Lung ta is a Tibetan concept, with several layers of meaning. At the deepest level, it is the body’s inner wind, that which supports the mind. At the outer level, it is the wind horse, a a mythical creature that carries prayers from earth to the heavens.

Lung ta also refers to a type of prayer flag. When hung in high places, the wind horse passes over it, carrying blessings to all beings. The flag fades as its prayers become part of the universe.

Lung ta

When I took this picture, I was conscious only of interesting patterns reflected on the water. Later, the resemblance to prayer flags was inescapable (and appropriate for this ocean going vessel).