Difference between revisions of "Tibetan Lung Ta Wind Horse with Cintamani Jewel"
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[[File:Horse_cinntamani.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Horse_cinntamani.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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| − | This is an absolutely gorgeous and finely crafted [[Tibetan]] [[Lung Ta]] [[Wind Horse]] with [[Cintamani]] [[Jewel]] embellished with ornate trappings and [[jewels]] which add a {{Wiki|touch}} of opulence to this stunning figurine. Depicted in elegant mid-trot on an oval base, it has connotations of victory，nobility and [[success]], this magnificent [[animal]] is {{Wiki|synonymous}} with strength, speed and [[vitality]], whilst the wish fulfilling [[jewels]] on its back [[symbolize]] [[wealth]] and [[treasures]]. | + | This is an absolutely gorgeous and finely crafted [[Tibetan]] [[Lung Ta]] [[Wind Horse]] with [[Cintamani]] [[Jewel]] embellished with ornate trappings and [[jewels]] which add a {{Wiki|touch}} of opulence to this stunning figurine. Depicted in elegant mid-trot on an oval base, it has connotations of victory，nobility and [[success]], this magnificent [[animal]] is {{Wiki|synonymous}} with strength, {{Wiki|speed}} and [[vitality]], whilst the wish fulfilling [[jewels]] on its back [[symbolize]] [[wealth]] and [[treasures]]. |
[[File:Cakrasaṃvara-s.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Cakrasaṃvara-s.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Having its origin in the old [[Tibetan Buddhism]], [[Windhorse]] has several meanings in the [[Tibetan]] context. On the outer level, the [[Windhorse]] is a [[mythical]] creature that combines the speed of the [[wind]] and the strength of the [[horse]] to carry [[prayers]] from [[earth]] to the [[heavens]]. This gives rise to the [[Tibetan]] [[prayer flag]] being known as the [[Lung Ta]], which is [[Windhorse]] in [[Tibetan]]. [[Lung Ta]] is also associated with positive [[energy]] or [[life force]] and good [[luck]]. It is both the subjugator of [[evil]] and the [[vehicle]] of [[enlightenment]]. One interpretation holds that the [[Windhorse]] carries the [[Dharma]] teachings wherever the [[wind]] can reach, thereby making the teachings available to everyone. The [[Windhorse]] can also serve as a [[symbol]] for the alignment of [[conditions]] that give rise to good [[fortune]], [[luck]], and [[success]]. More profoundly the [[Windhorse]] represents the subtle-body [[energy]] system, discussed in the [[yogic]] [[tradition]], as the carrier of [[mind]] – pointing toward the potential for taming the [[mind]] through working with the [[energy]] of [[human]] [[embodiment]]. | + | Having its origin in the old [[Tibetan Buddhism]], [[Windhorse]] has several meanings in the [[Tibetan]] context. On the outer level, the [[Windhorse]] is a [[mythical]] creature that combines the {{Wiki|speed}} of the [[wind]] and the strength of the [[horse]] to carry [[prayers]] from [[earth]] to the [[heavens]]. This gives rise to the [[Tibetan]] [[prayer flag]] being known as the [[Lung Ta]], which is [[Windhorse]] in [[Tibetan]]. [[Lung Ta]] is also associated with positive [[energy]] or [[life force]] and good [[luck]]. It is both the subjugator of [[evil]] and the [[vehicle]] of [[enlightenment]]. One [[interpretation]] holds that the [[Windhorse]] carries the [[Dharma]] teachings wherever the [[wind]] can reach, thereby making the teachings available to everyone. The [[Windhorse]] can also serve as a [[symbol]] for the alignment of [[conditions]] that give rise to good [[fortune]], [[luck]], and [[success]]. More profoundly the [[Windhorse]] represents the subtle-body [[energy]] system, discussed in the [[yogic]] [[tradition]], as the carrier of [[mind]] – pointing toward the potential for taming the [[mind]] through working with the [[energy]] of [[human]] [[embodiment]]. |
