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JANUARY 2024

Prayer for World Peace

"At this very moment for the people and the nations of the earth may not even the words - disease, famine, war and suffering be heard; but rather may their moral conduct, merit, wealth and prosperity increase and may supreme good fortune and well being always arise for them."

This beautiful prayer, written by HH Dudjom Rinpoche, is shown in Tibetan and in English on this flag dedicated to world peace. Each flag is 8"x 10" and hemmed on all edges.

Set of 5 on rope (3.5 ft long); $14 Sale Price: $12

Set of 10 on rope (7 ft. long): $26 Sale Price: $21

Set of 25 on rope (17 ft. long) $34 Sale Price: $27

State of the World - 2024

May 2024 be an auspicious year with more joy, happiness and well being. May the world become a better place. May the environment find balance and heal. May peace and compassion flourish and may all beings care for and love each other!

As we begin 2024, the state of the world is precarious. Ongoing conflicts are causing immense suffering. Natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, are resulting in humanitarian crises. The world continues to grapple with the effects of infectious diseases and inadequate healthcare. Economic inequality and political instability are contributing to social unrest, human rights abuses and the displacement of millions of people. The problems are manifesting too rapidly for humanity to deal with. The impact of ineffective and corrupt leadership only makes matters worse.

In a world marked by diversity, conflicts, and challenges, the concept of prayers for world peace holds a profound significance. Across various cultures, religions, and spiritual practices, the act of prayer is often seen as a powerful means of seeking solace, guidance, and, perhaps most importantly, fostering a collective desire for global harmony. Prayers that promote world peace, emphasize the interconnections of humanity and the potential for positive change that can arise when individuals, communities, and nations unite in a common pursuit of peace.

This universality of prayer serves as a bridge, bringing people together despite their differences, and establishes a shared human experience that goes beyond geopolitical, ideological, or cultural divides. As individuals cultivate inner peace through generosity, meditation, and prayer, they become more inclined towards compassion, understanding, and tolerance. This internal shift can have a ripple effect, influencing the behavior of those around them and creating a positive, peace-oriented atmosphere in their immediate communities.

Prayers for world peace have the potential to generate a collective consciousness that transcends individual and national interests. In times of crisis or conflict, people often turn to prayer as a source of solace and strength. As individuals unite in prayerful solidarity, a shared vision of a peaceful world emerges. This collective consciousness fosters a sense of global responsibility, encouraging individuals to work towards a common goal of harmony and coexistence.

Prayers for world peace are not merely a passive plea for divine intervention; they are a call to action, inspiring individuals to embody the principles of peace in their thoughts, words, and deeds. As the world grapples with complex challenges, the transformative power of collective prayers offers a beacon of hope. By recognizing our shared humanity, fostering inner peace, and promoting global unity through prayers, individuals can contribute to building a world where the aspirations for peace are not only spoken, but lived.

Prayer flags are a unique way to rapidly disseminate prayers. As the flags, inscribed with prayers and auspicious symbols flap in the wind, the vibrations are spread throughout the land, benefiting the environment and all beings touched by the wind.


Tashi Delek,

Timothy Clark

Founder of Radiant Heart Studios

Prayer for Averting Nuclear War

Nuclear weapons are the most terrifying weapons ever invented: no weapon is more destructive; no weapon causes such unspeakable human suffering. There are over 15,000 nuclear weapons in 9 countries around the world. Even a ‘limited’ nuclear war involving 100 Hiroshima-sized bombs (i.e. less than half a per cent of the world’s stockpile) would engulf the earth in a cloud of dust and smoke that would block sunlight. The ensuing nuclear winter could kill food crops, starving a billion people. Although there are efforts to reduce the nuclear stockpiles, our world leaders seem unwilling or incapable of eliminating the threat.

 

Many spiritual leaders are imploring us to work diligently on both material and spiritual levels to counteract potential nuclear disasters.  


The Dzogchen Master and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist Yogi, H.H. Chatral Sangay Dorje (1913-2015), wrote this special prayer to avert nuclear war. Chatral Rinpoche's spiritual consort, Sangyum Kamala, asked Radiant Heart Studios to design prayer flags with this prayer and make them available. Displaying them in great numbers all around the world will help to counteract the nuclear threat.

The vertical pole flags with the "Prayer for Averting Nuclear War" are written in Tibetan and English on each of the panels and flags. The horizontal prayer flags on rope are written in Tibetan on the blue, red, and yellow flags, and in English on the white and green flags. Here's a link to the English translation.


