With knowledge, the tiger is no longer fierce
A gentle lyric from the MV "Cooking for You" (Nấu ăn cho em) by Den Vau, yet it carries a profound philosophical weight.
With knowledge, the tiger is no longer fierce” - a gentle lyric from the MV “Cooking for You” (Nấu ăn cho em) by Den Vau, yet it carries a profound philosophical weight. Sometimes, taking a moment to express our thoughts on a piece of music or a lyric is a beautiful practice in self-reflection.
The image of the tiger in the MV is not just a symbol of the wild; it serves as a fascinating metaphor for the primordial energy residing within every human being.
However, to truly touch that energy rather than just observing it through a screen, we need a more direct connection from our own bodies. Let's briefly look away from the footage, stand in front of a large mirror, and allow yourself to try a small exercise. Through the following two contrasting states of conscience, you will see how your inner tiger finds its voice:Bài thực hành trước gương: Đối diện với “Mãnh thú”
A practice in front of a mirror: Facing the “Beast”
Let us try a small exercise together. Stand before a large mirror, take a deep breath, and perform these two movements:
Movement 1: Embody a gentle, relaxed “tiger.” Open your eyes wide and soft, raise your hands, and wave them playfully like a tiger cub enjoying the morning sun.
Movement 2: Now, switch to a fierce, roaring tiger. Let your eyes cloud with anger, baring your claws as if ready to strike.
As you look in the mirror, what do you feel? In the first movement, your heart rate is steady, your facial muscles relax, and you feel a sense of connection. In the second, your heart quickens and tension rises. This is proof that: The world outside or the “tiger” itself is simply a mirror reflecting our state of conscience.
The inner tiger: Strength or Destruction?
Within each of us lies a “tiger” in the form of powerful energy. In folk wisdom, a hot-tempered person is often compared to a “tiger escaping its cage.” Yet, the tiger itself is not at fault. It possesses magnificent qualities: independence, bravery, intense focus, and keen eyes to observe the world. If tamed, this tiger becomes the driving force that helps us stay decisive in our careers and resilient against adversity.
However, without the light of wisdom, it reveals its dark side: aggression, selfishness, and cruelty. An ancient proverb says: “A fierce tiger carries a sword in its mouth.” That sword represents sharp teeth and a hard tongue. In humans, this “sword” manifests as cruel words and harsh judgments that wound others and ourselves. When our inner world lacks cultivation, we merely let the inner tiger disturb the peace of our lives.
The Journey of “Taming the Tiger” Through Knowledge and Compassion
How do we make that tiger “no longer fierce”? The answer lies in Knowledge. Knowledge here is not just academic learning, but Self-awareness.
“Taming the tiger” is a persistent journey of observation. It is the act of watching every thought as it sparks, every wave of emotion as it rises, and every action before it is taken. When we possess enough mindfulness to recognize our anger, the tiger cannot “escape its cage” blindly.
Balance is the key. When we harmonize the need to protect our personal boundaries and growth with the practice of compassion and empathy for others, the inner tiger naturally retracts its claws. It doesn’t lose its strength; rather, that strength is now wrapped in gentleness. At that moment, the 'King of the Jungle' in your soul becomes peaceful, lovable, and wise.
Happiness simply begins the moment we realize that by simply changing our perspective, all the “fierceness” in this world can be transformed by a peaceful heart.
Captured at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens - Memories of the three precious white tiger cubs on their one-month birthday.