Significance of Tiger
Synonyms: Carnivore
In German: Tiger; In Swedish: Tiger; In Dutch: Tijger; In Finnish: Tiikeri; In Spanish: Tigre; In French: Tigre; In Portugese: Tigre; In Italian: Tigre; In Malay: Harimau; In Polish: Tygrys
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tiger'
In Buddhism, the tiger symbolizes various concepts. It represents fear, a past life of Moggallana, misused power, and the citta's intimidation for calm. Tigers also act as teachers, allies, or threats, teaching lessons on unity and discipline. They can be used to teach lessons.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) These are mentioned as a teacher, and one who is timid may use the method of taking the tigers as his teacher, to help him in his training and discipline, and are scary.[1] (2) These are fierce wild animals that the Bhikkhu is confronted with when entering their jungle, and who are not afraid of people during the daytime, but are at night.[2] (3) This is a wild animal whose presence can be used to intimidate the citta and induce a state of calm, concentration, and a search for a safe place.[3] (4) The tiger is a large animal that appeared to the Upasaka after he acted improperly, and the Acariya used the tiger to teach the Upasaka a lesson.[4] (5) This is a wild animal that is mentioned in the story, it roars at the Acariya while he is walking cankama, and it becomes a symbol of fear and ultimately, a friend.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The animal who was the friend of the partridge, and helped to bring the man to justice, showing the bond between animals.[6] (2) This character is identified as Moggallana in a past life, as the Master stated at the end of the narrative, and this association is revealed.[7] (3) The tigers are a group of animals who were asked about the earth collapsing and said that the rhinoceroses know.[8] (4) The creature brought back to life by Sanjiva, which ultimately leads to his demise, highlighting the dangers of misused power.[9] (5) The predator that the Carpenter’s Boar and his kin set out to defeat, illustrating the theme of unity against a common foe.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) It is a type of animal that was killed by hunters, its remains were then used as food during times of scarcity. The use of its remains created problems.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Tiger'
In Hinduism, the tiger symbolizes ferocity, strength, and vigour, often linked to kingship among wild beasts. It represents Arjuna's prowess, indomitable nature, and association with danger. The tiger's presence highlights the richness of pictorial art and its role in stories and the forest environment.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This term describes Arjuna among men, who was advancing, borne by his steeds, and against whom ninety Kaurava car-warriors rushed for battle.[12] (2) Dussasana caused Duryodhana to mount on his horse, and he was endued with its prowess, graced with bracelets, with diadem on head, and adorned with other ornaments on his arms.[13] (3) The tiger is used as an example of an animal that slaughters many to fill one stomach, illustrating unchecked desire.[14] (4) Arjuna is compared to the tiger among beasts, highlighting his ferocity and strength, and his skill in the art of war.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Tiger is an animal not found in the described desert, along with elephants, buffaloes, deer, and other creatures of the wood.[16] (2) Tiger is a type of animal that, along with other animals, will flee upon seeing Rama's form, and is one of the many animals that live in the forest.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Tigers are mating with cats, an unnatural event that signifies the breakdown of natural order.[18] (2) These animals roared in the caverns that the monkeys explored.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Wild large cats that represent danger or thrill in this context, implying a boldness in the subject's actions.[20] (2) Another powerful entity that Murari Caitanya dasa sported with, symbolizing strength and courage.[21]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The tiger represents vigour and is characterized by the unassailable metre Viraj, highlighting its indomitable nature.[22] (2) An animal that resulted from the fury flowing from Indra’s intestines, symbolizing the king of wild beasts.[23]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Symbolizes a specific belief or assumption about the nature of the object, causing a critical misinterpretation.[24]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The Tiger is one of the Lion's three courtiers who, along with the Jackal and the Crow, plotted to have the Camel killed to provide food for the court during the rainy season.[25]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Animals included within the chapter's description, linked to the richness of pictorial art during the era.[26]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) As per the text, this animal is a member of the tearer group of creatures.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) It is a large carnivorous cat, and rebirth as this is a consequence of stealing a horse.[29]
Jain concept of 'Tiger'
In Jainism, the tiger is a creature whose scent is detected by a delighted deer. This signifies a world where even predator and prey coexist peacefully.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A tiger is used as a simile, comparing Parvataka's failure in battle to the disappointment a tiger experiences when it misses its leap.[30] (2) This animal's face is smelled with his nose by a deer with pricked-up ears and his tail waving from pleasure.[31]
From: Naladiyar
(1) A strong animal that will catch a small frog.[32]
The concept of Tiger in local and regional sources
The "Tiger" appears in various tales, symbolizing danger, ingratitude, and power. It can be a helpful or harmful figure, involved in marriage, protection, and conflict. The tiger is often a central element in stories involving responsibility, confrontation, and even premonitions.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Animals that served as house dogs in the bonga girl's home, causing the young man to feel frightened.[33] (2) The tiger contended that December and January, known as the winter season, were the coldest, disagreeing with the bear's perspective on the matter.[34] (3) A powerful feline who lived in a woodland and was respected by the other animals as their leader, offering them protection.[35] (4) A character in the story who is described as having no tail, who initially sees the Raja as a potential meal.[36] (5) A tiger was persuaded by the king of the jackals to try exorcising the spirits after the bear's encounter.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The animal that was licking the cut part of the tree, thus causing the cuts to disappear, and was later thwarted by the Khasis.[38] (2) A symbol of a creature that only harms those who help it, illustrating the nature of ingratitude.[39]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is an animal depicted in a mosaic image on the western side of a corpse in a Yangshao culture burial site.[40]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The skins of a tiger are worn by the deity, part of the description of Shiva, which Narahari perceives while blindfolded in the temple.[41]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A character referenced in various anecdotes who is afraid of certain fears, including dripping from the rain.[42] (2) An animal mentioned in the context of a confrontation with the Rakshasa, representing a greater threat.[43] (3) Another wild animal mentioned as part of a variant story connected to the themes of that involves the transfer of responsibility and danger.[44]
The concept of Tiger in scientific sources
Tiger, in this context, relates to the text by referring to familiars in India. These "Tigers" are often recognized as regional entities.
From: South African Family Practice
(1) These are often familiars in India.[45]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The paper examines stories about these animals, along with snakes and birds, drawing examples from two biographical collections.[46]
Classical concept of 'Tiger'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The provided text mentions that a medicine of immense power for the muscles is still made by the Chinese from the bones of a "tiger" which have been dug up after lying some months in the earth and ground into a most potent powder.[47]