Tibetan Lung Ta Wind Horse with Cintamani Jewel
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.