| − | There are two kinds of [[prayer flags]]: horizontal ones, called [[lung ta]] (meaning "[[Wind Horse]]") in [[Tibetan]], and the vertical Darchor. [[Lung Ta]] [[prayer flags]] are of square or rectangular shape, and are connected along their top edges to a long string or thread. They are commonly hung on a diagonal line from high to low between two [[objects]] (e.g., a rock and the top of a pole). [[Traditionally]], [[prayer flags]] come in sets of five, one in each of five colors. The five colors represent the [[elements]], and the [[Five Pure Lights]] and are arranged from left to right in specific order: blue, white, red, green, and then yellow. Different [[elements]] are associated with different colors for specific [[traditions]], purposes and [[sadhana]]. Blue [[symbolizes]] sky/space, white [[symbolizes]] air/wind, red [[symbolizes]] [[fire]], green [[symbolizes]] [[water]], and yellow [[symbolizes]] [[earth]]. According to [[Traditional Tibetan medicine]], health and [[harmony]] are produced through the [[balance]] of the [[five elements]]. The center of a [[prayer flag]] [[traditionally]] {{Wiki|features}} a [[Lung ta]] (powerful or strong [[horse]]) bearing three flaming [[jewels]] (specifically [[ratna]]) on its back. The Ta is a [[symbol]] of speed and the [[transformation]] of bad [[fortune]] to good [[fortune]]. The three flaming [[jewels]] [[symbolize]] the [[Buddha]], the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhist teachings]]), and the [[Sangha]] ([[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|community}}), the three cornerstones of [[Tibetan]] [[philosophical]] [[tradition]]. | + | There are two kinds of [[prayer flags]]: horizontal ones, called [[lung ta]] (meaning "[[Wind Horse]]") in [[Tibetan]], and the vertical Darchor. [[Lung Ta]] [[prayer flags]] are of square or rectangular shape, and are connected along their top edges to a long string or thread. They are commonly hung on a diagonal line from high to low between two [[objects]] (e.g., a rock and the top of a pole). [[Traditionally]], [[prayer flags]] come in sets of five, one in each of five colors. The five colors represent the [[elements]], and the [[Five Pure Lights]] and are arranged from left to right in specific order: blue, white, red, green, and then [[yellow]]. Different [[elements]] are associated with different colors for specific [[traditions]], purposes and [[sadhana]]. Blue [[symbolizes]] sky/space, white [[symbolizes]] air/wind, red [[symbolizes]] [[fire]], green [[symbolizes]] [[water]], and [[yellow]] [[symbolizes]] [[earth]]. According to [[Traditional Tibetan medicine]], [[health]] and [[harmony]] are produced through the [[balance]] of the [[five elements]]. The center of a [[prayer flag]] [[traditionally]] {{Wiki|features}} a [[Lung ta]] (powerful or strong [[horse]]) bearing three flaming [[jewels]] (specifically [[ratna]]) on its back. The Ta is a [[symbol]] of {{Wiki|speed}} and the [[transformation]] of bad [[fortune]] to good [[fortune]]. The three flaming [[jewels]] [[symbolize]] the [[Buddha]], the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhist teachings]]), and the [[Sangha]] ([[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|community}}), the three cornerstones of [[Tibetan]] [[philosophical]] [[tradition]]. |
| − | Surrounding the [[Lung ta]] are various versions of approximately 400 [[traditional]] [[mantras]], each dedicated to a particular [[deity]]. In addition to [[mantras]], [[prayers]] for the long [[life]] and good [[fortune]] of the [[person]] who mounts the flags are often included. Images or the names of four powerful [[animals]], also known as the [[Four Dignities]], the [[dragon]], the [[garuda]], the {{Wiki|tiger}}, and the [[snowlion]], adorn each corner of a [[flag]]. [[Traditionally]], [[prayer flags]] 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 [[Lung ta]] 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 {{Wiki|movement}} of the [[wind]], the [[air]] is [[purified]] and [[sanctified]] by the [[Mantras]]. | + | Surrounding the [[Lung ta]] are various versions of approximately 400 [[traditional]] [[mantras]], each dedicated to a particular [[deity]]. In addition to [[mantras]], [[prayers]] for the long [[life]] and good [[fortune]] of the [[person]] who mounts the flags are often included. Images or the names of four powerful [[animals]], also known as the [[Four Dignities]], the [[dragon]], the [[garuda]], the {{Wiki|tiger}}, and the [[snowlion]], adorn each corner of a [[flag]]. [[Traditionally]], [[prayer flags]] are used to promote [[peace]], [[compassion]], strength, and [[wisdom]]. The flags do not carry [[prayers]] to [[gods]], a common {{Wiki|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 [[Lung ta]] 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 {{Wiki|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 [[Wikipedia:Hope|hopes]] for the [[world]] by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act [[symbolizes]] a welcoming of life's changes and an [[acknowledgment]] that all [[beings]] are part of a greater ongoing cycle. | 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 [[Wikipedia:Hope|hopes]] for the [[world]] by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act [[symbolizes]] a welcoming of life's changes and an [[acknowledgment]] that all [[beings]] are part of a greater ongoing cycle. | ||
