What does the word meekness mean to you in this context?  How does it relate to the rest of your path?

The term "meek" as used in our culture seems counter-intuitive for the qualities of the tiger.  The tiger is quietly confident, choosing not to engage in negative energy and being discerning.  Although the tiger may do this in a quiet, strong way, it doesn't feel like "meekness" to me.  I tend to think of "meek" as passive.  I guess in this context we mean "meek" as distinguished from "aggressive" and not "meek" as passive. 

 I think that the word meek is interesting in this situation, because when I hear the word meek, I think also of the saying of Jesus that 'the meek shall inherit the earth".  I can't imagine that in either of these uses that meek is meant to indicate "wishy-washy" pushover types.  Trungpa Rinpoche, whose first language was not English, often used words in a way that was more related to their original meanings, than to current usage.  Knowing this, I looked up "meek" and found the following: c.1200, "gentle, courteous, kind,".  This expression of gentle and kind is quite close to the meaning of meek in the context of Tiger.

This is very helpful. Thank you.  Words are rich with cultural connotation.  I like the dictionary definition.  It fits.

Since I'm re-reading RYW as I do the AliveGuide, I've been reading about Tiger the last few nights.  These last two days I've been thinking about discernment and the wise discernment of the Tiger.  In my wake-up contemplation this morning, I set the intention to be aware of making discerning decisions about my actions today.  Now I can think about this with the concept of Meek.  Thank you!

G 

Hi. A Shambhala teacher who used to be a Catholic priest told me that the original Aramaic word that was translated as "meek" in the New Testament has the connotation of "a well ploughed field", as in "tamed," a tamed mind. This helps me connect the notion of meek to strength, because a tamed mind is also strong and flexible and capable of supporting growth, like a hard field that's been plowed and watered and nourished.

Lately things have been so timely everything I need seems to be there before I even ask for it. It gives me a humble feeling to think I'm not so in control as I am being looked after. I guess this goes along with the notion of meek.

I feel that meekness means Great Strength, Intutition, a sound knowledge of oneself, and therfore no need to display anything to those around him, ie,strength,weakness,  anger, fear, superiority, aloofness, introvert or extrovertness, just being yourself without any need to project any particular image to the world.

David I feel a little bit uncomfortable, some of those projected issues you mention i experience.  I would say it is part of my shadow aspects.  I have been taught by my teacher that the more I embrace those aspects the more they wont' control me and the more I will not react. 

Trudy,  I think that your teacher is right, accepting all parts of ourselves with Love and Compassion leads us to freedom,

This is probably the single most important thing I have learned, to be gentle with myself.  This doesn't me I can be lazy and not meditate on practicing mindfulness, compassion, helping others, etc., but accept who I was  and am and continue to grow .    Lily

Newfoundland

lionelcarol@yahoo.com

Lily, this is something I reflect on with myself.  Striving is so reinforced in our culture.  It almost feels like if we are not striving and struggling we are not "trying".  ("No pain, no gain")  Of course, "pain" may also be awareness, instead of "asleep-ness".  I tend to beat up on myself.  When I am aware of my thoughts in meditation, I find I am thinking about what I "should" be doing, saying, accomplishing, etc..  Letting go of those "shoulds" and learning to be gentle yet not lazy is a tough one for me.  Thank you for sharing your insights.  This helps.  Geri