Are There Taboos About Hanging Prayer Flags?

A Common Misconception

Teachings by Venerable Tenzin Gyatso

It has been mistakenly said for many years that one should not hang prayer flags during "Flying Flag Days" (a specific date in the Tibetan lunar calendar). However, this is not correct.

Hanging prayer flags on auspicious days can yield greater spiritual effects due to the alignment of the body's subtle energies with cosmic rhythms — because the human body is a microcosm of the universe.

But even on ordinary days or so-called "Flying Flag Days," hanging prayer flags still generates merit. It is not true that doing so would bring misfortune, disaster, or "no merit" as some folk beliefs suggest.
Prayer flags embody the blessings of the Buddhas; how could they possibly cause harm? They do not.

Teaching given by Venerable Tenzin Gyatso at Qingdao Great Avalokiteshvara Temple, 2014.

Hanging Prayer Flags on Ordinary Days Also Brings Merit

Teachings by Khenpo Jiayang

It is excellent to hang prayer flags on special dates such as the 8th, 10th, and 13th of the lunar month. However, it is also completely fine to hang them on any other day without any issue whatsoever.

The teachings by Venerable Dönkhor Rinpoche and Venerable Tenzin Gyatso on this topic are both correct. From the perspective of karmic connections and accumulating merit, it is better to hang prayer flags on auspicious days — but doing so on ordinary days still generates merit.

Hanging prayer flags for a long time brings tremendous benefits.
While environmental concerns in some mountain areas restrict flag hanging, a devout Buddhist may also hang wooden prayer plaques with scriptures, which is equally meritorious.

If you hang prayer flags in uninhabited mountain areas, the merit is even greater — truly extraordinary.
However, the flags should ideally be consecrated (blessed).
Consecration can be performed remotely, such as through a live video call with a qualified lama, but not via pre-recorded voice messages.

(Compiled from teachings given by Khenpo Jiayang on March 25, 2020, and shared with permission.)

Wherever the Wind Reaches, Sentient Beings are Blessed

Teachings by Yixi Pengcuo Rinpoche

When a prayer flag is erected atop a mountain, all animals, birds, insects, and even the tiniest forms of life in the area can be reborn in Avalokiteshvara’s Pure Land and eventually attain Buddhahood.

When hung over rivers, lakes, and seas, the water that touches the flags blesses all beings who drink it, freeing them from the lower realms and leading them toward rebirth in the Pure Land.

When placed on mountaintops and passes where the wind blows freely, all sentient beings touched by the wind are blessed with the chance to be reborn in the Pure Land.

How to Properly Hang Prayer Flags?

Question:
I am a lay practitioner from Shenzhen, currently working in a mountainous area of northern Guangdong. I would like to hang more prayer flags there. How should I do it properly according to Dharma?

Khenpo Sodargye’s Response:
Many people may not fully understand the profound meaning of prayer flags.
In Tibetan Buddhism, hanging prayer flags is extremely beneficial for the deceased.
For example, if someone dies unexpectedly in an accident, hanging prayer flags at the site can prevent the deceased’s spirit from repeatedly experiencing the suffering of death.

It is believed that a person who dies suddenly will normally relive the pain of death at the location up to 500 times.
However, if prayer flags are hung at that place, the spirit can avoid such fear and suffering.

Moreover, for the living, hanging prayer flags can help dispel obstacles and improve physical and mental well-being.

As for the location, it is best to choose a clean and respectful area where the flags won't be trampled or disrupt the environment.
In Tibet, prayer flags are found everywhere on sacred mountains, but in other regions, it might be more difficult.
There is a risk that others may remove or discard the flags, so this should be considered carefully.

Question:
We know hanging prayer flags brings merit, but how do we ensure it is done correctly?
If the flags are not consecrated, or if someone tears them down, will we incur negative karma?

Khenpo Sodargye’s Response:
Prayer flags should be placed in clean, respectful locations.
According to many revealed teachings (termas), consecration is ideal.
However, even without formal consecration, it is still beneficial.
Classical scriptures state that flags printed with mantras, such as the Avalokiteshvara mantra or Padmasambhava’s heart mantra, will bless all beings touched by the wind, without causing any harm.

If someone else damages or removes the flags, it has nothing to do with the one who hung them, as long as your own motivation was pure and free from harm.

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