The Wind Horses of Bhutan

from Chelela Pass, Bhutan

And we encountered endless peaks and fields of lungdhar (meaning “Wind Horse”), prayer flags hoisted in high and special places on the advice of an astrologer to dispel misfortune or to memorialize someone who has passed away. Individual flags are each a world in themselves, inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, mantras, prints of Buddhist protectors and enlightened beings--moved around and activated by the wind. Dagger on the tip signifies wisdom, flagpole reflects compassion, and the base denotes power.