Therapy with a sound bowl
Regarding the sound bowls, it should be noted that the name bowl is misleading, as it starts from the form and not the function. In a sacred sense, the sounding bowl can be considered a special kind of so-called standing bell. The classification of bells has an acoustic basis, since these bowls behave in the same way as bells during the sound release, i.e. the maximum vibration and vibrato can be observed near the edge.
These bells are usually really bowl-shaped. Depending on the purpose of use, their size can range from a diameter of a few centimeters to a diameter approaching one meter. Traditional sounding bowls were not used as musical instruments in Nepal before. For thousands of years, they were part of traditional kitchen equipment used to serve food, measure grain, prepare traditional medicines and concoctions, offer food to the gods, and so on. In Himalayan communities, metal bowls were widely used for serving food because it was believed that the minerals and iron contained in the metal would be absorbed into the food and thereby provide the required amount of key minerals. This was especially true for expectant mothers, because according to their belief, food eaten from metal bowls helps to keep both the mother and the unborn child healthy and strengthen their immune system. Traditionally, after giving birth, the mother was served a meal made of rice, milk and sugar cane in a metal bowl, the purpose of which was to replace the iron loss suffered during pregnancy and childbirth. Travelers to some regions of Nepal can still find areas where food is served in metal bowls.
In the rural regions of Nepal, metal bowls and utensils symbolized family and community wealth. The number and quality of metal bowls and dishes presented to the bride during the wedding ceremony was considered a status symbol in both the Buddhist and Hindu communities of Nepal.
In these regions, Buddhist monks visited the surrounding families with a metal bowl, asking for alms and eating it together at the end of the collecting tour. On these bowls different forms of representation of Buddha appeared and with this the bowl found its place outside the kitchen. Its social, cultural and spiritual significance has changed and grown. During the use for a purpose other than the kitchen, it turned out that some of the bowls had a magical sound, which laid the foundation for the beginning of a new era.
Although according to their original function, the bowls served meditation and personal spiritual purposes in addition to their domestic use, a few decades ago it was discovered that the sounds emitted by the bowls are also suitable for therapeutic use. With this scientifically established fact, the international career of sound bowls began.
The therapeutic effect of sound bowls is due to the sound they emit and the vibration they create. The deep and strong sound vibration frequency emitted by the bowls quickly reaches the cellular level of the human body. The vibration creates various waves that create calmness and peace. On a physical level, these vibrations are known to stimulate blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, veins and muscles, allowing blockages to open and tense body parts to relax, without the bowl actually coming into contact with their surface. Long-lasting harmonic sound eliminates external distractions, allows the mind to focus and helps the body generate a flow of positive energy and thoughts within itself. The combination of sound and vibration relaxes the body, relieves pain and provides an experience of peace for the body and mind. This is one of the reasons why sound bowls are also used for meditation purposes. Sometimes the sound of the sound bowl is accompanied by other sounds and chanting to make the effect even better.
Legend has it that in ancient times Tibetan healing masters developed a technique that was able to purify the water and make it suitable for healing and treating the sick. Others say that ancient spiritual masters were able to use the reverberation of the bowl to transport their meditative being into another dimension.
Based on tantric philosophy, the masters of the singing bowl relate the sounds of the singing bowl to the seven planets, which correspond to the seven chakras. The purpose of this is that the person who receives the sound and vibration of the bowl can receive them in a space between a normal self and a cosmic self, which helps him to loosen rigid physical and psychological limitations, thereby enabling the maximum use of the benefits from sound therapy.
Sound bowls have countless beneficial effects, from supporting the maintenance of good health, helping to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing support towards a more positive outlook on life, relieving anxiety, and all the way to helping to reduce acute and chronic pain. More and more people worldwide are discovering this positive effect. The effects of the bowls are constantly being tested and examined by researchers, musicians and those dealing with spiritual teachings. Their beneficial effect has already been proven several times in healthcare institutions - hospitals, cancer treatment centers and hospices.
The significance of the sound bowl depends on its user. For the seeker of spirituality, the sound bowl is a tool for creating a cosmic connection, for the practitioner of sound therapy, it is a tool for slow but progressive healing, for the musician, it is a tool with which he can create beautiful overtones, while for a doctor or researcher, it is an alternative healing tool that helps can be used in the treatment of diseases for which we do not yet know the cure.
