Journal pages, day by day,
linked through threads of ink
wave along the winds of time –
prayer flags of
my life
A Buddhist tradition is to write mantras on the piece of cloth to fan out compassion and goodwill to all extended space. It’s all about clearing negative energies. These small, colorful banners manifest the promotion of peace, strength, wisdom, and compassion. Beliefs are that the more the flag wears out due to wind, the more it extends blessings to an abundant number of people. (from Buddhist Prayer Flags: Significance and Color Meanings)
Compliment this poem with a previous post, Red Eye Flight 724
Photo by Nickey Kolev courtesy of Unsplash
Wind Rush 
Thank you for the explanation. That is a lovely tradition. A wonderful metaphor for your poem.
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Thanks, Heather. It was fun doing the research. I had seen some in Korea many years ago but didn’t really know what they meant. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are well.
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My pleasure.
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Lovely connection between your journal pages and prayer flags, LuAnne, especially during this time when waving flags of peace and compassion is an excellent idea.
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Oh, I hadn’t thought of that, Jet, but I so agree. Let’s fly flags of peace, especially now. In fact, you inspired me to see if my writers’ group would like to make prayer flags for Ukraine. You are so inspirational!
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Beautiful words, LuAnne. I also love the way you’ve connected your journal pages with prayer flags.
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Thank you, Don. The two ideas just seemed to come together. Glad you stopped by and thanks for your comment.
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Lovely. A good way to start each day. btw, I dropped off 3 cards for you at BUC. It was fun for me to add 3 more.
Janette
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Thank you so much, Janette. I am glad you enjoyed making them. Did you take photos? I’d love to see them. I think I have taken a turn for the better this afternoon. Feeling very optimistic. “See” you Monday.
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Wow never knew so much about this tradition, LuAnne.
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So glad to share my research with you. I saw prayer flags at a Buddhist temple in Seoul, Korea about 20 years ago right after my mom died. I was taken with their beauty. Researching their meanings this past weekend deepened my appreciation for them. Thanks for dropping by. Take care and stay safe.
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So nice to hear that LuAnne. The meaning behind the flags was so profound. Welcome always dear LuAnne
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Love the notion of journal pages as prayer flags … I confess my journal holds pages that I’d say do not qualify as anything more than venting frustrations … but yes, many pages do amount to prayers. Perhaps I should scan and print and dangle in the wind at edge of porch … Beautiful idea!
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Journal pages have many functions! 🙂 But prayer flags are used to clear negative energy and what better way than to write in our journals. You know, as I have read the comments, I think I will see if my writers’ group would like to do prayer flags for Ukraine. I am trying to work out the logistics since we have been meeting virtually for more than two years. There has to be a way. So glad you stopped by and I so appreciate your comment. Hope you are on the mend. Rock on!
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Journal pages
Huinseng’s flag koan
The mind waves 🙂
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Wow, your poem adds a new layer of depth to mine! I was totally unaware of Hinseng’s flag koan, but it certainly is interesting. Thanks for turning me on to this koan. Had I known it earlier, I think this poem would have been quite different. Another poem for another time. Thanks!
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As I see it, the good-will flags fluttering in your journal and dissolving efficaciously through your poetry, are like the spinning prayer wheels you slap while walking around a stupa, sending out good vibrations, and your words makes it evident that you grok the koan that stops the flag and the breeze from moving the mind (off the still axle of the wheel). As Lao-Tzu the Taoist is said to have said, To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. Peace. 🙂
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Beautiful
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