Wind Horse

Steeped in ancient, pre Buddhist times, the wind horse is the bearer of good fortune. Depicted running and bearing the flaming jewel that fulfills all wishes, from personal aspirations to the attainment of ultimate knowledge or enlightenment, the wind horse rides the air. His image appears everywhere, painted on monastery murals or printed on prayer flags or and more recently, on little square papers thrown go the wind. He is evoked at laptses, a local deity celebrating ritual that takes place on top of hills or mountains, where the men of various clans plant their clan arrows to mark their allegiance to the gods and request their protection. The Wind Horse has woven his way into common expression; ‘Today, my wind horse is running’ or ‘is not running’ used to measure one’s luck. He is air, wind, and is surrounded by the four creatures that represent the four elements; Tiger for wood, snow lion for earth, Garuda for fire and dragon for water. Their togetherness establishes the balance of the five elements and ensures peace in the world.

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