The Indian Sutras, written on cloth in India, were transmitted to other regions of the world.[2] These sutras, written on banners, were the origin of prayer flags.[2] Legend ascribes the origin of the prayer flag to the Shakyamuni Buddha, whose prayers were written on battle flags used by thedevas against their adversaries, the asuras.[3] The legend may have given the Indian bhikku a reason for carrying the heavenly banner as a way of signifying his commitment to ahimsa.[4] This knowledge was carried into Tibet by 800 CE, and the actual flags were introduced no later than 1040 CE, where they were further modified.[4]
During
the Cultural Revolution, prayer flags were discouraged but not entirely
eliminated. Many traditional designs may have been lost. Currently, different
styles of prayer flags can be seen all across the Tibetan region.
