Buddhist & Hindu Deity: Garuda Main Page
Garuda Masterworks- Art History
- Iconography & Religious Context
- Garuda Outline Page
Videos:
- Garuda: King of Birds
- Black Garuda
- Bird Deities of the Himalayas
- Bird Deity Conflations
Historically, from classical Indian mythology, Garuda is the king of birds. In Tantric Buddhism, Garuda is yet another form in which various buddhas arise for the purpose of removing disease and injury caused by nagas and poisoning. Metaphorically the worst 'poisons' are desire, hatred and ignorance. Various forms of Garuda are found in both the Nyingma and Sarma traditions. The Chakrasamvara and Kalachakra Tantras of the Sarma tradition are the main sources for the various lineages of Tantric Buddhist practice. The Bon religion has a similar bird deity known as a 'kyung'.
Three Topics: [1] origin, [2] deity [3] decoration.
Six Sub-topics:
1. Vaishnava Tradition
2. Nyingma Buddhist
3. Sarma Buddhist
4. Bon Religion
5. Naxi Religion
6. Decorative Element
Database Search: All Images | Paintings | Sculpture
Jeff Watt 3-2003 [updated 9-2016, 5-2017, 2-2020]
