新作

In the sweeping skies of ancient myth, few figures soar higher than the Garuda, known in Tibetan as the Golden-Winged Great Peng. A legendary bird of immense power and divine origin, the Garuda has captivated generations across India, Nepal, and Tibet. With wings that stretch across the heavens and a spirit forged in compassion and strength, this mythic creature is more than a symbol—it is a spiritual force of protection and resilience.

The Origins of Garuda: A Tale of Devotion and Defiance

The Garuda first emerged in Indian mythology under the name Garuda, born to the goddess Vinata. According to legend, Vinata became enslaved to her sister Kadru and the serpent race after losing a wager. Determined to free his mother, Garuda embarked on a perilous quest to steal the amrita—the nectar of immortality—from the gods.

This tale isn’t just a heroic fable. It’s a metaphor for overcoming the odds with courage and unwavering devotion. The Garuda’s successful retrieval of the amrita, despite powerful adversaries, symbolizes the victory of truth, willpower, and selflessness in the face of adversity.

Garuda’s encounter with Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s principal deities, further elevated his status. So impressed was Vishnu by Garuda’s strength and loyalty that he made him his personal mount. From then on, Garuda became a divine symbol of power, speed, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

From Hindu Legend to Buddhist Protector

As Buddhism spread across Asia, the figure of Garuda was absorbed into its cosmology, transforming into a protector deity within the Eight Legions of Buddhist Guardians (Tianlong Babu). In Tibetan Buddhism, the Garuda—known as Khyung—plays a vital role in safeguarding the Dharma.

Here, Garuda’s symbolic battle with serpent-like Nāgas represents more than just ancient enmity. The Nāgas, associated with chaos and hidden desires, stand as metaphors for spiritual ignorance. Each day, it’s said that the Garuda consumes a serpent king and hundreds of poisonous dragons, purifying the spiritual world from corruption and imbalance.

In the Lotus Sutra, Garuda is described as radiant and sorrowful—his golden body gleaming, his cries echoing with compassion for the world’s suffering. This sorrow, born from his lifelong battle with poison and darkness, culminates in a profound transformation: unable to feed any longer, Garuda ascends to Vajra Wheel Mountain, where his body self-immolates from within. What remains is a pure blue crystal heart—a symbol of clarity, enlightenment, and transcendence.

Garuda in Tibetan Art and Jewelry

In Tibetan culture, Garuda is not just a mythical being—he is a revered spiritual symbol. Known as “Jorma” or simply “Khyung,” the golden-winged bird appears frequently in Thangka paintings, temple murals, and ritual objects. Often depicted with a fierce gaze, human torso, eagle-like wings, and a flaming aura, the Garuda is believed to guard sacred spaces and repel negativity.

These powerful traits are also channeled into Tibetan jewelry and ritual talismans, where miniature Garuda motifs are carved in silver or inlaid in gemstones. Adorning oneself with such a symbol is believed to offer protection against spiritual obstacles, ill will, and inner turmoil. Many pilgrims who visit sacred sites in the Himalayas carry Garuda pendants as reminders of their inner strength and spiritual journey.

Symbolism of the Garuda in Eastern Philosophy

Garuda’s story is ultimately one of transcendence. It teaches that through devotion, endurance, and sacrifice, one can overcome the poison of worldly suffering and emerge with an awakened, purified heart.

His role in mythology echoes deep Eastern philosophical themes:

• Strength with Purpose: Garuda uses his immense power not for domination but to restore balance and justice.

• Sacrifice as Purification: His self-immolation mirrors the Buddhist idea of burning away ego and delusion to reveal inner wisdom.

• Light from Within: The blue crystal heart left behind after his death is a potent metaphor for enlightened mind—clear, radiant, and untouched by suffering.

Why Garuda Resonates Today

In a world that often feels weighed down by chaos, the figure of the Garuda remains as relevant as ever. Whether featured in a Tibetan pendant, a temple fresco, or the mind of a meditator, Garuda reminds us of our own potential to rise above darkness, protect what is sacred, and purify our inner world.

At Mabge, we honor this legacy by weaving Garuda’s image into our jewelry and spiritual art—each piece designed not just for beauty, but to carry the story of a being who stood against fear, and flew into legend.