Infuse Positivity with Prayer Flags!

Tibetan prayer flags are colourful rectangular pieces of fabric hung on a cord. The origin of the prayer flag goes back thousands of years to the Tibetan Bon religion, which was a predecessor to Buddhism.

These flags also have a long and continuous history in Persia, Tibet, China and India. They were used as talismans to protect the Tibetans during times of war. The Bon people used them for protection, and put symbols like the dragon, snow lion or a tiger on each flag. They were adopted into Tibetan Buddhism with prayers or messages of hope and peace written on them.

Earlier, the writing and images on these prayer flags were painted by hand, one at a time. Woodblocks were introduced from China in the 15th century, making it possible to reproduce identical prints of the very same design. Traditional designs could then be easily passed down from generation to generation.

With Buddhism being popular in India and Tibet, the flags are an amalgamation of both cultures. The Tibetan word for prayer flag is Dar Cho. 'Dar' means to increase fortune, lifespan, health and wealth. 'Cho' means all sentient beings. As per tradition, they are made in sets of five colours, each representing an element: white for metal, blue for water, red for fire, yellow for earth and green for wood.

In addition to this, the colours represent the five directions - north, south, east, west and centre. The five prayer flags also represent the five meditation (dhyani) Buddhas and the five wisdoms. The five wisdoms are compassion, harmony, wisdom of sight, kindness and perfect wisdom.

According to Feng Shui, we implement the Five Element Theory to bring harmony into an environment. It is believed that peace, strength, wisdom and compassion are invited into every area of our lives by hanging these prayer flags.

Though traditionally these prayer flags were placed outside the houses, you can keep them anywhere inside your home today. Around the frame of a doorway or near the ceiling is a lovely place to display them and the Chinese New Year season is considered the most auspicious time to hang them.

It can also be hung during times of birth, great happiness or sadness. You can invite family and friends over and hang these prayer flags together. However, these flags should be hung in the right order, starting with blue from left to right.

These flags are simple devices that, combined with the natural energy of the wind, quietly bring harmony in the environment, increasing happiness and good fortune to all. Regardless of the person's religion, coming into contact with prayer flags is a positive omen!

Reiki for Sleep

Many Reiki practitioners have reported that Reiki has helped them tremendously in overcoming sleeplessness. All you need to do is follow the Reiki procedures properly. It has a relaxing impact on the mind, body and even the soul. The procedure is known to harmonise every energy centre and chakra of the body. It can be followed any time of the day for the peace of mind and relaxation you crave for.

The practitioner has to maintain four positions and should maintain each position for at least five minutes. These procedures should be followed one by one from position 1 to position 4.

In the first position, the two palms should be kept on both the closed eyes and the palms should rest on the cheek bones of either sides of the face. This position is believed to reduce mental stress and purify your thoughts. This position helps in meditating and should be maintained for five minutes.

Next, both the hands should be kept on both the sides of the chest. Fingers should touch the lower borders of the collar bones of either side. This is believed to normalise the blood pressure, the heart rate and improve the functions of the immune system and the lymphatic system in the body.

After this, one hand should be kept above the umbilicus or navel and another hand should be kept below the umbilicus or navel and the practitioner should relax himself or herself to enable the flow of healing energy throughout the body. This procedure is helpful to restore the energy and the vital physiological functions of the body. This procedure heals the solar plexus and is helpful in treating the digestive organs including stomach. This position is also helpful in cases of shock, fear and mental depression.

Finally in the last position, both the hands should be kept on the lower abdomen in the shape of "V". The finger tips should touch each other above the pubic area. This position is helpful to treat the coupling organs and excretory organs like bladder and urethra. It enhances the level of trust and self-confidence.

We hope this article helps you discover the power in your hands to solve the issue of insomnia.

Vaastu for the New Year!

The beginning of the New Year is always a good time to focus on new beginnings brought about by a clean slate and fresh chances. The basic Vaastu Shastra rules revolve around the directions and elements of nature. There are eight primary directions in Vaastu Shastra and they stand for eight particular things in life. The science of Vaastu is used to harness the cosmic energy and positive vibes in nature for a better life and definite mental, emotional and physical benefits.

Here are some tips you can follow in your home or office to ensure you begin the new year on a positive note!

LIVING ROOM
It is ideal to have the drawing room in Northern and Eastern directions. North, east and north-east are best kept light and open while the south and west is where the heavy objects/items of the room can be kept.

The main door must be bigger and wider than the other internal doors. It can be in any direction except the south-west.

To avoid tension and illness in the house, it is better to avoid keeping rubber plants, bonsai, cactus or milk-producing plants in the house.

Sitting or sleeping under an exposed beam can cause depression, headaches or illness.

Exposed marble tiles, and especially broken ones in the house could be the reason for tensions in relations, cover it up with a carpet and replace the broken tile as soon as possible for immediate results.

Having the name and number plate of your house on the door or beside the main entrance will help good opportunities in finding you easily.

Keep your mirrors clean since dust and dirt decrease their effectiveness.

OFFICE
It is very good for work if the conference room or board room in your office is in the eastern direction. Not only is it productive for decision making, but it also invites positive vibes and good energy into the room. The western direction is good for post-meeting or project analysis and regrouping.

If you work from home, it is evident you'll spend a lot of time at your workspace. For positivity and increased efficiency, your home office must face the south-east direction. The east, north, or north-west are also good directions.

See you in the New Year!