The possibilities for the therapeutic use of sound bowls are endless. In doing so, whoever performs the therapy must know the bowl they are using, its reaction and the sounds and vibrations it emits. It is also very important to make the appropriate preparations, assess the available space, prepare the necessary tools and think through the technique used during the therapy in order for the healing energy to have the best possible effect during the procedure.
During the preparations, the therapist must reach the level where he can emit positive energy and vibrations. It is important to maintain natural energy, a fresh mind and a healthy body. This is especially important because a large amount of physical and mental energy is used up each time during the therapy. Since during therapy a very strong relationship is created between the therapist and the patient, it is therefore very important to follow the basic rules.
To illustrate how a simple sound therapy works, here is an outline of a basic sound therapy procedure for aura cleansing and protection against negative energies:
1./ We can achieve the best results if we apply this procedure in the morning
2./ The patient should sit on the floor with his legs crossed and try to find a comfortable position
3./ The therapist should start repeating the selected mantra
4./ The therapist should take a deep breath and relax all the muscles and joints. Raise the bowl to chest height and begin the therapy.
5./ The therapist can use a bat to create the sound or make the sound bowl sound with his clenched hands.
6./ When the sound has reached the desired volume and vibration, the bowl should be slowly raised in front of the third eye chakra, held there for 1-2 seconds, then moved to one side of the head, held there for 1-2 seconds, then brought back to its original position and hold there for 1-2 seconds. After that, the same thing must be repeated in the other direction. After that, the bowl should be moved slowly in the direction of the sacral chakra, where the accumulated negative energies leave the body. Here, you have to hold the bowl a little longer so that you have time to absorb the outgoing negative energies. This process must be repeated until the sound of the bowl resonates.
7./ When the sound dies down, the therapist brings the bowl back to chest height, sounds it again and repeats the procedure.
8./ For complete success, this procedure must be repeated a total of three times.
For the patient, this procedure means complete refreshment and he will be able to go through even the most difficult day with a positive attitude and positive energy.
In our online store, you can find both machine-made and hand-made sound bowls: take your pick!
https://www.nepaliproducts. com/collections/tibeti- soundboards
The third chakra: Solar Plexus, Navel Chakra or Manipura Chakra
The navel chakra is responsible for self-confidence, or the lack of it, self-esteem, self-reliance, independence or lack of independence, self-acceptance and the strength of our personality. Fear of loneliness, insecurity, addictions, attachments, lack of mental strength, dependence on the recognition of others, violence and dominance, hypersensitivity and not seeing the meaning of life can also be linked to this chakra. Any digestive system problem, stomach, liver, spleen, gall bladder, nervous system, pancreas, diabetes, exhaustion, and excess weight in the abdomen can all be assigned to this chakra.
Questions for ourselves : (if any point touches you, it is worth dealing with your navel chakra)
-What is our task in this world?
- Why were we born?
-What is our relationship with ourselves?
-What spiritual, emotional or physical addictions do we have?
-What or who do we cling to?
-What are our relationships with others like?
-Are we able to represent ourselves?
-We are broken, are we moody?
-Are we satisfied with our lives?
- Do we have energy for everything?
- Do we want to meet others or society's expectations?
Property:
The chakra of the abdominal nerve center is related to the intensity of our feelings and our personal power. The self-image, the chakra of self-esteem. The balance of personal feelings ensures that we think clearly and are confident. When out of balance, anger becomes a place of temper.
Its location: two fingers above the navel, opens forward.
Body parts: waist, abdominal cavity, digestive system, stomach, liver, gall bladder, spleen, autonomic nervous system
Minerals: tiger's eye, topaz, amber, citrine
Color : yellow to golden yellow
Mental illnesses of the navel chakra:
-I often lose control over my emotions
- I find it difficult to convey my will, I have a hard time taking criticism
- I am prone to fear, I struggle with nightmares and sleep disorders
- my stomach is often hard and crampy
- all the strain and stress goes to my stomach
- I regularly struggle with digestive problems and stomachaches
-I have balance disorders and eating problems
Physical diseases of the navel chakra: abdominal pain, intestinal tumor, diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, indigestion, anorexia, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diseases of the colon.
Sound therapy : the form of music: the third chakra is activated by fiery rhythms. The harmonious interplay of orchestral music is very suitable for balancing the solar plexus. In case of excessive functioning, it is recommended to listen to any relaxing and soothing music.
