Materials: Woven fabric, Printed, God of Wealth Mantra

Dimensions: Approximately 12 x 8 cm

Description:

The Celestial Horse Flag, also known as the Wind Horse Flag or Prayer Flag, is an important auspicious 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 karma, but external obstacles. The Buddha advised the king to release (or hang) 100,000 Celestial Horse Flags in a clean place over seven days, dedicating the merit to all living beings with a sincere heart. The king followed the instructions, and the flag fluttered in the wind, spreading the merits of the sutra far and wide. Not only was the king's illness instantly cured, but it also brought blessings to all those around him. From then on, the Pegasus Flag became a convenient method for curing illness, karma, and obstacles.

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

Another version of the story originates from a war between the Asura and Devas realms. The Asuras, repeatedly defeated, sought help from the Buddha. The Buddha explained the extraordinary merits of the Pegasus Flag. The Asuras, following the instructions, released the Pegasus Flag from a high point on the battlefield. The flag fluttered in the wind, bringing blessings and turning their defeat into victory. Later, while in the Thirty-three Heavens, at the request of Indra, he further expounded on the benefits of the Pegasus 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 wind horse flags a primitive ritual tool used to pray for the protection of the wind and horse gods, and later integrated into Buddhist tradition. 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 the wind horse, symbolizing the swiftness of the wind horse carrying scriptures in all directions). Their design blends Bon shamanic elements with Buddhist ideals 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 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.