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[[File:Garuda-enturyd.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda-enturyd.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | '''Garuda''' (Jap. Karura) is a [[mythological]] bird usually described as having a human form with the head of a bird. Created from the cosmic egg that also hatched the 8 elephants supporting the [[universe]], he was fully mature when hatched. | + | '''[[Garuda]]''' (Jap. [[Karura]]) is a [[mythological]] bird usually described as having a [[human]] [[form]] with the head of a bird. Created from the [[cosmic]] egg that also hatched the 8 [[elephants]] supporting the [[universe]], he was fully mature when hatched. |
| − | [[Garuda]] can easily traverse the [[universe]] from end to end. It can kill and eat poisonous snakes with no harmful consequences to itself. | + | [[Garuda]] can easily traverse the [[universe]] from end to end. It can kill and eat {{Wiki|poisonous}} {{Wiki|snakes}} with no harmful {{Wiki|consequences}} to itself. |
| − | The oldest collection of Indian hymns, the Rig Veda says: | + | The oldest collection of [[Indian]] hymns, the {{Wiki|Rig Veda}} says: |
They call him [[Indra]], [[Mitra]], {{Wiki|Varuna]], [[Agni]] | They call him [[Indra]], [[Mitra]], {{Wiki|Varuna]], [[Agni]] | ||
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[[Garuda]] and the Sacred [[Kusha Grass]] | [[Garuda]] and the Sacred [[Kusha Grass]] | ||
[[File:Garuda-HT.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda-HT.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | The Hindu epic, Mahabharata, tells of the connection between [[Garuda]] and sacred [[kusha grass]] [Poa cynosuroides,] the same kind of grass provided as a [[meditation]] seat for the [[Buddha]].When [[Garuda]] brought some [[amrita]] from the {{Wiki|moon}} for the [[Nagas]] as his mother's ransom, [[Indra]] tried to prevent it. The [[amrita]] would make the [[nagas]] [[immortal]], and they would pose a threat to [[Indra]]'s position as King of [[Heaven]]. But faithful [[Garuda]] would not compromise his mother's [[liberation]]. However, he arranged that after the [[nagas]] received it, it could then be stolen from them. In preparation for this, [[Garuda]] laid the nectar of [[immortality]] contained in its flask on the grass. That made it easy for Indra to steal which he did while the [[nagas]] were bathing in the stream. | + | The Hindu epic, Mahabharata, tells of the connection between [[Garuda]] and sacred [[kusha grass]] [Poa cynosuroides,] the same kind of grass provided as a [[meditation]] seat for the [[Buddha]].When [[Garuda]] brought some [[amrita]] from the {{Wiki|moon}} for the [[Nagas]] as his mother's ransom, [[Indra]] tried to prevent it. The [[amrita]] would make the [[nagas]] [[immortal]], and they would pose a threat to [[Indra]]'s position as [[King]] of [[Heaven]]. But faithful [[Garuda]] would not compromise his mother's [[liberation]]. However, he arranged that after the [[nagas]] received it, it could then be stolen from them. In preparation for this, [[Garuda]] laid the [[nectar]] of [[immortality]] contained in its flask on the grass. That made it easy for [[Indra]] to steal which he did while the [[nagas]] were bathing in the {{Wiki|stream}}. |
| − | When they emerged from the water, they expected the [[amrita]] to be on the kusha grass, itself. As they tried to lick up the divine substance, the spiky leaves of [[kusha]] slit their tongues. It is for this reason that the tongues of serpents are forked, and also that [[kusha]] [or [[kusa]] | + | When they emerged from the [[water]], they expected the [[amrita]] to be on the [[kusha grass]], itself. As they tried to lick up the [[divine]] [[substance]], the spiky leaves of [[kusha]] slit their tongues. It is for this [[reason]] that the tongues of serpents are forked, and also that [[kusha]] [or [[kusa]]) is [[sacred]] -- for having been in [[contact]] with [[amrita]]. |
[[Garuda]] and the [[Kumbh Mela]] | [[Garuda]] and the [[Kumbh Mela]] | ||