TASK: LEARNING TO RULE OUR EMOTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM, FURTHER TO CONTROL LUST AND WILL, HANDLING AGGRESSION, EXERCISING POWER, LEARNING SUBMISSION.
The second chakra: sacral, sex chakra or swadhisthana chakra
The sex chakra is responsible for the enjoyment of life, relationship problems, emotional problems, fears, sexual problems, and all family patterns, brokenness experienced in the family, parental patterns can be assigned to this chakra. Any injury experienced in a human relationship blocks the functioning of this chakra. The topics of acceptance, purification, expressing and suppressing emotions, and emotional balance enter our lives through the second chakra.
Questions for yourself: (if you touch any point, it is worth dealing with your sex chakra)
- Do I live in abundance, is my life characterized by joy and fulfillment, or do suffering and martyrdom emerge in certain areas of my life?
-Do you regret something?
- Are you complaining?
- Do you believe that your destiny is earned happiness and not unhappiness?
Attribute: Associated with strength and will. Its healing removes the disordered feeling of helplessness and the need for dominance over the other. If it is in balance, we can control our lives and use our power for the common good.
Intimacy, senses, energy level, appetite.
Its location : between the genitals and the navel, it is connected to the sacrum and opens forward.
Body parts : pelvic area: genitals, kidney, bladder, body fluids of all kinds (blood, lymph, digestive juices, semen), sacral section of the spine, pelvis, female cycles, bladder, excretion.
Minerals: aventurine, amber, citrine, moonstone, jasper, carnelian, topaz.
Color : orange
Mental illnesses of the sacral chakra:
- I have sexual problems, I often have a feeling of dissatisfaction
- I lack the joy of life and vitality
- I find it difficult to be creative, I lack creative power, I often feel blocked
-I would like to experience more pleasure and passion
-I react very jealously when my partner flirts with someone else
- often hurts around my sacrum, there is tension in my lower back
- I am prone to various pelvic diseases, such as bladder or kidney inflammation, prostate problems or menstrual disorders
Physical diseases of the sacral chakra : pelvic pain, urination problems, lower back, sciatic nerve (sciatica), sexual disorders
Harmonious functioning: creation, creativity, fertility, richness of emotions, sensuality, enthusiasm, not afraid to show your feelings, creative energy, productivity, sensitivity, satisfaction, high performance, strong emotional expression.
Overactive: emotionally unbalanced, fantasizing, impressionable, sexually overheated.
Dysfunction: repressed, restrained emotions, callousness, lack of self-confidence, hypersensitivity, too strict with oneself and others, jealousy, loneliness.
Sound therapy : the form of music: any kind of percussive music that radiates the joy of life helps when activating the second chakra. This also includes folk dances with snare rhythms and couple dances, as well as any music that moves our emotions. The singing of birds, the gurgling of natural water, but also the gentle gurgling of a room fountain have a positive effect on calming and harmonizing the sacral chakra.
TASK: LEARNING TO MASTER OUR DESIRE
More about malachites:
A mala is more than just a fashionable necklace. Mala beads help you find peace of body, soul and mind, which is why so many people are instinctively drawn to mala beads. In everyday life, we wear mala beads as a reminder, the touch of which helps calm the mind during everyday trials.
Originally, the mala was a counting device used in the practice of meditation. The mala usually consists of 108 beads and a final, larger so-called guru eye, which can also be called "sumeru", "bindu", "stupa" and the "guru bead". Counting should always be started with the next bead and in the Vedic tradition this special bead is not crossed, but instead the direction of counting is reversed.
Mala beads can be made from precious stones, semi-precious stones, crystals, wood, bone or rudraksha seeds, all of which carry certain energies. Wearing a mala as a necklace or bracelet helps show the power of its material, but its primary purpose is to aid meditation. The beads help the meditator to count. Counting is done using the thumb and forefinger, it is a sign of disrespect if the beads touch the middle finger.
We often see malas that have three additional eyes that are different from the others. These divide the mala into four parts of 27 grains each. It is said that there are many reasons why the mala has 108 beads. One of these is that the 100 eyes of the mala symbolize the ancient pure 100 peaceful and wrathful deities within us, and the number 8 the eight bodhisattva levels before our enlightenment. The closing eye embodies enlightenment.
