The Seven Questions of Garuda

Tulasidasa concludes the Ramayana with a lengthy conversation between Garuda, the king of birds and Kakabhushundi, a crow. The fact that Garuda goes to a crow for spiritual instruction is profoundly symbolic. A seeker os wisdom must be prepared to learn from any qualified source,and a teacher must not be judged by outward appearance or social status. It is the content of the teacher's wisdom that matters. The dialogue between Garuda and Kakabhushundi focuses on the nature of God, and the path of love. At one point in the conversation, Garuda places seven questions before his eloquent teacher. His questions deal with the value and purpose of human existence, the greatest pain, the highest pleasure, the differences between good and evil, the highest virtue, the worst sin and the diseases of the mind. These questions and answers are analyzed and discussed.