| − | The Hindu festival, the [[Kumbhmela]], is held at a different spot on the shores of the [[Ganges]] every 12 years. At the beginning of 2001, Allahabad was the focus for this largest of the world's gatherings. It is one of four spots where [[Garuda]] is believed to have rested during a battle with [[demons]] over the pot of divine [[nectar]] of [[immortality]]. [[Garuda]]'s flight lasted 12 divine days, or 12 years of mortal time, so the [[Kumbh Mela]] is celebrated at each city of 3 towns, alternating among them every three years. | + | The [[Hindu]] {{Wiki|festival}}, the [[Kumbhmela]], is held at a different spot on the shores of the [[Ganges]] every 12 years. At the beginning of 2001, Allahabad was the focus for this largest of the world's gatherings. It is one of four spots where [[Garuda]] is believed to have rested during a {{Wiki|battle}} with [[demons]] over the pot of [[divine]] [[nectar]] of [[immortality]]. [[Garuda]]'s flight lasted 12 [[divine]] days, or 12 years of {{Wiki|mortal}} [[time]], so the [[Kumbh Mela]] is celebrated at each city of 3 towns, alternating among them every three years. |
| − | South IndiaAccording to South Indian legend, in Kanchipuram an ardent devotee of Lord [[Vishnu]], who was a sculptor, carved a [[Garuda]] image out of wood. Having been correctly carved according to the Shilpa Shastras, the figure came to life. It flew into the air, heading towards the south. At the village of Parakkai, the [[Garuda]]took a dip in the tank in front of the temple there, exclaiming with delight. Then he rose again and hovered around the temple deity as if doing pradakshina (Tib. kora, devotional circling.) | + | [[South]] IndiaAccording to [[South]] [[Indian]] legend, in [[Kanchipuram]] an ardent {{Wiki|devotee}} of [[Lord]] [[Vishnu]], who was a {{Wiki|sculptor}}, carved a [[Garuda]] image out of [[wood]]. Having been correctly carved according to the [[Shilpa]] [[Shastras]], the figure came to [[life]]. It flew into the [[air]], heading towards the [[south]]. At the village of Parakkai, the [[Garuda]]took a dip in the tank in front of the [[temple]] there, exclaiming with [[delight]]. Then he rose again and hovered around the [[temple]] [[deity]] as if doing [[pradakshina]] (Tib. [[kora]], devotional circling.) |
| − | An artisan working on a pillar at the temple saw the bird and for some reason, hurled his chisel at it hurting its right wing. The bird fell to earth crying, "Madhusudhana," to the man's disbelief. The famous 4-armed stone image of [[Vishnu]]was later carved and installed on that spot. | + | An artisan working on a pillar at the [[temple]] saw the bird and for some [[reason]], hurled his chisel at it hurting its right wing. The bird fell to [[earth]] crying, "Madhusudhana," to the man's disbelief. The famous 4-armed stone image of [[Vishnu]]was later carved and installed on that spot. |
| − | In Nepal | + | In [[Nepal]] |
[[File:Garuda0123.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda0123.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Near Nagarkot in [[Nepal]] there is a [[Vishnu]] temple dating to the time of King [[Manadeva]], who is also associated with the [[stupa]] of [[Bodhnath]]. In the courtyard is a pillar inscribed with one of the earliest histories of [[Nepal]]. The place is called Changu Narayana. Atop the pillar is a kneeling figure facing the shrine known as the Manadeva [[Garuda]] since the moustached face is believed to represent the king. [[Buddhists]] also worship at this temple, where the deity is called Hari-vahanodbhava-Lokeshvara. [[Śakra]] (or, [[Shakra]]) is the name that [[Buddhist]] scriptures give to the king of the [[god]] realm, [[Indra]]. He appointed the garudas to guard [[Mount Sumeru]] and the [[Trāyastrimśa]] [[heaven]] from the attacks of the [[ashuras]] ("titans" or opponents of the [[gods]].) | + | Near Nagarkot in [[Nepal]] there is a [[Vishnu]] [[temple]] dating to the [[time]] of [[King]] [[Manadeva]], who is also associated with the [[stupa]] of [[Bodhnath]]. In the courtyard is a pillar inscribed with one of the earliest histories of [[Nepal]]. The place is called Changu [[Narayana]]. Atop the pillar is a kneeling figure facing the [[shrine]] known as the Manadeva [[Garuda]] since the moustached face is believed to represent the [[king]]. [[Buddhists]] also {{Wiki|worship}} at this [[temple]], where the [[deity]] is called Hari-vahanodbhava-Lokeshvara. [[Śakra]] (or, [[Shakra]]) is the [[name]] that [[Buddhist]] [[scriptures]] give to the [[king]] of the [[god]] [[realm]], [[Indra]]. He appointed the [[garudas]] to guard [[Mount Sumeru]] and the [[Trāyastrimśa]] [[heaven]] from the attacks of the [[ashuras]] ("titans" or opponents of the [[gods]].) |
| − | Garuda the Compassionate Observer | + | [[Garuda]] the [[Compassionate]] Observer |