Revision as of 07:01, 2 November 2015
This is an absolutely gorgeous and finely crafted Tibetan Lung Ta Wind Horse with Cintamani Jewel embellished with ornate trappings and jewels which add a touch of opulence to this stunning figurine. Depicted in elegant mid-trot on an oval base, it has connotations of victory，nobility and success, this magnificent animal is synonymous with strength, speed and vitality, whilst the wish fulfilling jewels on its back symbolize wealth and treasures.
Having its origin in the old Tibetan Buddhism, Windhorse has several meanings in the Tibetan context. On the outer level, the Windhorse is a mythical creature that combines the speed of the wind and the strength of the horse to carry prayers from earth to the heavens. This gives rise to the Tibetan prayer flag being known as the Lung Ta, which is Windhorse in Tibetan. Lung Ta is also associated with positive energy or life force and good luck. It is both the subjugator of evil and the vehicle of enlightenment. One interpretation holds that the Windhorse carries the Dharma teachings wherever the wind can reach, thereby making the teachings available to everyone. The Windhorse can also serve as a symbol for the alignment of conditions that give rise to good fortune, luck, and success. More profoundly the Windhorse represents the subtle-body energy system, discussed in the yogic tradition, as the carrier of mind – pointing toward the potential for taming the mind through working with the energy of human embodiment.
There are two kinds of prayer flags: horizontal ones, called lung ta (meaning "Wind Horse") in Tibetan, and the vertical Darchor. Lung Ta prayer flags are of square or rectangular shape, and are connected along their top edges to a long string or thread. They are commonly hung on a diagonal line from high to low between two objects (e.g., a rock and the top of a pole). Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five, one in each of five colors. The five colors represent the elements, and the Five Pure Lights and are arranged from left to right in specific order: blue, white, red, green, and then yellow. Different elements are associated with different colors for specific traditions, purposes and sadhana. Blue symbolizes sky/space, white symbolizes air/wind, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes earth. According to Traditional Tibetan medicine, health and harmony are produced through the balance of the five elements. The center of a prayer flag traditionally features a Lung ta (powerful or strong horse) bearing three flaming jewels (specifically ratna) on its back. The Ta is a symbol of speed and the transformation of bad fortune to good fortune. The three flaming jewels symbolize the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and the Sangha (Buddhist community), the three cornerstones of Tibetan philosophical tradition.
Surrounding the Lung ta are various versions of approximately 400 traditional mantras, each dedicated to a particular deity. In addition to mantras, prayers for the long life and good fortune of the person who mounts the flags are often included. Images or the names of four powerful animals, also known as the Four Dignities, the dragon, the garuda, the tiger, and the snowlion, adorn each corner of a flag. Traditionally, prayer flags 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 Lung ta 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's changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.
The Cintamani (flaming or wish granting jewel) on the back of the Wind Horse which symbolizes wealth and unfolding power & possibility, is a miraculous treasure which can grant the fulfillment of wishes and is often seen in the hand of Ksitigarbha and Avalokitesvara. Besides being symbols of prosperity, the jewels represent wisdom whilst the flames of the Cintamani represent the burning away of false desires and ignorance, giving way to enlightenment.
