Although I'd been watching The Prayer Flag Project for some time and found the flags inspirational, it was not until January of this year that I actually began to make some flags. The idea was to make one, maybe two flags a month. Somehow, the whole thing got out of hand. I think I've made 20 now.
The latest series of flags are based on the
yamas (ethical practices set forth by Patanjali in the
Yoga Sutras).
Ahimsa - nonviolence, in word, thought, or deed- uses eco dyed fabrics.
Satya - truthfulness with oneself and with others (with the exception that using truth to hurt is not acceptable and fails to follow the first principle of Ahimsa).
Asteya - non-stealing; don't take what is not offered freely, whether time, attention, or ideas. Don't claim someone else's ideas as your own; give credit.
I have two more yamas to go. The yamas cover the precepts of social/community discipline, and when I finish them, I'll decide whether or not I want to go on with the niyamas which cover individual discipline.
Each prayer flag that I've made has been a meditation, and I'm especially enjoying making flags for the five yamas.
I'm grateful for this project, for the inspiration the flags of others have offered, and for the time and contemplation involved with each flag.
i am completely blown away with your flags. i admire your use of hand-dyed fabrics and the utter love you put into each one. so much to learn from you. i will read the definitions of the words carefully since they are new to me.
ReplyDeleteWOW!
Absolutely beautiful and an inspirational rendition of the words. thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these--visually, conceptually, and technically. Thanks for sharing them. They really are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI am drawn to each of the three flags you shared with us. Beautiful stitching, inspiring thoughts, interesting materials.
ReplyDeletespectacular, total amazed at how creative these are!
ReplyDeleteI love these. Having recently started a yoga class, these are especially meaningful.
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