But according to other sources, this number can also symbolize that 108 energy lines lead to the heart chakra, and that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth, and the distance between the two celestial bodies is 108 times the diameter of the sun.
Since it is an important part of Tibetan Buddhist practice to repeat certain mantras thousands or even hundreds of thousands of times, mentally or aloud, it is useful to use a mala when counting prayers, which helps in counting, acts like a spiritual abacus. When using the mala, the user usually repeats the most common mantras such as "Om mani padme hum", "Om tare tuttare ture soha" or "Om muni muni maha munize soha".
Traditionally, during meditation, we move the eyes with our thumbs. In this way, one eye per mantra is spun through the index finger. When we reach the closing stitch, we turn the mala in the other direction, starting a new round. This symbolizes that the bodhisattva, when he attains enlightenment, returns to the conditioned world to help all beings and lead them to enlightenment.
In Tibetan culture, there are basically no strict rules for counting malas and mantras. Everyone does it a little differently. It is generally recommended to use the mala with the left hand, but some Tibetans perform the exercises with the right hand. There are generally accepted ways of using the mala, but these are less important than intention and prayer. If you repeat the mantra with a pure heart while using the mala, then you are doing the right thing.
The best motivation when using the mala is that every time we reach the 108th bead, we deeply feel that we have reached enlightenment. In this way, when we move backwards in the crumbing of the pearls, we continue with the knowledge that as noble bodhisattvas we repeat the mantras for the benefit of beings. This strengthens the bodhicitta, the consciousness of enlightenment.
Sometimes two counters are placed on the mala, which consist of a short cord and small rings attached to it. One is decorated with a dorge, the other with a bell. These serve as an extra help in counting the mantras spoken, since after each round we can move a ring to the other end of the string.
Malas can be used for different activities:
- healing: a mala made of wood and seeds is recommended for these
-bringer of abundance: a mala made of precious stones is recommended
- protective activity: turquoise or rudraksha mala is recommended
The 27 mesh wrist mala can also be used just as effectively, since 4x 27 is 108.
Malas are not only worn by Buddhists, anyone can wear them. It's no coincidence that you like a mala made of a particular stone/stone combination, since the given mineral solves the happenings of the current external and internal world, or even helps to achieve and maintain healthy, loving, happy states.
How to choose mala?
Are you looking for the perfect mala, but don't know how to choose? There's no wrong way to choose your mule, but there are a few considerations that can help you choose.
If you can't choose a mala because there is too much information or you like several, simply listen to your intuition and you will make the right decision. You just have to love it and use it!
In almost every religion, we can find various symbols and representations of flowers, the reason being that these flowers often emerge from the dirt and mud and still remain clean, thus expressing the essence of the religion. The defining flower symbol of Buddhism is the lotus, which is able to be reborn perfectly clean in the morning from the dark, muddy water, which is why the lotus flower symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening and loyalty.
Just as a flower lifts its beautiful flower out of dark, mud-contaminated water and conquers with its irresistible beauty, so a person can rise from the darkness of the world to a new level of thinking and lifestyle. Therefore, this flower is a symbol of rebirth, it represents the growth and purification of the spirit and at the same time faith. It shows that it is possible to emerge from the dark, problem-laden world and the most hopeless environment and create harmony and peace within ourselves.
In Buddhism, the lotus represents the following virtues:
The stage of growth of the lotus flower refers to the stage of enlightenment: the closed flower or bud symbolizes the time when a Buddhist finds the path to enlightenment, while the fully open flower symbolizes enlightenment. That is why Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are often depicted sitting or standing on an open lotus flower.
The eight petals of the lotus represent the Noble Eightfold Path, which is one of the Buddha's most important teachings. By following this path, we reach the awakening of ourselves, and the factors of which are:
The lotus flower is depicted with different colors and each color has a different meaning:
Blue lotus: symbolizes the victory of the spirit, wisdom and common sense. In Buddhist art, it is always depicted half-open, its center is never visible, which means that one must constantly strive to learn, to acquire wisdom in order to achieve enlightenment.
White lotus: symbolizes the state of spiritual purity and spiritual perfection, as well as the heart of the Buddhas and the conqueror of the obstacles of human nature.
Purple lotus: represents mysticism and spirituality. It is also depicted as an open flower and a bud.
