Four Dignities That Bring Confidence into Everyday Life
By Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche:
"The Shambhala teachings introduce four mythical animals—the tiger, lion, garuda, and dragon—which represent the principles of confidence that the ruler develops in order to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life.
The confidence of the tiger is contentment. Contentment comes from discernment, the virtue of touching our feet to the earth of every moment. As we slow down and consider our thoughts, words, and actions with the question, “Will this bring happiness or pain?”, we become like tigers who carefully observe the landscape before pouncing. In looking at what to cultivate and what to discard, we are remembering our precious human life and deciding to use it well."
Chinese calligraphy: "Tiger" in cursive (grass) style. Original work. Unframed. Sumi ink on textured Chinese rice paper. 14" by 19". Signed with the seals of the artist.