| − | In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, [[Garuda]] is a guardian of Lord [[Shiva]]. A tale is told how once, perched on [[Mount Kailash]], [[Garuda]] noticed a tiny bird. He was struck by the contrast between the majesty of [[Kailash]] and [[Shiva]]'s palace, and the delicacy of " . . . a beautiful creature, a little bird seated on the arch crowning the entrance to [[Shiva]]'s place. [[Garuda]] wondered aloud: "How marvelous is this creation! One who has created these lofty mountains has also made this tiny bird -- and both seem equally wonderful." | + | In the [[Shaiva]] [[tradition]] of [[Hinduism]], [[Garuda]] is a guardian of [[Lord]] [[Shiva]]. A tale is told how once, perched on [[Mount Kailash]], [[Garuda]] noticed a tiny bird. He was struck by the contrast between the majesty of [[Kailash]] and [[Shiva]]'s palace, and the delicacy of " . . . a beautiful creature, a little bird seated on the arch crowning the entrance to [[Shiva]]'s place. [[Garuda]] wondered aloud: "How marvelous is this creation! One who has created these lofty [[mountains]] has also made this tiny bird -- and both seem equally wonderful." |
| − | Just then [[Yama]], the [[god]] of [[death]] appeared, riding his black buffalo. [[Garuda]] noticed that the gaze of the [[Master]] of [[Death]] briefly fell upon the bird, but then he continued on his way into the abode of [[Shiva]].Since a mere glance from Lord [[Yama]] presages death, [[Garuda]]'s heart was filled with pity for the tiny bird. He gently picked it up and flew off with it clutched carefully in his powerful talons. He took it far, far, away to a deep forest where he gently placed it on a rock beside a rushing brook. Then he returned to [[Kailash]] and assumed his customary position at [[Shiva]]'s gate.When [[Yama]] emerged from his consultation with the Great [[God]], he nodded to [[Garuda]] inrecognition. [[Garuda]] took this opportunity to ask Lord Death, "Just before you went inside, I saw you notice a little bird. You seemed to have a pensive expression on your face. May I know why?" | + | Just then [[Yama]], the [[god]] of [[death]] appeared, riding his black [[buffalo]]. [[Garuda]] noticed that the gaze of the [[Master]] of [[Death]] briefly fell upon the bird, but then he continued on his way into the abode of [[Shiva]].Since a mere glance from [[Lord]] [[Yama]] presages [[death]], [[Garuda]]'s [[heart]] was filled with [[pity]] for the tiny bird. He gently picked it up and flew off with it clutched carefully in his powerful talons. He took it far, far, away to a deep {{Wiki|forest}} where he gently placed it on a rock beside a rushing brook. Then he returned to [[Kailash]] and assumed his customary position at [[Shiva]]'s gate.When [[Yama]] emerged from his consultation with the Great [[God]], he nodded to [[Garuda]] inrecognition. [[Garuda]] took this opportunity to ask [[Lord]] [[Death]], "Just before you went inside, I saw you notice a little bird. You seemed to have a pensive expression on your face. May I know why?" |
| − | [[Yama]] answered, "When my eyes fell on the bird, I saw that soon it would find its death in the jaws of a great python. But there are no such serpents here, high on [[Kailash]], and I was briefly puzzled."Again, [[Garuda]] marveled; this time at the inevitability of the process which is [[karma]]. | + | [[Yama]] answered, "When my [[eyes]] fell on the bird, I saw that soon it would find its [[death]] in the jaws of a great {{Wiki|python}}. But there are no such serpents here, high on [[Kailash]], and I was briefly puzzled."Again, [[Garuda]] marveled; this [[time]] at the inevitability of the process which is [[karma]]. |
[[File:Garuda1004.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda1004.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
[[Himalayan]] [[Buddhist]] [[Tradition]] | [[Himalayan]] [[Buddhist]] [[Tradition]] | ||
| − | In some cultures, the [[garuda]] acquired the lower body of a bird and became known as a [[kinnara]] or [[shang-shang]]. The [[shang-shan]]g is associated with [[Buddha]] [[Amoghasiddhi]] (Unerring Accomplisher,) whose consort is [[Green Tara]]. | + | In some cultures, the [[garuda]] acquired the lower [[body]] of a bird and became known as a [[kinnara]] or [[shang-shang]]. The [[shang-shan]]g is associated with [[Buddha]] [[Amoghasiddhi]] (Unerring Accomplisher,) whose [[consort]] is [[Green Tara]]. |
