The Four Dignities
These four animals: the Garuda, the Sky Dragon, the Snow
Lion, and the Tiger, are seen in the corners of many Tibetan prayer
flags. Known collectively as "The Four Dignities,"
they represent sacred qualities and attitudes that Bodhisattvas
(or Saints) develop on the path to enlightenment, such as: awareness,
vast vision, confidence, joy, humility, and power.
The Snow Lion
The Snow Lion (Perky) represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind
free of doubt, clear and precise. Of the Four Dignities the Snow
Lion abides in the East.
It has a beauty and dignity resulting from a body and mind that
are synchronized. The Snow Lion has a youthful, vibrant energy of
goodness and a natural sense of delight.
The Tiger
The Tiger (Meek) is one of the Four Dignities, symbols
of those qualities we develop on the sacred path of the warrior.
Abiding in the Southern direction, the Tiger symbolizes
unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty.
It is relaxed yet energized; resting in a gentle state of being
that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
The Garuda
The Garuda (Outrageous) is daring and fearless.
One of the Four Dignities, the Garuda abides in the northern
direction. Possessing great strength and power it soars beyond the
beyond - no holding back. It symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears,
the vast mind without reference point.
The Sky Dragon
The Sky Dragon (Inscrutable) enjoys resting in the sky among the
clouds and wind.
One of the Four Dignities it abides in the western
direction. The vision of the dragon is to create an environment
of fearlessness, warmth and genuineness. It is energetic, powerful
and unwavering yet gentle and playful. The Sky Dragon represents
generosity, spontaneous achievement, elegance, and equanimity.
These are all mythological beings are are REPRESENTATIONAL ONLY
of certain qualities. You will never find a Snow Lion or a "meek"
Tiger, a Garuda bird or a Sky Dragon, so why has the west associated
the Lhasa Apsos with the Snow Lion and further, persisted in the
belief that these dogs are actually represented in religious paintings,
holding up the Buddha's throne and on the Tibetan Flag?
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