January Sale on "Prayer to Avert Nuclear War " prayer flags:


5ANW - 5 Color 10 ft. tall pole flag: $60 Sale Price: $54

26 in. X 27 in. pole flags in blue, white, red, green, yellow: $40 each Sale Price: $36

Set of 5 colors (blue, white, red, green, yellow: $180 Sale Price: $162

Horizontal Sets on rope (each flag is 14 in. X 18 in.)

Set of 5 on rope (6 ft long): $18 Sale Price: $16

Set of 10 on rope (14 ft long): $27 Sale Price: $24

Set of 25 on rope (30 ft long): $47 Sale Price: $42

January's Drawing for Rice Paper Prints

From my collection, I picked out two excellent woodblock prints on rice paper for our free drawings this month: A Guru Rinpoche print and an Ushnishavijaya print. If you'd like a chance to win one of these, email me your name and address. If you prefer one print over the other, let me know. I'll enter your name twice in that drawing. Otherwise your name will be entered in each of the drawings. If you're very lucky, you could win both of them.

Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, is a highly revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism and is considered a key figure in the history and propagation of Buddhism in Tibet. Guru Rinpoche was born in the 8th century in the Swat Valley near the present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northern Pakistan. Guru Rinpoche played a crucial role in subduing local deities and negative forces, establishing Buddhism in the region, and imparting teachings and spiritual practices. Considered the "Second Buddha" by Vajrayana Buddhists, his teachings and practices continue to have a profound impact on Tibetan Buddhism and its establishment in the West. Guru Rinpoche is revered as a source of wisdom and inspiration for spiritual practitioners seeking enlightenment. His teachings emphasize the importance of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means in attaining enlightenment. Many Vajrayana Buddhists undertake practices related to Guru Rinpoche to purify obstacles and enhance their spiritual path. Woodblock print size: 9"x12"

If you are interested, we also have 15"x21" silk-screened prints of Guru Rinpoche.

Ushnishavijaya (Sanskrit) translates as ‘Victorious Crown Goddess’ (Tibetan: Tsuktor Namgyalma). She represents the epitome of physical health, vitality, and long life. She has three faces and personifies the Buddha's ushnisha, the protuberance on the top of his head symbolizing expanded wisdom. The goddess has eight arms. In her upper right hand she holds a small Amitabha Buddhas: In her upper left, a two-pronged vajra suspended from a long rope. Her second pair of hands holds a bow and arrow, while the third clutches a four-pronged vajra symboliziing eternal life. The seventh and eighth hands hold a long life vase in a gesture of beneficence. Her mantra, OM AMRITA AYUR DA DAI SVAHA, is written in Tibetan script along the bottom of the print. Woodblock print size: 8"x10"

The design shown below is Ushnishavijaya's long mantra in the form of a yantra. We have a collection of beautiful vertical prayer flags for poles printed with this mantra mandala. Wherever these prayer flags are placed becomes blessed, benefiting all the humans, animals and insects in the vicinity. All who are touched by the wind passing through the flag or even by the flag’s shadow are said to be purified of negativity, protected from the eight great fears and from rebirth in the lower realms.

Click this link to see the Tsuktor Namgyalma Prayer Flag Collection

Congratulations to the winners for December's drawing for the Vaisravana rice paper prints:

Karuna Fluhart-Negrete of Albuquerque, NM

Stuart Cooper of Melbourne, Fl

David Leskowitz of Heath, MA

This Month's Naga Calendar

(See our website for more information about Naga Offerings and Prayer Flag Ceremonies)

Eleventh Lunar Month: (Dec. 13 - Jan. 11)

This month the Nagas are preparing for their winter season. If you make offerings to them on a teb day, you will enjoy peace and happiness. If you make offerings to them on a dok day, they will feel disgusted by your offering and flee.


Twelfth Lunar Month: (Jan.12 - Feb. 9)

At this time, Nagas are guarding and holding their treasures. If you make offerings to them on a teb day, they will come under your command and will grant you all your wishes. If you make offerings to them on a dok day, then no matter how good you offering is, they will think it is bad. There is no result.

  

There are 10 days in January on which naga offerings can be made (see the calendar below).

The best days to perform naga offering ceremonies are: Jan. 2, 20, 26

Do not make offerings on any days not listed in the Naga Offering Days in the calendar below.

Kunzang Palyul Choling - Poolesville, MD

If you have any questions or comments, I will try to answer your emails. I appreciate getting photos and videos of prayer flags on display, especially the flags you got from us.

Email me at: prayerflags1@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter.

Timothy Clark

Owner of Radiant Heart Studios