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The project!
I am proposing to hang a few strings of hand made prayer flags over my backyard. Rather than just buy prayer flags I would much prefer to have people submit their own prayer flags to me to add your energy and good will to the mix as well as spread your prayers to the winds. You will find instructions below on how to submit your “prayer flags”. I will include them in the mix of flags to hang over the yard.
What are prayer flags?
A simple piece of cotton cloth. Prayer Flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetan Buddhists for centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the beneficent vibrations across the countryside. 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 (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's changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.
Why would I want to participate?
Why wouldn't you? The project is a great family project, involve the kids, your friends. It is relatively inexpensive. It will make you sit and think good thoughts for an hour or so as you create your flag(s). Make you realize the things your grateful for. It is creative! When was the last time you sat down and “colored”.
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How can I participate?
By creating and sending me you very own prayer flags. Make as many as you want, there are a few simple guidelines to follow on the next page. But, whatever, you get it to me and its doable I will fly your prayer flag!!
When I need your submissions
I would like to hang the prayer flags to celebrate the start of summer. So have your flags to me by the 18th of June and I will include them in the hanging. I do not need to know who you are, you may include your return address if you wish. I will photograph each one and if you let me will attach your name to the photo as well.I will create a Flickr online album so everyone can view our flags.
Instructions
You can find these instructions as a PDF file here:
Instructions to make your prayer flags.
Material:
If possible please use 100% cottons as they last the longest and hold the inks/paints etc. the best. They also move the most in the wind. Again, go crazy, avoid t-shirt material as it will curl very quickly and not get blown about much.
Colors: (suggestion only)
The traditional colors are blue, white, yellow, red and green. So use cloth in these colors or colored inks/paints etc. That being said, go crazy.
Media Suggestions:
Colored sharpies, fabric paints, india ink, the best bet is use black sharpie designed for laundry marking. Again be creative! You send it..I'll fly it.
Shapes: (Suggestions)
whatever shape, size you desire buts lets try to not get bigger than 18 x 22. The guidelines? You need to leave 1” of material on one side clear of markings, I will use this area to fold over and attach the flag to the strings. Mark the side with an x or the word attach!
Popular sizes:
8x9 inch (8x8 square when attached) small image, kid sized canvas
4 x 9 or 12 (4 x 8 or 11 when attached) suitable for a single quote or prayer or affirmation
Pennant: triangle 8.5 x 11 (draw lines on a piece of copier paper from two corners down to a point in the middle of the opposite end)
18 x 22 suitable for a group of people to get their “prayers” on or draw or create an image.
What should I put on it?
Again, the guideline is anything positive. Your favorite quote, favorite prayer, favorite saying, the things you like people to say to you. Pictures or symbols that mean a lot to you. Hell just draw a smiley face. Remember, every flag that is hung includes you as well. As the Beatles so famously put it. “I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.” (ku ku ke choo). So the simple feeling of being happy as expressed by the smiley face will be for all people!!!
I am done, what do I do now?
Be sure its dry. Fold it gently, put it in an envelope (of whatever size you need) and send it to me at
Flag Project!
1427 N New Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Anonymity: No need to tell me who you are if you don't want. If you do want me to know then just clip a small piece of paper with your name to the flag, when I photo it I'll include your name. I will create a Flickr gallery to hold the images.
I have been making the three kinda of in a round fashion. i did the front panels for the first one. I then started the back for the first sweater (pictured here) and in the meantime started the front panels for the second one, finished those and have the back going for the second one while finishing the sleeves for the first one. Once the sleeves are done i will move on to the front panels for the third sweater.
