Tiger of Meekness (Part I of Four–Part Series)

Meekness is not a word we often associate with strength, but in fact, the spiritual warrior's strength arises from gentleness, not arrogance. It's about being simple, grounded and embodied. Trungpa lays out three stages in the development of meekness.

The first stage is modesty. Modesty here has to do with being simple, without pretense in a way that is completely genuine. Hui-neng, the sixth ancestor of Zen, speaks of this as having a straightforward mind.

The second stage is that of unconditional confidence. The mature tiger moves through the forest easily, with a natural rhythm. She is in no rush. She plants her paws slowly and surely. She is relaxed, yet aware of her surroundings. This ease and embodiment of the tiger is an expression of unconditional confidence. She knows she belongs to a living earth and is related intimately with all creatures in this world.

The third stage overcomes any hesitation because one's mind is vast and boundless. Having given up both ambition and any sense of a poverty mentality, the warrior's mind is stable and uplifted.

DISCERNMENT
The tiger's relaxed awareness allows her to see clearly what to keep and what to discard. This quality of discernment is critical in developing wisdom. Without discernment, it's not possible to develop skillful behavior. The tiger is not at the mercy of our mass cultural manipulations based on unlimited growth and never-ending consumerism. She can see what leads to awakening and what does not. She has the intention and the courage to follow what supports life and leads to awakening. As a result, she can let go of negative emotions which embroil one in further greed, turmoil and chaos. The tiger understands that her actions matter. Everything you do is consequential. So she cultivates virtuous actions that lead to awakening and avoids those that lead to suffering.

EXERTION
Nothing is accomplished on the path of a bodhisattva without great exertion. Exertion creates both stability and joy. While many might exert themselves for the wrong reason, the tiger always exerts herself for the sake of awakening, so she is able to overcome doubt and create a powerful presence. This quality of tenacity allows the tiger to bear witness, and remain grounded in working with difficult situations and conflicts.

Overcoming aggression, desire, and ignorance requires great determination and effort. The tiger is willing to put in the hard work on the meditation cushion to work with herself. The spiritual warrior is brave, not because she conquers and controls others, but because she is willing to face herself. And in this way, the tiger expresses open, genuine presence, and tender-heartedness.

REGRET
The tiger does not linger in regret. She makes full use of her time in service to helping others. Regret is a sign that you have lost your discipline and focus. It leads to confusion and hesitation. One of the most painful things people often express on their death bed is their sense of regret that they didn't do what they could have done while alive. The tiger does not die with this kind of regret. She doesn't worry about her own happiness. By serving others and putting them first, she lives with a more sustainable joy and wholeness.

Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse is the Abbot of the Zen Life & Meditation Center. He has been teaching for over 30 years and practicing for 50 years. He is also an artist and painter. He’s been doing digital paintings on his computer for the last 10 years. You can view his work at his site for Robert Althouse Fine Arts at www.althouseart.com.