| − | [[Amoghasiddhi]] is the [[Buddha]] of the northern direction and is representative of the [[skandha]] [[Samskara]]. He is depicted as green, with his hands in the [[abhaya]] -- the "do not fear," or protection, [[mudra]]. He is the conqueror of "thirst." That is, working with [[visualizations]] and other [[Vajrayana]] methods that focus on him, we can transmute yearning that leads to [[attachment]] -- that which is often simplistically expressed as "[[desire]]" or "[[greed]]." Another of his [[symbols]] is the [[vishvavajra]] or double [[vajra]] that stands for Foundation and also, for resolve and stability. | + | [[Amoghasiddhi]] is the [[Buddha]] of the northern [[direction]] and is representative of the [[skandha]] [[Samskara]]. He is depicted as green, with his hands in the [[abhaya]] -- the "do not [[fear]]," or [[protection]], [[mudra]]. He is the conqueror of "[[thirst]]." That is, working with [[visualizations]] and other [[Vajrayana]] methods that focus on him, we can transmute yearning that leads to [[attachment]] -- that which is often simplistically expressed as "[[desire]]" or "[[greed]]." Another of his [[symbols]] is the [[vishvavajra]] or double [[vajra]] that stands for Foundation and also, for resolve and stability. |
| − | wrathful [[Garuda]]. | + | [[wrathful]] [[Garuda]]. |
| − | In the [[Kalachakra]] [[tradition]], [[Garuda]] bears the speech [[chakra]]. His [[mantra]] is '''Om Pa Kshim, Swaha'''. | + | In the [[Kalachakra]] [[tradition]], [[Garuda]] bears the {{Wiki|speech}} [[chakra]]. His [[mantra]] is '''Om Pa Kshim, [[Swaha]]'''. |
| − | The [[Shangpa]] lineage is named for the [[garuda]] and it is the lineage emblem. | + | The [[Shangpa]] [[lineage]] is named for the [[garuda]] and it is the [[lineage]] {{Wiki|emblem}}. |
| − | A famous song of realization (Tibetan: [[doha]]) by [[Shabkar]], the [[Shangpa Kagyu]] [[master]], is called Flight of the [[Garuda]]. | + | A famous [[song of realization]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[doha]]) by [[Shabkar]], the [[Shangpa Kagyu]] [[master]], is called Flight of the [[Garuda]]. |
| − | Cha Khyung (Bird-[[Garuda]]) was a mountain deity of [[Rebkong]], [[Tibet]], an area on the west side of the river in [[Amdo]] province. After he was subjugated by [[Padmasambhava]] he became a worldly protector. | + | [[Cha Khyung]] (Bird-[[Garuda]]) was a mountain [[deity]] of [[Rebkong]], [[Tibet]], an area on the [[west]] side of the [[river]] in [[Amdo]] province. After he was subjugated by [[Padmasambhava]] he became a [[worldly]] [[protector]]. |
[[File:Garuda1245.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda1245.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | [[Nyingmapa]] Black [[Garuda]] (Tibetan: khyung nag po) | + | [[Nyingmapa]] Black [[Garuda]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[khyung nag po]]) |
| − | Kyunglung or, Garuda Valley, lies to the southwest of Mount Kailash. Once the capital of the land called Zhang Zhung, it was the site of the Silver Palace (Khyunglung Ngulkhar,) the ruins of which are still there in the upper Sutlej | + | Kyunglung or, [[Garuda]] Valley, lies to the [[southwest]] of [[Mount Kailash]]. Once the capital of the land called [[Zhang Zhung]], it was the site of the Silver Palace ([[Khyunglung Ngulkhar]],) the ruins of which are still there in the upper {{Wiki|Sutlej}} |
Valley of [[India]]. | Valley of [[India]]. | ||
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When [[Buddha]] Was a [[Suparna]] | When [[Buddha]] Was a [[Suparna]] | ||
| − | [[Garuda]] is king of the class of beings known as [[suparnas]]. To demonstrate and share his profound understanding of the lure of a woman with a [[monk]] who was having difficulty with his [[vow]] of [[celibacy]], the [[Buddha]] is said to have recounted his own experience as King of the "sunbirds," who once ruled the [[Isle of Seruma]], a land of [[nagas]]: | + | [[Garuda]] is [[king]] of the class of [[beings]] known as [[suparnas]]. To demonstrate and share his profound [[understanding]] of the lure of a woman with a [[monk]] who was having difficulty with his [[vow]] of [[celibacy]], the [[Buddha]] is said to have recounted his own [[experience]] as [[King]] of the "sunbirds," who once ruled the [[Isle of Seruma]], a land of [[nagas]]: |
