Courageous Self Print

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ART:

Garuda is an important character across most of Asia. In Hinduism, he is the deity who acts as a servant to Vishnu and is often depicted carrying Vishnu. I recently read an interpretation of Garuda which described him as a symbol of an innermost self (Atman in Hinduism). 

I love this interpretation, mainly because of the way it describes these depictions.

Atman can be thought of as the part of our minds that is much deeper than the surface ego but still part of the individual self. It is the witness-consciousness. When you sit and watch an insect on a flower, for example, the Atman is the part of your mind that watches you watching the insect. 

In this way, these depictions of Garuda carrying Vishnu on his back can be thought of as a virtuous and courageous inner self, taking direction from, and serving that supreme, benevolent, universal self. 

I love this way of interpreting art and religious ideas.

It’s a method of thinking that is sometimes difficult for us westerners to understand, particularly in religious contexts, because the western framework for religion is so hierarchical and rigid. Eastern religions allow for much greater complexity and interwoven connections.