Garuda.

Garuda — The Son Who Sought His Parents' Blessings

Garuda is one of the most magnificent figures in our sacred literature.

He is mighty, swift and fearless. His wings are said to be capable of darkening the sky, and eventually he becomes the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

Yet there is something deeply human about Garuda.

Before undertaking the greatest journey of his life, he went to his parents and sought their blessings.

Garuda was born to the sage Kashyapa and Vinata. Kashyapa had two wives, Vinata and Kadru. Kadru became the mother of the Nāgas, while Vinata became the mother of Garuda and his brother Aruna.

Vinata and Kadru once entered into a wager. Vinata lost, and as a consequence she became enslaved to Kadru and her serpent sons.

Garuda could not bear to see his mother in bondage.

He asked the Nāgas what would secure her freedom.

Their answer was formidable:

He must bring them the Amṛta—the nectar of immortality—from the heavens.

Garuda accepted the challenge.

But before setting out, he did something that reveals his character more than his extraordinary powers ever could.

He sought the blessings and guidance of his parents.

His mother blessed him.

His father, Kashyapa, gave him guidance about the journey and about obtaining food along the way. Garuda listened carefully.

Then this extraordinary bird set out.

His journey was filled with dangers. He had to overcome powerful guardians and pass through obstacles that would have stopped almost anyone else.

But Garuda was not merely strong.

He was determined.

His purpose was not personal glory.

He was doing this for his mother.

Eventually he succeeded in obtaining the Amṛta.

And yet even here, the story reveals another quality in Garuda. He did not simply seize the nectar for himself. His purpose remained the freedom of Vinata.

His great strength had a purpose because his heart had a purpose.

Strength begins with humility

We often imagine that great people are those who need nobody.

Our stories tell us something very different.

Garuda possessed immense power, but he still bowed before his parents.

He understood something that Indian families have preserved for generations:

A parent's blessing does not make us powerful. It reminds us how to use the power we already possess.

That is why, even today, before an important journey, marriage, examination, new venture or major undertaking, we turn to our parents and elders.

We receive their āśīrvāda.

Perhaps the words are only:

“Go. May everything go well.”

But the child carries those words into the world.

Garuda's story reminds us that even those who are capable of conquering great obstacles can begin their journey with a humble bow.

Before Garuda flew towards the heavens, he first bowed at the feet of those who had given him life.

And perhaps that is why his flight became so magnificent.