| − | Once while on a gambling junket to [[Varanasi]] (formerly anglicized as [[Benares]],) he had a love affair with his host's extraordinarily beautiful chief wife, Sussondi. She had been informed of the [[garuda]]'s gorgeous appearance by palace attendants, and he was smitten as soon as she entered the gaming room. Under the cover of a dark and dangerously violent wind that the [[suparna]] had stirred up, they flew away to his island home. There, they made passionate love, but then he had the nerve to return to the host-king's palace -- without her. | + | Once while on a [[gambling]] junket to [[Varanasi]] (formerly anglicized as [[Benares]],) he had a [[love]] affair with his host's extraordinarily beautiful chief wife, Sussondi. She had been informed of the [[garuda]]'s gorgeous [[appearance]] by palace attendants, and he was smitten as soon as she entered the gaming room. Under the cover of a dark and dangerously [[violent]] [[wind]] that the [[suparna]] had stirred up, they flew away to his island home. There, they made [[passionate]] [[love]], but then he had the {{Wiki|nerve}} to return to the host-king's palace -- without her. |
| − | Meanwhile, Sagga, the magical minstrel of the King of [[Benares]], was sent to search for the missing Queen. On board ship, his song was so wonderful that a [[makara]] emerged from the ocean depths in excitement and smashed it to bits. He drifted on a plank that finally landed under a banyan on Seruma. Queen Sussondi, walking alone by the shore, recognized the nearly-drowned man and took him to her quarters to revive him. She had to hide him in case the [[garuda]] should recognize him, of course, and with Sagga living in secret there in her quarters, one thing led to another.Six weeks went by until a ship from [[Benares]] landed to provision there, and Sagga made it successfully back to his home having fulfilled, at least to a certain extent, his royal mission. Skillfully and with delicacy, he sang of his adventure and his longing to the King and his faithless guest, the [[suparna]], who even joined in with his wonderful voice. On hearing Sagga's story expressed so skillfully, the [[garuda]] understood its significance. | + | Meanwhile, [[Sagga]], the [[magical]] minstrel of the [[King]] of [[Benares]], was sent to search for the missing [[Queen]]. On board ship, his song was so wonderful that a [[makara]] emerged from the ocean depths in [[excitement]] and smashed it to bits. He drifted on a plank that finally landed under a banyan on Seruma. [[Queen]] Sussondi, walking alone by the shore, [[recognized]] the nearly-drowned man and took him to her quarters to revive him. She had to hide him in case the [[garuda]] should [[recognize]] him, of course, and with [[Sagga]] living in secret there in her quarters, one thing led to another.Six weeks went by until a ship from [[Benares]] landed to provision there, and [[Sagga]] made it successfully back to his home having fulfilled, at least to a certain extent, his {{Wiki|royal}} [[mission]]. Skillfully and with delicacy, he [[sang]] of his adventure and his longing to the [[King]] and his faithless guest, the [[suparna]], who even joined in with his wonderful {{Wiki|voice}}. On hearing Sagga's story expressed so skillfully, the [[garuda]] understood its significance. |
[[File:Garuda178.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Garuda178.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Though he was the most splendid of all creatures, he had not been able to keep Sussondi for himself alone. Now filled with regret, he flew away to fetch her and returned her to the King. In that lifetime, he never again visited [[Benares]]. There, in [[Jeta's Grove]], [[Buddha]] then told The [[Four Noble Truths]] and all about the births revealing also, that the long-ago King of [[Benares]] had been his own student, [[Ananda]]. | + | Though he was the most splendid of all creatures, he had not been able to keep Sussondi for himself alone. Now filled with [[regret]], he flew away to fetch her and returned her to the [[King]]. In that [[lifetime]], he never again visited [[Benares]]. There, in [[Jeta's Grove]], [[Buddha]] then told The [[Four Noble Truths]] and all about the [[births]] revealing also, that the long-ago [[King]] of [[Benares]] had been his own [[student]], [[Ananda]]. |
| − | Indonesia | + | {{Wiki|Indonesia}} |
| − | Today Indonesia is largely Muslim, but the culture is rooted in its past as the ancient playground of Indian rajahs. The legendary [[Isle of Seruma]] may well have been somewhere in that extensive archipelago. Hence, besides embodying stamina and determination, the [[garuda]]'s association with luxury and sensuality is probably why it was chosen as the emblem of Indonesia Airlines. | + | Today {{Wiki|Indonesia}} is largely {{Wiki|Muslim}}, but the {{Wiki|culture}} is rooted in its {{Wiki|past}} as the {{Wiki|ancient}} playground of [[Indian]] rajahs. The legendary [[Isle of Seruma]] may well have been somewhere in that extensive archipelago. Hence, besides [[embodying]] stamina and [[determination]], the [[garuda]]'s association with {{Wiki|luxury}} and [[sensuality]] is probably why it was chosen as the {{Wiki|emblem}} of {{Wiki|Indonesia}} Airlines. |