Pink lotus: this is the supreme lotus and is considered the true lotus of the Buddha, it symbolizes the Buddha himself, His history and legends.
Red lotus: associated with the heart, symbolizing love, the bonds of the heart and compassion. It is usually depicted as an open flower, symbolizing an open and loving heart.
Golden Lotus: the symbol of complete and total enlightenment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E3IeW0vpAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=78&v=JbeRRAvaEOw
The power of the mandala has been known for centuries in Eastern cultures. It was considered a highly complex map of the cosmos. A mandala is a symbolic mental image that, when meditated upon, can result in deep inner transformation.
The origin of the mandala is the center, which is a point. It is a symbol that is apparently dimensionless. A gathering point that draws in external energies and lets its own energies unfold, thus representing external and internal spaces.
The point is the result of the lines used in the creation of the mandala, which create different geometric shapes. The circle represents dynamic knowledge, the outer square represents the physical world. The middle area is the abode of the deities.
There is a long way to go before someone gets permission to work on a mandala. In doing so, you must memorize the symbols, their combinations and possible locations and acquire the technical knowledge that is essential to create mandalas. You should also learn the philosophical and spiritual content of each symbol and how it can be applied in the creation of a mandala. It is important to note that the mandala is specifically based on scriptural texts. The art of creating a mandala is very complex, learning the related knowledge takes years. The reason for this is not only the acquisition of technical knowledge, but also the learning of appropriate attention and concentration, since the painter conveys the Buddha's teachings through the mandala. Since the mandala contains the instructions given by the Buddha to achieve enlightenment, the creator must strive for purity of motivation and perfection in his work.
Painting a mandala is not only an artistic activity, but also a form of worship. During its creation, the deepest intuitions of Buddhism are crystallized and reflected as spiritual art on the created work. The design of the mandala ensures the continuity of spatial experiences, and also shows that the concept precedes the form.
Not only the form is crucial when painting a mandala, but also the colors used. The five basic colors used in mandala painting are white, yellow, red, green and dark blue. Each color represents one of the five transcendental Buddhas, associated with the five delusions of human nature. These delusions obscure our true nature, but through meditation they can become the wisdom of the five Buddhas:
• White - Vairocana: The delusion of ignorance becomes the wisdom of reality.
• Yellow - Ratnasambhava: The disappointment of pride becomes the wisdom of equanimity.
• Red - Amitabha: The disappointment of attachment becomes the wisdom of discrimination.
• Green - Amoghasiddhi: The deception of jealousy becomes the wisdom of realization.
• Blue - Akshobhya: The deception of anger becomes the mirror of wisdom.
However, mandalas do not only use these five basic colors, there is a much wider range of colors that can be used, each of which has its own meaning.
- White: relief, perfection, compassion, calm.
- Black: secret, intuition, insight, rebirth.
- Grey: spiritual healing, gentleness, love, loyalty.
- Yellow: friendliness, receptiveness, nature, intelligence.
- Blue: satisfaction, relaxation, harmony, peace, good health
- Fire red: fearlessness, power, change, love.
- Crimson: love of humanity, idealism, wisdom.
- Pink: sensitivity, "inner" healing, universal healing.
- Orange: self-control, vitality, ambition, intuition.
- Green: growth, trust, connection, healing, calm.
- Brown: closeness to the earth, stability, conscious attachment to the environment.
- Silver: supernatural abilities, overflowing emotions, well-being.
Visualizing the mandala concept is one of the most significant factors in Buddhism. Mandalas are considered sacred places that, through their presence in the world, remind us of the sacredness of the universe. In the Buddhist way, the purpose of the mandala is to end human suffering and to know reality correctly. The mandala is also a means for the meditator to discover that the divinity resides within one's own self.
Different types of mandalas have different meanings, each speaking to the meditator in a different way.
Kalachakra Mandala
The word Kalachakra means the wheel of time, the cycles of time. This mandala is a symbolic representation of many aspects of the Kalachakra Tantra. The Kalachakra Tantra belongs to the highest class of Tantras, the Anuttarayoga Tantras, and is a profound system of Buddhist teaching and practice. It includes three aspects: the outer Kalachakra, which symbolizes the environment of the world, the sun, the moon and the cycles of the planets, the inner Kalachakra, which symbolizes the sentient beings living in the universe, the cycles of death and birth, while the alternative Kalachakra, the individual the practice of purification performed by
The symbolic representation and graphic structure of the Kalachakra Mandala is different from other mandalas. This is the last philosophy of the Dalai Lama, which suggests that time flies quickly, has no beginning and no end. The mandala depicts the stupa from above, where the circles surrounding the stupa form the cosmos, expressing wisdom, space, air, water, fire and earth.
