GARUDA

"In Buddhism, Garudas are a mythical species of majestic bird-like deities with a wing-span of many miles, with which they can bring about winds with the force of a hurricane."

 "They have also been a long-term opposing force of the Naga, the species of snakes which protected the Buddha while he achieved enlightenment." Perhaps my current illness is my Garuda, while every conscious practice of patience on my part is support for my protector Snakes.

"Our most valuable teachers are our enemies. Not only is this a fundamental Buddhist teaching, it is a demonstrated fact of life. While our friends can help us in many ways, only our enemies can provide us with the challenge we need to develop tolerance, patience, and compassion ... three virtues essential for building character, developing peace of mind and bringing us true happiness."

-His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama-

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