| − | Myth of Garuda recounted by an Indonesian Airlines pilot. | + | [[Myth]] of [[Garuda]] recounted by an {{Wiki|Indonesian}} Airlines pilot. |
Brother Chhepu | Brother Chhepu | ||
| − | In Nepal, the "mask of protection" is the face of a [[garuda]]-child called Chhepu. Folklore tells of his origin. He was one among the three brothers, [[Garuda]], Chhepu and Hitimanga. Their mother had requested her husband to help her produce a son | + | In [[Nepal]], the "mask of [[protection]]" is the face of a [[garuda]]-child called Chhepu. {{Wiki|Folklore}} tells of his origin. He was one among the three brothers, [[Garuda]], Chhepu and Hitimanga. Their mother had requested her husband to help her produce a son |
| − | ". . . who would be the bravest, most truthful, and endowed with all superior marks. Her husband told her to wait for a certain period. She being too impatient to wait for a long period, looked in the nest to see whether he was born | + | ". . . who would be the bravest, most truthful, and endowed with all {{Wiki|superior}} marks. Her husband told her to wait for a certain period. She being too impatient to wait for a long period, looked in the nest to see whether he was born |
| − | or not. She found [[Chhepu]] in a premature condition, only with his head formed. | + | or not. She found [[Chhepu]] in a premature [[condition]], only with his head formed. |
| − | It is also told that [[Chhepu]] disappeared from the world as he did not want to see the [[Kaliyuga]], the great [[yuga]], when [[evil]] would completely triumph over good and the [[world]] would be destroyed by [[Vishnu]] in his [[incarnation]] as [[Kalki]], the destroyer. | + | It is also told that [[Chhepu]] disappeared from the [[world]] as he did not want to see the [[Kaliyuga]], the great [[yuga]], when [[evil]] would completely {{Wiki|triumph}} over good and the [[world]] would be destroyed by [[Vishnu]] in his [[incarnation]] as [[Kalki]], the destroyer. |
| − | Knowing his bravery, truthfulness and endowment with all superior marks, [[Manjushree]] wanted to see him and requested [[Chhepu]] to show his full form. [[Chhepu]] appeared slowly amidst the cloud. [[Manjushree]], as a veteran artist, immediately drew his form with his foot secretly without the knowledge of [[Chhepu]]. When [[Manjushree]] had only finished drawing his head, [[Chhepu]] came to know [[Manjushree]]’s deception and immediately disappeared. Due to his bravery, truthfulness and superior marks, he was given the [pride of] place at the top of the main entrance of [[stupas]] [as a] protection from all the dangers. [[Nagas]] [snakes] are the food of [[Chhepu]]." | + | [[Knowing]] his bravery, [[truthfulness]] and endowment with all {{Wiki|superior}} marks, [[Manjushree]] wanted to see him and requested [[Chhepu]] to show his full [[form]]. [[Chhepu]] appeared slowly amidst the cloud. [[Manjushree]], as a veteran artist, immediately drew his [[form]] with his foot secretly without the [[knowledge]] of [[Chhepu]]. When [[Manjushree]] had only finished drawing his head, [[Chhepu]] came to know [[Manjushree]]’s deception and immediately disappeared. Due to his bravery, [[truthfulness]] and {{Wiki|superior}} marks, he was given the ([[pride]] of] place at the top of the main entrance of [[stupas]] [as a] [[protection]] from all the dangers. [[Nagas]] [{{Wiki|snakes}}] are the [[food]] of [[Chhepu]]." |
See an exquisite miniature [[chaitya]]/[[stupa]] at AsianArts with protective [[garudas]] or rather, [[kinnaras]], at the corners. | See an exquisite miniature [[chaitya]]/[[stupa]] at AsianArts with protective [[garudas]] or rather, [[kinnaras]], at the corners. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
Latest revision as of 01:32, 4 April 2016
Garuda (Jap. Karura) is a mythological bird usually described as having a human form with the head of a bird. Created from the cosmic egg that also hatched the 8 elephants supporting the universe, he was fully mature when hatched.
Garuda can easily traverse the universe from end to end. It can kill and eat poisonous snakes with no harmful consequences to itself.
The oldest collection of Indian hymns, the Rig Veda says:
They call him Indra, Mitra, {{Wiki|Varuna]], Agni
And he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman.
To what is One, sages give many a title;
They call it Agni, Yama, Matarishvan . . . . .
