Material: Copper. Handmade. Pendant

Size: Approximately 3~6 cm (various styles)

Description:

The Garuda (called "khyung" in Tibetan and "Garuda" in Sanskrit) is an important sacred symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, with profound religious, spiritual and cultural significance. It is regarded as a powerful divine bird, closely associated with power, wisdom and protection. The following is a detailed description of the significance and origin of the Garuda in Tibetan Buddhism:

**The Meaning of the Garuda**

1. **Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning**:

- **Demon Subjugation and Protection**: The Garuda is considered to be the guardian of the Dharma, especially good at subduing evil spirits and poisonous dragons (Naga). In Tibetan Buddhism, it symbolizes victory over internal demons such as ignorance, greed, anger and delusion, as well as external negative forces.

- **Wisdom and Freedom**: The image of the Garuda flying high with its wings spread represents the state of freedom beyond worldly constraints and reaching enlightenment. Its sharp eyes symbolize the wisdom of insight into the truth and the ability to see through the illusions of the world.

- **Purification and healing**: The antagonistic relationship between Garuda and snakes (dragons) symbolizes the purification of poisons and diseases. Tibetan Buddhism believes that Garuda can remove toxins from the body, mind and soul, bringing health and harmony.

- **Incarnation of the deity**: In Tantra, Garuda is often seen as the incarnation of Vajrapani or some wrathful deities, embodying the supreme power and protection of the Dharma.

2. **Cultural and artistic symbols**:

- Garuda often appears in Tibetan Buddhist thangkas, sculptures and temple decorations, showing its majestic image, with a crown on its head, a poisonous snake in its mouth and wings spread out, symbolizing invincible power.

- In Tibetan culture, Garuda is also regarded as a sacred guardian spirit, connected to the vastness of the sky and the universe, representing lofty spiritual pursuits.

3. **Rituals and Practices**:

- The image of Garuda is often used in Dharma-protection rituals or pujas, especially in Tantric practices to expel evil spirits or purify the environment.

- Its image also appears on amulets, flags or ritual objects, which believers wear or offer to pray for protection and blessings.

**Origin of Garuda**

The origin of Garuda combines elements of Hinduism, Buddhism and Tibetan indigenous culture, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, where it is given unique Tantric significance.

1. **Mythology and Religious Origins**:

- **Hindu Background**: The concept of Garuda originates from ancient Indian mythology, especially the Vedas and the Mahabharata. In Hinduism, Garuda is the mount of Vishnu, symbolizing speed, strength and loyalty. Buddhism absorbed this image and transformed it into a guardian deity of the Dharma.

- **Buddhism was introduced into Tibet**: With the introduction of Tantric Buddhism into Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, Garuda was incorporated into the symbolic system of Tibetan Buddhism and combined with the teachings of Vajrayana. Its image and function were reinterpreted as a symbol of the protector of the Dharma and the slayer of demons.

- **Bon influence**: In the native Bon religion of Tibet, there is also a sacred bird image similar to the Garuda, called "khyung", which is regarded as the god of the sky and the symbol of shamanic power. Tibetan Buddhism absorbed this element, integrated Garuda with the sacred bird tradition of Bon religion, and strengthened its status in Tibetan culture.

2. **Mythology**:

- In Buddhist legends, Garuda is the natural enemy of the Naga clan. The Naga clan is often regarded as a negative force that brings disease, chaos or natural disasters, and the Garuda subdues the Naga clan with its swiftness and strength to protect all living beings.

- Another legend mentions that Garuda once made a vow to the Buddha to become the guardian of the Dharma, promising to protect practitioners and the Dharma from evil spirits. Therefore, it is regarded as an important guardian deity in Tantric Buddhism.

3. **Art and Image Evolution**:

- The image of Garuda is usually half-human and half-bird, with golden wings, sharp beak, strong claws and angry expression, and often with flames or gems on the head, symbolizing divine power.

- In Tibetan Buddhist thangkas and sculptures, Garuda is often depicted with a poisonous snake in its mouth or standing on a dragon, symbolizing the conquest of evil.

- Its image is also influenced by the art of Central Asia and the Himalayas, integrating local aesthetic characteristics.

**Application of Garuda in Tibetan Buddhism**

- **Tantric Practice**: In some Tantric rituals, Garuda is regarded as the main deity or guardian deity. Practitioners pray for strength, wisdom and protection by visualizing its image or chanting related mantras.

- **Ritual instruments and amulets**: Garuda images often appear on ritual instruments, thangkas or amulets to ward off evil and bless. Tibetan families may hang images of Garuda in their homes to protect their homes.

- **Cultural symbols**: In Tibetan festivals or religious activities, the image of Garuda may appear on flags, clothing or architectural decorations, symbolizing sacredness and authority.

**Usage and precautions**

- **Respect**: Garuda is a sacred symbol. Whether it is a ritual instrument, amulet or artistic image, it should be treated with respect and avoid being discarded or profaned at will.

- **Purification and blessing**: If the image or ritual instrument of Garuda is used for practice, it must be blessed by a senior monk or purified regularly to maintain its spiritual power.

- **Tantra inheritance**: In Tibetan Buddhism, the practice related to Garuda usually belongs to the category of Tantra and must be carried out under the guidance of a qualified master. Those who have not received initiation should not practice without authorization.

**Summary**

In Tibetan Buddhism, Garuda is a symbol of power, wisdom and protection, representing the sacred power of subduing evil spirits, purifying obstacles and protecting the Dharma. Its origin combines elements of Hinduism, Buddhism and Tibetan Bon, carrying religious and cultural traditions from ancient India to the Himalayas. Whether in Tantric rituals, artistic expressions or daily beliefs, Garuda has become one of the indispensable symbols of Tibetan Buddhism with its majestic image and profound spiritual meaning.