RELIGION DESK

A QUIET revolution in energy supply has been going on in Tibet, Nepal and Northern India where Buddhist monks have been generating electricity using prayer flags.

The prayer flags are usually put up to bless the surrounding countryside, and add a colorful backdrop to Himalayan regions.

Recently, however, it has been discovered that with a few alterations, the wind energy captured by the flags can be converted to electricity. Monks have been powering their iPhones and laptops with them.

Green Energy advocates and Climate Change activists have hailed the development as an extraordinary breakthrough and encouraged conversion to Buddhism across the globe.

“This is a game-changer,” insisted a United Nations Climate spokesperson. “We’re hoping celebrity Buddhists like Richard Gere will lead the way and power their homes with these prayer flags.”

The Dali Lama is reported to be erecting more prayer flags around his dwelling in the Indian mountains near Dharamshala, and the Indian Government is considering an experimental program to power New Delhi with flags. “To try and clear the smog,” an Indian Government source said. “It’s so bad for the sinuses.”

In Tibet, Chinese rulers are more cautious, acknowledging the benefits of the renewable energy but fearing the political implications, of millions of Tibetan flags controlling the People’s Republic’s energy supplies, for Chinese control of the plateau.

“The only downside we see,” said a Greenpeace activist, “is that you might not be able to see the Himalayas any more. But that’s a price worth paying to save the planet.”

If the prayer flags do work out, the plan is to explore the possible use of Prayer Wheels for energy next.

“Perhaps yoga and meditation can create power too, who knows?” the Greenpeace activist said. “It’s very exciting.”