Tibetan prayer flag gate in Maixiu (Qinghai province, China)
N 35° 15.619 E 101° 55.743
47S E 766470 N 3905846
This nice traditional Tibetan prayers flag gate is marking the entrance into territory of Maixiu village in Qinghai province (Former Amdo - a part of Tibetan kingdom; China).
Waymark Code: WM6B54
Location: China
Date Posted: 05/06/2009
Views: 3
Gates and poles covered by thousands of prayer (or sutra...) flags are typical manifestation of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism). This type of gate is marking the entrance into Tibetan village.
Prayer flags are a colorful panels or rectangular clothes often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Tibetan people areas to bless the surrounding countryside or for other purposes. Unknown in other branches of Buddhism, prayer flags are believed to have originated with Bön, which predated Buddhism in Tibet. Traditionally they are woodblock-printed with religious texts (sutras)and images.
Traditionally, prayer flags on poles or gates are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception, rather the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.
By hanging flags in high places the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras.
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.