Interpretation of Concept of Garuda in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

          This purpose of this research were: 1) study of Garuda in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, 2) study of hermeneutic and works on Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, and 3) study of interpretation of concept of Garuda in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. This research is a documentary research. The data are collected from the Tripitaka and related research on interpretation of concept of Garuda in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. Then, the data has been collected and analyzed and synthesized in order to obtain the objective knowledge.
          The research result found that:
          Garuda in Theravada Buddhist philosophy is a type of lower angel. They abide in Wiman Chimphli (The castle of the opera tree), eat Nak as food, and are the follower of Virulhok God. It is believed that Garuda is born from person who makes a merit, mixing with delusion and misbelieves that killing the other animals is no sin. Therefore, that result brings itself to be reborn a Garuda. The origin of Garuda can be 4 methods; being birth automatic, rising up in womb, in egg and an ash (wet conditions). The abode of Garuda is Himavanta Forest, foothill of Sineru Mountain and Catumaharajika Heaven (First Paradise). The physical feature of the Garuda is a sharp beak, half man and half bird, long wings and big body. They can fly fast in the air, when flying, there is a big storm. Garuda is hostile to Nak. The duty of Garuda is to protect Buddhism and save the moral people. Moral of Garuda is humble, hold the truth and be gratitude. Marvelous Mantra of Garuda is called Alampayana. Hermeneutic and studying works on Theravada Buddhist Philosophy are a key to be Interpretation. It makes understanding the text and explain meaning correctly. The eastern hermeneutic called Buddhist Interpretation, using interpretation on Buddhist text named Nettipakarana. This text is a key of Buddhist interpretation as follows; 16 Haras, 5 Nayas and 16 Sasanapathanas. Those methods are used to interpret on concept of Garuda of Theravada Buddhist philosophy both clarification and intermediation.
          Having interpreted on concept of Garuda of Theravada Buddhist philosophy, finds that Garuda in Theravada Buddhism is classified into 2 categories: 1) personification type; it means a sort of animal, a half god and half bird shape, aboding in Wiman Chimphli, eating nak as food, being an enemy to nak, being the retinues of Virulhok God and lives at Catumaharajika Heaven. The origin of Garuda can be 4 methods; being reborn automatic, rising up in womb, in egg and an ash. And 2) exposition in Dhamma type; it means mental principle, being faith in monks, being like to make merit, observing precepts and normally cultivating meditation. On the other hand, it means bad mental principle, following defilement and composing with delusion. It misbelieves that killing other animals is not sin. It likes to be vengeful jealousy of others. A concept of Garuda of Theravada Buddhist philosophy is not eternal life and not a magician. Garuda must circulate with being reborn and death endless.