Garuda and the Sacred Kusha Grass
The Hindu epic, Mahabharata, tells of the connection between Garuda and sacred kusha grass [Poa cynosuroides,] the same kind of grass provided as a meditation seat for the Buddha.When Garuda brought some amrita from the moon for the Nagas as his mother's ransom, Indra tried to prevent it. The amrita would make the nagas immortal, and they would pose a threat to Indra's position as King of Heaven. But faithful Garuda would not compromise his mother's liberation. However, he arranged that after the nagas received it, it could then be stolen from them. In preparation for this, Garuda laid the nectar of immortality contained in its flask on the grass. That made it easy for Indra to steal which he did while the nagas were bathing in the stream.
When they emerged from the water, they expected the amrita to be on the kusha grass, itself. As they tried to lick up the divine substance, the spiky leaves of kusha slit their tongues. It is for this reason that the tongues of serpents are forked, and also that kusha [or kusa) is sacred -- for having been in contact with amrita.
Garuda and the Kumbh Mela
The Hindu festival, the Kumbhmela, is held at a different spot on the shores of the Ganges every 12 years. At the beginning of 2001, Allahabad was the focus for this largest of the world's gatherings. It is one of four spots where Garuda is believed to have rested during a battle with demons over the pot of divine nectar of immortality. Garuda's flight lasted 12 divine days, or 12 years of mortal time, so the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at each city of 3 towns, alternating among them every three years.
South IndiaAccording to South Indian legend, in Kanchipuram an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was a sculptor, carved a Garuda image out of wood. Having been correctly carved according to the Shilpa Shastras, the figure came to life. It flew into the air, heading towards the south. At the village of Parakkai, the Garudatook a dip in the tank in front of the temple there, exclaiming with delight. Then he rose again and hovered around the temple deity as if doing pradakshina (Tib. kora, devotional circling.)
An artisan working on a pillar at the temple saw the bird and for some reason, hurled his chisel at it hurting its right wing. The bird fell to earth crying, "Madhusudhana," to the man's disbelief. The famous 4-armed stone image of Vishnuwas later carved and installed on that spot.
In Nepal
Near Nagarkot in Nepal there is a Vishnu temple dating to the time of King Manadeva, who is also associated with the stupa of Bodhnath. In the courtyard is a pillar inscribed with one of the earliest histories of Nepal. The place is called Changu Narayana. Atop the pillar is a kneeling figure facing the shrine known as the Manadeva Garuda since the moustached face is believed to represent the king. Buddhists also worship at this temple, where the deity is called Hari-vahanodbhava-Lokeshvara. Śakra (or, Shakra) is the name that Buddhist scriptures give to the king of the god realm, Indra. He appointed the garudas to guard Mount Sumeru and the Trāyastrimśa heaven from the attacks of the ashuras ("titans" or opponents of the gods.)
Garuda the Compassionate Observer
In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Garuda is a guardian of Lord Shiva. A tale is told how once, perched on Mount Kailash, Garuda noticed a tiny bird. He was struck by the contrast between the majesty of Kailash and Shiva's palace, and the delicacy of " . . . a beautiful creature, a little bird seated on the arch crowning the entrance to Shiva's place. Garuda wondered aloud: "How marvelous is this creation! One who has created these lofty mountains has also made this tiny bird -- and both seem equally wonderful."
Just then Yama, the god of death appeared, riding his black buffalo. Garuda noticed that the gaze of the Master of Death briefly fell upon the bird, but then he continued on his way into the abode of Shiva.Since a mere glance from Lord Yama presages death, Garuda's heart was filled with pity for the tiny bird. He gently picked it up and flew off with it clutched carefully in his powerful talons. He took it far, far, away to a deep forest where he gently placed it on a rock beside a rushing brook. Then he returned to Kailash and assumed his customary position at Shiva's gate.When Yama emerged from his consultation with the Great God, he nodded to Garuda inrecognition. Garuda took this opportunity to ask Lord Death, "Just before you went inside, I saw you notice a little bird. You seemed to have a pensive expression on your face. May I know why?"
Yama answered, "When my eyes fell on the bird, I saw that soon it would find its death in the jaws of a great python. But there are no such serpents here, high on Kailash, and I was briefly puzzled."Again, Garuda marveled; this time at the inevitability of the process which is karma.
Himalayan Buddhist Tradition
In some cultures, the garuda acquired the lower body of a bird and became known as a kinnara or shang-shang. The shang-shang is associated with Buddha Amoghasiddhi (Unerring Accomplisher,) whose consort is Green Tara.
Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha of the northern direction and is representative of the skandha Samskara. He is depicted as green, with his hands in the abhaya -- the "do not fear," or protection, mudra. He is the conqueror of "thirst." That is, working with visualizations and other Vajrayana methods that focus on him, we can transmute yearning that leads to attachment -- that which is often simplistically expressed as "desire" or "greed." Another of his symbols is the vishvavajra or double vajra that stands for Foundation and also, for resolve and stability.
wrathful Garuda.
