Ten hamsa images designed by members of the 100 Mandalas Community were selected for this special prayer flag project. Each of these flags were colored by the artist and while they were working on them infused them with the intentions of goodwill and peace. May all who hang and enjoy these prayer flags receive our blessings.

About the Hamsa Symbol

The hamsa is a familiar symbol of the open palm that traditionally represents protection when the fingers are pointing upward and as a symbol of blessings when the palm is open and the fingers are pointing downward. Since the symbol of the hand is shared among many faiths including Jewish, Muslim, and Christians, the hamsa has become a symbol of peace in the Middle East.

About Prayer Flags

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. (Wikipedia)

Click on the image above for a closer look at all of the prayer flags in this project and the artists who created them.

50% Donated to Help Refugees in the Middle East and North Africa

At the time of publishing this project, there has been an estimated 220,000 people killed and 11 million people forced from their homes as a result of the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. When I saw the photos and read the stories by Brandon Stanton of “Humans of New York,” this crisis now has a face for me.

“Sometimes the political debate over immigration can muffle the human stories. These stories help us to remember that behind each of these numbers is a person, someone willing to risk their life for a better future.” (See this Upworthy post that features the photos and stories by Brandon Stanton)

I was talking with a colleague of mine and we were both feeling deeply saddened and moved by these stories. Then it dawned on me that I was working on this hamsa project that included beautiful prayer flags infused with the desire to spread peace. In that moment I knew that I had to offer a portion of each sale of these prayer flags to an organization that is responding to the crisis.

I selected Catholic Relief Services, an accredited non-profit, that is working to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, education, and care for the children to the millions of displaced families from Syria, Iraq, and Gaza. Learn more about this crisis by visiting www.crs.org.

50% (of the total purchase price) of each prayer flag sale will be donated to Catholic Relief Services.

Order Your Hamsa Prayer Flags for Peace