Garuḍa

Garuḍa (khyung)

• A mythological bird normally depicted with an owl-like sharp beak, often holding a snake, and with large and powerful wings. References to this bird can be also found in Hindu literature where it is often mentioned as the flying mount of powerful mundane gods (deva). In Buddhism, the garuḍa is associated with Vajrapāṇi and certain wrathful forms of Padmasambhava through its power to subdue snakes, serpentine water spirits, and subterranean creatures. According to the rNying-ma school, the garuḍa is sometimes revered as a guardian of treasures (gter bdag) or even as a repository of treasures (gter ka). GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)