illness, career setbacks, family discord, or low fortune, releasing the Tianma flag can 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 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 well-ventilated, elevated locations. Traditionally, these flags are used to pray for the end of war, disaster relief, and when pilgrims are crossing mountain passes, symbolizing the overcoming of obstacles.

 

**Modern Applications**: Tibetan Buddhists around the world also use it for new home openings, business openings, and environmental protection prayers (such as those aimed at combating climate change), with the merits spread by the wind benefiting nature and all living beings.

 

In short, the principle of using it is to "be sincere and willing, and the wind will help you achieve your goal." It is suitable for any occasion where you need to increase positive energy and dispel 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 to benefit all beings. Detailed steps and precautions are provided below:

 

1. **Materials Preparation**:

- Tianma Flags are typically long, strips of cloth. A set consists of approximately 10-20 flags, ranging in length from 1-2 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 emblazoned with Tibetan mantras and images of wind horses (a horse carrying a precious jewel galloping through the wind symbolizes the swift spread of merit).

 

2. **Laying 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 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 exclusive wind horse prayer: "Om Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hum" (inviting the wind horse for blessings).

- **Dedication**: After suspending, 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 may be placed (such as the 100,000 flags in the story of the king). If a flag is worn or damaged, it can be burned and dedicated, but 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. It 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 a flag if you harbor evil thoughts or are 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 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 blessings.