The Golden Garuda (Excerpt)
Sandalwood and bones burned in twelve blazing pyres—at the sacred ghat where death ends, and the promise of moksha lives. I stepped out of the eternal flame that was anchored in the middle, and dusted off the residual heavenly ashes before I dawned a red cloak that was suitable for my life's work.
Deafening screeches pierced my ears as I looked up in the sky at the Golden Garuda–its powerful wings created winds in the heavens and waves in the holy river, as it circled the beloved city of Kashi, seven times from above.
Twelve souls emerged from the twelve burning pyres–then dissolved into Supreme Consciousness, never to incarnate again, as Golden Garuda descended down and dove into the eternal flame. I watched with reverence as the fire transformed Golden Garuda—scales melting into flesh, wings reshaping into arms, and talons softening into feet.
Pako King
The Suit Shaman
