Example for a today Tibetan prayer flag
In the center of the prayer flag is depicted the wind horse »Lungta«. The wind horse is a symbol of the human soul in the shamanistic tradition of East Asia and Central Asia. In Tibetan Buddhism, it was included as the pivotal element in the center of the four animals symbolizing the cardinal directions and a symbol of the idea of well-being or good fortune. It has also given the name to a type of prayer flag that has the five animals printed on it.
The four Tibetan syllables in the corners are the names of the four animals which can be associated with different aspects of a bodhisattva. The garuda symbolizes wisdom, the dragon gentle power, the tiger confidence and trust, and the snow lion fearless happiness.