In the Kalachakra tradition, Garuda bears the speech chakra. His mantra is Om Pa Kshim, Swaha.
The Shangpa lineage is named for the garuda and it is the lineage emblem.
A famous song of realization (Tibetan: doha) by Shabkar, the Shangpa Kagyu master, is called Flight of the Garuda.
Cha Khyung (Bird-Garuda) was a mountain deity of Rebkong, Tibet, an area on the west side of the river in Amdo province. After he was subjugated by Padmasambhava he became a worldly protector.
Nyingmapa Black Garuda (Tibetan: khyung nag po)
Kyunglung or, Garuda Valley, lies to the southwest of Mount Kailash. Once the capital of the land called Zhang Zhung, it was the site of the Silver Palace (Khyunglung Ngulkhar,) the ruins of which are still there in the upper Sutlej
Valley of India.
When Buddha Was a Suparna
Garuda is king of the class of beings known as suparnas. To demonstrate and share his profound understanding of the lure of a woman with a monk who was having difficulty with his vow of celibacy, the Buddha is said to have recounted his own experience as King of the "sunbirds," who once ruled the Isle of Seruma, a land of nagas:
Once while on a gambling junket to Varanasi (formerly anglicized as Benares,) he had a love affair with his host's extraordinarily beautiful chief wife, Sussondi. She had been informed of the garuda's gorgeous appearance by palace attendants, and he was smitten as soon as she entered the gaming room. Under the cover of a dark and dangerously violent wind that the suparna had stirred up, they flew away to his island home. There, they made passionate love, but then he had the nerve to return to the host-king's palace -- without her.
Meanwhile, Sagga, the magical minstrel of the King of Benares, was sent to search for the missing Queen. On board ship, his song was so wonderful that a makara emerged from the ocean depths in excitement and smashed it to bits. He drifted on a plank that finally landed under a banyan on Seruma. Queen Sussondi, walking alone by the shore, recognized the nearly-drowned man and took him to her quarters to revive him. She had to hide him in case the garuda should recognize him, of course, and with Sagga living in secret there in her quarters, one thing led to another.Six weeks went by until a ship from Benares landed to provision there, and Sagga made it successfully back to his home having fulfilled, at least to a certain extent, his royal mission. Skillfully and with delicacy, he sang of his adventure and his longing to the King and his faithless guest, the suparna, who even joined in with his wonderful voice. On hearing Sagga's story expressed so skillfully, the garuda understood its significance.
Though he was the most splendid of all creatures, he had not been able to keep Sussondi for himself alone. Now filled with regret, he flew away to fetch her and returned her to the King. In that lifetime, he never again visited Benares. There, in Jeta's Grove, Buddha then told The Four Noble Truths and all about the births revealing also, that the long-ago King of Benares had been his own student, Ananda.
Indonesia
Today Indonesia is largely Muslim, but the culture is rooted in its past as the ancient playground of Indian rajahs. The legendary Isle of Seruma may well have been somewhere in that extensive archipelago. Hence, besides embodying stamina and determination, the garuda's association with luxury and sensuality is probably why it was chosen as the emblem of Indonesia Airlines.
Myth of Garuda recounted by an Indonesian Airlines pilot.
Brother Chhepu
In Nepal, the "mask of protection" is the face of a garuda-child called Chhepu. Folklore tells of his origin. He was one among the three brothers, Garuda, Chhepu and Hitimanga. Their mother had requested her husband to help her produce a son
". . . who would be the bravest, most truthful, and endowed with all superior marks. Her husband told her to wait for a certain period. She being too impatient to wait for a long period, looked in the nest to see whether he was born
or not. She found Chhepu in a premature condition, only with his head formed.
It is also told that Chhepu disappeared from the world as he did not want to see the Kaliyuga, the great yuga, when evil would completely triumph over good and the world would be destroyed by Vishnu in his incarnation as Kalki, the destroyer.
Knowing his bravery, truthfulness and endowment with all superior marks, Manjushree wanted to see him and requested Chhepu to show his full form. Chhepu appeared slowly amidst the cloud. Manjushree, as a veteran artist, immediately drew his form with his foot secretly without the knowledge of Chhepu. When Manjushree had only finished drawing his head, Chhepu came to know Manjushree’s deception and immediately disappeared. Due to his bravery, truthfulness and superior marks, he was given the (pride of] place at the top of the main entrance of stupas [as a] protection from all the dangers. Nagas [[[Wikipedia:snakes|snakes]]] are the food of Chhepu."
See an exquisite miniature chaitya/stupa at AsianArts with protective garudas or rather, kinnaras, at the corners.
