Garuda – King of Birds
The Garuda is a large bird or bird like mythical creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. He is the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila and the Brahminy kite and Phoenix are considered to be the contemporary representations of Garuda. Indonesia adopts a more stylistic approach to the Garuda’s depiction as its national symbol, where it depicts a Javanese eagle.
Garuda is the king of birds. Its name derives from the root Gri, to swallow: he devours the snakes. He is represented with a human upper body, big eyes, beak, short blue horns, yellow hair standing on ed, bird’s claws and wings. However, sometimes, mainly in Hindu iconography, he is represented in human form with wings. He is very big bird and comes out of the egg fully grown. Garuda symbolizes the space element and the power of the sun, which can dry up the waters. Therefore, he is the natural enemy of snakes and he devours or controls them. He represents the spiritual energy of which devours the delusions of jealousy and hatred, which are represented by the snake. He is also the openness: he can stretch out his wings and soar into space. He represents the great freedom of the mind which can open and is not untied by confliction emotions the wise mind which reaches everywhere, like the rays of the sun, and brings about the growth of life and wisdom. Specifically, in Buddhism Garuda is related of the perfection of gibing Dana parmita, just as the rays of the sun give life to the earth.
The myth of the great bird devouring the snake seems to have originated in Mesopotamia. The snake represents the subconscious or hidden aspects of the mind, those feelings and thoughts which crawl underneath the surface. He can perceive any tiny snake and instantly fall upon in. Similarly, by practicing awareness of all our feelings, thoughts and actions we can develop the wisdom which can perceive perfectly the workings of our mind and in that way, we can achieve complete freedom to act utilizing out of mind in the most beneficial way.
Gesture and Attributes
Garuda is the king of birds. Its name derives from the root Gri, to swallow: he devours the snakes. He is represented with a human upper body, big eyes, beak, short blue horns, yellow hair standing on ed, bird’s claws and wings. However, sometimes, mainly in Hindu iconography, he is represented in human form with wings. He is very big bird and comes out of the egg fully grown. Garuda symbolizes the space element and the power of the sun, which can dry up the waters. Therefore, he is the natural enemy of snakes and he devours or controls them. He represents the spiritual energy of which devours the delusions of jealousy and hatred, which are represented by the snake. He is also the openness: he can stretch out his wings and soar into space. He represents the great freedom of the mind which can open and is not untied by confliction emotions the wise mind which reaches everywhere, like the rays of the sun, and brings about the growth of life and wisdom. Specifically, in Buddhism Garuda is related of the perfection of gibing Dana parmita, just as the rays of the sun give life to the earth.
About this Scroll Painting
This is a Tibetan Style Thangka Scroll Painting which is entirely hand painted by the experienced artisan using same ancient techniques. This Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara Thangka Scroll Painting is hand painted on cotton canvas with 24 karat gold detailing; by the artisans of Patan in Nepal who have been in the business from generations.
