Namkha (Tibetan: "space") is a special article made of sticks and colored threads intended for harmonization of human energy as well as for protection and attraction of luck. 

Such a structure does not exclusively belong to the Tibetan culture. Similar weavings which sometimes are called “God's eye” can be found all over the world. Those are found in the culture of American Indians and in Africa.

It is thought that India is the land of origin of Namkha, but only few people know how to practically apply such items. In Tibet Namkas are widely used but even there very few people know exactly how these Namkas work. Usually, those are seen just as ritual ornaments. 

In 1983 Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche gave instructions on application of Namkha for harmonizing human energy. To make a Namkha, some details related to the date of birth of an individual in accordance with the Tibetan astrology are necessary: a symbolic animal, element and mewa of the year of birth. By reference to these data some calculations are made and after the completion of weaving a specific rite is performed to activate the power of Namkha as a talisman or averter. 

Namkha brings benefit regardless of whether the individual, for whom this Namkha has been woven, believes in its action or not. It is enough to keep a Namkha at home as an ornament for it to “work”. These are not just separate individuals for whom a Namkha can be made, but also for married couples (in this case the date of marriage is taken as a base), firms, societies, associations, enterprises, etc. (pursuant to the astrological features of the date of foundation or incorporation). 

 

Astrological characteristic of an individual includes few different aspects of energy. When weaving a Namkha, we take into account the principle types of energy – Life, Body, Capacities and Luck.

Those four aspects manifest in the Universe both internally and externally. The external energies are symbolized by four aspects of mewa and concentrated in the lower part of Namkha, and the internal aspects are represented by its upper part. Thus, there are eight aspects in total which need to be harmonized. 

For making a Namkha two main materials are necessary: sticks of different length and threads of five colors. The sticks make up a frame of the structure and the threads wreathe them in a certain way. The central vertical stick and two horizontal sticks (the upper one is longer then the lower) make up a basis of Namkha. Those three sticks form two crossings: the upper one is the center of Life element of an individual, and the lower one is the center of Life mewa. The crossed sticks symbolize positive and negative energies. There is a Tibetan syllable corresponding to the element of this aspect and written on each crossing (i.e. in the center of a rhombus woven of the threads). 

 

There are many different rites using threads in the Tibetan tradition. This is a method of symbolic representation of the energy flow. Thread is a symbol of continuity of energy and the color of a thread means a specific element. According to the Tibetan astrology each of the five elements has a certain color; therefore, in order to make a Namkha the threads of five colors are needed. The real condition of the energy is not characterized by color, but the energy manifests as a specific color: green for Wood, red – Fire, yellow – Earth, white – Metal, and blue – Water.

Namkha will remain a mere material object unless an empowering rite is performed. Such rite can be performed by an individual who is initiated for this practice by his/her Master. After the consecration, the Namkha should be kept at home at an elevated vertical position and always handled with respect. It can be placed, for example, on the altar or at any other pure and light place.

It is useful to repeat a short rite of consecration of Namkha from time to time, for example, once a month, in order to “recharge” it. If Namkha breaks or any mistakes are found there, then another Namkha should be made and the old one is to be burnt. Since Namkha symbolizes human energy during the life time, from birth and till death, the Namkha of a deceased person should also be burnt. 

This article is based on the records of teachings given by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche at Merigar in 1983.

You can order Namkha by calling to: +7 495 740 79 98 or +7 916 318 59 47 (Elena)

Lungta (Tibetan: “wind-horse”) are special prayer flags of five colors with mantras and different symbols printed thereon which serve for strengthening and harmonizing the vital energy.

For this purpose the Lungta need to be consecrated by a special rite and hanged out on the wind at a pure place

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There are many types of human energy but the most important one is the life force or lung. In ancient times in Tibet this energy was symbolized by a horse crowned with a wish fulfilling jewel. This life force is related to the fulfillment of wishes and it also brings luck, well-being and prosperity. If the underlying life force is perfect then all the other things will go well.

“Lung” also means “air”. Lung is connected with prana because our energy is connected with prana. Therefore, when we say “wind-horse”, the wind (or air) is understood as our prana, our life force. This symbol is represented on prayer flags which are also called Lungta. There is a horse in the center of a flag, and figures of tiger, lion, eagle and dragon on the corners. Those four animals which can be seen on the prayer flags, both Buddhist and Bon-po’s, represent the elements pursuant to the ancient system. Besides, in order to enhance the action of Lungta different mantras are printed thereon, for example, mantras of Kalachakra, Tara, etc.

The practice of consecration of Lungta may be combined with the ritual offering Sang and needs to be done right after it. It is especially important to do those practices if our energy is disturbed and needs to be harmonized, as well as on the eve of the most significant events and actions.

The article is prepared based on explanations of Namkai Norbu Rinpoche given on 18 April, 1992, at Merigar.

You can always buy, consecrate and hang out the prayer flags Lungta at Kunpenling.