The mandala depicts a total of 536 deities, but we can also see 12 animals within the outer walls, which symbolize the 12 months. Each animal carries a 28-petalled lotus flower, on which a deity is placed, and in the center is a pair of deities representing the new moon and the full moon.
The perfect square shape of the central motif symbolizes the absolute place of wisdom. This rectangular structure has four elaborate gates. These four doors symbolize the union of the four boundless thoughts, namely loving-kindness, compassion, sympathy and equality.
Buddha eye mandala
In Buddhism, there are two types of eyes: the first is the inner eye or the eye of wisdom, which sees the world of Dharma, which is also called the third eye of the Buddha, while the other is called the outer eye, with which we see the outer world. The inner eye, characteristic of tantric deities, is a direct vision of the unity of ultimate reality, which exists simultaneously in the symbol of the eye of the Buddha with the two outer eyes, which see the dualistic, relative world of human beings. The winding line between the eyes is the Sanskrit number 1, which symbolizes the unity of all things.
Om mani padme hum mandala
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the repetition of the mantra Om mani padme hum or Om mani peme hung invokes the benevolent attention and blessings of the deities and helps to embody compassion. The written form of the mantra has the same effect as the oral form. One of the clearest forms of written form is the mandala, which helps even the uninitiated to reach a higher quality. The mantra can be recited freely by anyone, it does not require the prior initiation of a Buddhist master.
This mantra is very simple to repeat, but nevertheless has a deep meaning. Each of the six syllables has its own meaning:
Om cleanses you of the neurotic attachment to happiness and pride that afflicts those who exist in the world of the gods;
the blessing of the syllable Ma helps to achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, promotes the practice of pure ethics;
Ni promotes the practice of patience (waiting) and patience (tolerating others);
Pe, the fourth syllable, helps to perfect endurance;
Me helps with concentration;
the last sixth syllable, Hung, helps in practicing wisdom.
According to the 14th Dalai Lama Tendzin Gyaco, the syllable Om symbolizes the impure body, speech and thinking of the worshiper, but also the pure body, speech and thinking of the Buddha. The following four syllables show the true way. Mani means jewel and symbolizes the method: the ancient intention of enlightenment, compassion and love. Peme means lotus and symbolizes wisdom. Simplicity can be achieved through the undivided unity of regularity and wisdom. Indivisibility is symbolized by the last syllable, Hung. So the six syllables of Om Mani Peme Hung mean that by practicing the path of undivided regularity and wisdom, we can transform our own impure body, speech and thought into the pure body, speech and thought of the Buddha.
How to meditate with the mandala?
When you use a mandala for meditation, choose one that has caught your attention very deeply. Meditation is very much about concentration, so find a quiet place away from noise and other distractions before using your chosen mandala. Try to dissolve in the calm atmosphere around you, quiet your mind and take slow, deep breaths.
1. Position yourself facing the selected mandala. Sit comfortably on a chair with your feet on the floor or with your legs crossed on a cushion.
2. Inhale slowly and deeply from your diaphragm as you quiet and empty your mind.
3. Gently look at the mandala while relaxing your eyes so that the image slowly fades.
4. Sitting quietly, focus on the image and let its shapes, patterns, and colors begin to work in the unconscious mind. If disturbing thoughts arise, let them drift away and gently bring your attention back to the mandala.
5. When you have finished meditating, slowly bring your attention back to your surroundings.
The duration of the first meditations should be at least 5 minutes, try to gradually increase this to 15 minutes.
Om mani peme hung
Prayer flags are simple tools that, combined with the natural energy of the wind, quietly harmonize the environment, generating happiness and good luck. Many people think that prayer flags are praying to God, but this is not true. Tibetans believe that the wind absorbs the prayers and mantras on the prayer flags and radiates goodwill and compassion to the environment.
