It certainly is a tiring afternoon from work, but I agreed to help my brother with his theology subject. It was about how people from different religions worshipped their god or gods for whatever matter. Sure, yeah, most of the other religions would offer songs and dances. Some would have a festival, with all the grandeurs of good food, colorful clothing, colorful pennant streamers on the streets, and a really long prayer.
But what really caught my attention is the kind of offering the Tibetan Buddhists as a form of prayer. They were flags, of different sizes and shapes.
What makes those
Tibetan flags so interesting is that they are inscribed with auspicious symbols. They have prayers and mantras inscribed with the symbols. For centuries, those prayer flags were hung outside their homes and sacred places. It is said that as these flags are carried by the wind, they also carry a good aura for the rest of the country. These flags bring happiness, longevity and a prosperous life to the one who planted the flag and those who were living near that person. It reminds believers about compassion, kindness, courage, among many others.
Just by hanging those flags in high places, it can carry the blessings to everyone. The Mantras are said to sanctify the air as it passes over the flags. The prayers inscribed in the flag etch a permanent mark on the universe, the prints slowly fade because of the strong winds.
The fading of the prints on the prayer
flags are significant to me, because it reminds me of the fact that in this life, it's always a cycle of living and dying. We should be able to accept the fact that anything can change in a blink of an eye. And we can only hope for better days. And we should be able to see the greater role we have to play in life.
by:
The Flagman
