Beliefs About Tigers

In ancient China, tigers were often considered regal and beneficial in some periods. In other times they were thought to be potent messengers between the human and spirit worlds. And in still other times, tigers were used to deter evil spirits from the graves of the deceased.

If you were to see a tiger, sleeping or sitting at a monk's feet, it demonstrates Buddhism's power to harmonise and tame nature's forces.

A roaring tiger can symbolise a fury and fighting spirit, while a tiger and a dragon together symbolises the two great forces of nature. The tiger symbolises yin (evil) in Taoism and the dragon controls yang (good).

In Asia tigers are related to the gods Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Shiva is pictured wearing a tiger skin and also riding a tiger. Parvati, when pictured in her dark side, appears as Durga the Terrible and is also riding a tiger.

In some Asian countries the tiger can embody mystery and possibly dangerous killers. Some Shamans and magicians adopt the appearance of tigers to advertise powerful images.

Tigers are believed to be the avengers of their Supreme Being or to punish sinners on behalf of Allah.

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