The history of prayer flags dates back to ancient times. Shamanistic Bonpo priests used different colored cloths in healing ceremonies. Each color corresponded to a primary element – earth, water, fire, air, space. According to Eastern medicine, the harmony of these five elements maintains balance in the human body and the environment. The colorful flags placed around the patient were intended to help the patient find physical and mental health.
Colored flags were also used to appease local gods and spirits. According to their belief, it was thus possible to prevent them from causing natural disasters and diseases. Appeasing the gods and spirits through rites and sacrifices was the way to appease nature and obtain divine blessings according to the Bonpo priests.
It is not known whether the Bonpo priests wrote words on the flags. Pre-Buddhist religion was basically based on oral tradition, literacy was limited. On the other hand, the term "bonpo" means "one who utters magical formulas", so it is likely that sacred symbols were painted on the flags. Some of the symbols seen on Buddhist prayer flags are undoubtedly of Bonpo origin.
Originally, the images and text on the flags were hand-painted, but a technique discovered in China in the 15th century - printing carved images and text on blocks of wood - allowed the same image and writing to be applied to the flags and allowed the original design to be passed down from generation to generation. .
Famous Buddhist masters designed most of the prayer flags, and local artisans made copies, but they did not create new designs. Nowadays, we know relatively few basic models whose history goes back thousands of years. The range of images and texts printed on flags has expanded over time, but there hasn't really been any change in the flag production process in the past 500 years. Most flags are still printed in the traditional way, using patterns carved on wood blocks.
There are two types of prayer flags:
• Lung ta (horizontal) prayer flags are square or rectangular, with the shorter side tied on a string. They are usually stretched between two objects in high places such as churches, monasteries, columns and mountain crossings.
• Darchog (vertical) prayer flags are usually large straight rectangles attached to poles in vertical order. Darchog is often planted in the ground, in mountains, near rock piles and on roofs. "Dar" means increase in life, luck, health and wealth. "Chog": all sentient beings.
Everything - from the color to the figures and words on the flag - has a deeper meaning. Flags traditionally consist of five different colors that must be connected to each other in a specific order. Each color represents each element, in a certain order;
• blue for the sky and space
• white the air and the wind
• the fire is red
• green the water
• yellow the earth
In addition, they show directions - North, South, East, West and Center.
Good motivation is important when placing prayer flags. The prayer flag should not be displayed with selfish or limiting thoughts. When placing the prayer flags it is important to think that all beings will benefit from it and find happiness, this motivation greatly increases the power of the prayers.
Prayer flags should never be still or lifeless. The reason they are raised above the roof is so that the wind can play with them. It is said that they emit positive spiritual vibrations and that their spiritual meaning is carried by the wind like a silent prayer. It is considered disrespectful if the flags touch the ground. Therefore, they should always be suspended in a high place.
Buddhists change prayer flags annually on Tibetan New Year's Day, but the flags can be displayed on other days as well. It is believed that sunny and windy days are the best days to display the flags. Some believe that placing prayer flags on inauspicious astrological dates can bring misfortune. Unfavorable dates in the near future October: 14, 30, November: 10, 25, December: 7, 22, January (2018): 2, 14, 17, 29, February (2018): 10
It is natural for prayer flags to fade over time, symbolizing the inevitable passing of all things. But with this fading, the prayers of the flag become a permanent part of the universe. Tibetans keep renewing their hopes by placing new flags next to the old ones. The new prayer flags can be hung above the old ones. The contrast between the old and new prayer flags reminds us of transience and the natural cycle of life and death. But the old flags can also be taken down and burned, so the rising smoke conveys good wishes to the environment.
The texts displayed on prayer flags can be broadly classified as mantras and sutras.
A mantra is a powerful syllable or a series of syllables or sounds that affect certain energy dimensions. The vibration of the mantra can control the invisible energies and occult forces that govern existence. The continuous repetition of mantras is a form of meditation in many Buddhist schools. The language of mantras is almost always Sanskrit - the ancient language of Hinduism and Buddhism. They are not really translatable; their inner meaning is beyond words. Probably the oldest Buddhist mantra, and still the most common among Tibetans, is Avalokiteshvara, the six-syllable mantra of the bodhisattva of compassion. OM MANI PADME HUM. Printed on the prayer flag, the mantra conveys the blessing of compassion to the six worldly realms.
The sutras are mostly from Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha who taught in India just over 2,500 years ago. Many sutras have long, medium and short versions. Prayer flags use medium or short versions.