Shiva and Tiger Skin: Decoding the Physiological Impact of Animal Symbolism

Introduction:

Shiva is one of the most revered and mysterious deities in Hinduism. He is the supreme god of destruction, transformation, and regeneration. He is also known for his association with animals, especially tigers. Shiva is often depicted as wearing a tiger skin, or sitting on a tiger skin, or walking with a tiger skin wrapped around him. What does this iconic imagery signify? How does it relate to the physiological impact of animal symbolism on our mind and body? In this article, we will explore the cultural and symbolic meanings of tigers in Hinduism, the physiological effects of visual stimuli associated with powerful animal symbolism, the concept of physiological transactional analysis in understanding the mind-body connection, Shiva’s serenity and tiger symbolism, the connection between symbolic imagery and hormonal responses, and tiger skin as a symbol of transformation.

Symbolism of Tiger in Hindu History

Tigers are among the most majestic and feared animals in nature. They are known for their strength, speed, agility, ferocity, and beauty. They are also symbols of courage, power, royalty, fertility, and auspiciousness in many cultures. In Hindu history, tigers have various meanings and associations.

One of the most popular stories involving tigers is that of Shiva’s encounter with a group of sages who lived in a forest with their wives. The sages were annoyed by the constant distraction caused by their wives’ attraction to Shiva’s bare-bodied form. They decided to teach him a lesson by digging a pit and releasing a tiger from it. The sages hoped that Shiva would be killed by the tiger or at least injured.

However, Shiva easily killed the tiger with his trident (trishul) and tore off its skin. He then draped it over his body as a sign of his victory over all worldly powers. The sages realized that Shiva was not an ordinary sage but a god himself. They fell at his feet in awe and reverence.

This story illustrates how Shiva represents the primal instincts that humans have to overcome or harness for their own benefit. It also shows how he transcends all limitations imposed by society or convention. By wearing a tiger skin, Shiva demonstrates his mastery over nature and his ability to adapt to any situation.

Another story involving tigers is that of Mahishasura Mardini (the goddess who vanquished Mahishasura), who is always depicted riding on a tiger or holding it by its mane. Mahishasura was an evil demon king who terrorized the gods and humans alike. He had ten heads and twenty arms each holding various weapons. He was invincible until he encountered Parvati (the consort of Shiva), who cut off one of his heads with her discus (chakra). She then mounted him on her chariot pulled by four tigers.

This story illustrates how Mahishasura represents chaos and evil that needs to be subdued by order and good. It also shows how Parvati represents feminine power that can defeat masculine power through courage and skill.

Tigers are also associated with various deities such as Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), Kartikeya (the god-son of Shiva), Nandi (the bull mount), Hanuman (the monkey-god), etc., who have different attributes but share some common traits such as strength, intelligence, loyalty, devotion, and protection.

Physiological Impact of Symbolic Imagery

Visual stimuli such as images or symbols can have profound effects on our physiological state such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, skin conductance, muscle tension, etc., depending on our emotional response to them. These effects can be positive or negative, depending on whether they evoke pleasant or unpleasant feelings. For example, seeing an image of someone we love can make us feel happy and relaxed, while seeing an image of someone we hate can make us feel angry and stressed. Similarly, seeing an image of something we fear can make us feel anxious and nervous, while seeing an image of something we desire can make us feel excited and aroused.

One way to understand these effects is through physiological transactional analysis (PTA), which is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by our ego states (parent-like, child-like, or adult-like), which are formed in childhood based on our interactions with our caregivers. PTA proposes that each ego state has its own set of rules or scripts for dealing with life situations, which can be adaptive or maladaptive depending on whether they help us cope effectively or not. PTA also suggests that each ego state has its own preferred mode of communication (verbal or non-verbal), which can be congruent or incongruent depending on whether it matches our current state or not. For example,

• A parent-like ego state tends to communicate verbally using commands, judgments, criticisms, or praises. It can also communicate non-verbally using gestures, facial expressions, or tones that convey authority, approval, or disapproval. A parent-like ego state can be nurturing or controlling depending on whether it provides care and support or imposes rules and restrictions.
• A child-like ego state tends to communicate verbally using emotions, feelings, fantasies, or wishes. It can also communicate non-verbally using gestures, facial expressions, or tones that convey joy, sadness, anger, fear, or surprise. A child-like ego state can be free or adapted depending on whether it expresses its true self or conforms to the expectations of others.
• An adult-like ego state tends to communicate verbally using facts, logic, reasoning, or analysis. It can also communicate non-verbally using gestures, facial expressions, or tones that convey neutrality, objectivity, or rationality. An adult-like ego state can be autonomous or dependent depending on whether it makes its own decisions or relies on the opinions of others.

According to PTA, when we encounter a visual stimulus, such as an image or a symbol, we react to it based on our current ego state and the ego state that the stimulus evokes in us. For example, if we see an image of a tiger, we may react differently depending on whether we are in a parent-like, child-like, or adult-like ego state, and whether the image triggers a parent-like, child-like, or adult-like response in us. Some possible reactions are:

• If we are in a parent-like ego state and the image evokes a parent-like response, we may feel proud, confident, or protective of the tiger, as if it were our own child or pet. We may communicate verbally using praises, compliments, or encouragements, or non-verbally using smiles, nods, or pats. This is an example of a congruent communication, where both the sender and the receiver are in the same ego state.
• If we are in a parent-like ego state and the image evokes a child-like response, we may feel angry, annoyed, or frustrated by the tiger, as if it were a disobedient or mischievous child or animal. We may communicate verbally using commands, threats, or scoldings, or non-verbally using frowns, shakes, or slaps. This is an example of a crossed communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states.
• If we are in a parent-like ego state and the image evokes an adult-like response, we may feel indifferent, bored, or detached from the tiger, as if it were a stranger or an object. We may communicate verbally using facts, statistics, or classifications, or non-verbally using shrugs, yawns, or glances. This is an example of an ulterior communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states, but one of them is hidden or disguised.
• If we are in a child-like ego state and the image evokes a parent-like response, we may feel scared, intimidated, or awed by the tiger, as if it were a powerful or dangerous authority figure or creature. We may communicate verbally using questions, requests, or apologies, or non-verbally using cries, whimpers, or bows. This is an example of a crossed communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states.
• If we are in a child-like ego state and the image evokes a child-like response, we may feel happy, excited, or curious about the tiger, as if it were a friendly or playful companion or toy. We may communicate verbally using emotions, feelings, or fantasies, or non-verbally using laughs, claps, or hugs. This is an example of a congruent communication, where both the sender and the receiver are in the same ego state.
• If we are in a child-like ego state and the image evokes an adult-like response, we may feel confused, puzzled, or intrigued by the tiger, as if it were a mysterious or complex phenomenon or puzzle. We may communicate verbally using facts, logic, or reasoning, or non-verbally using frowns, scratches, or taps. This is an example of an ulterior communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states, but one of them is hidden or disguised.
• If we are in an adult-like ego state and the image evokes a parent-like response, we may feel respectful, admiring, or grateful to the tiger, as if it were a wise or benevolent mentor or teacher. We may communicate verbally using facts, logic, or reasoning, or non-verbally using nods, smiles, or thumbs. This is an example of an ulterior communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states, but one of them is hidden or disguised.
• If we are in an adult-like ego state and the image evokes a child-like response, we may feel amused, entertained, or delighted by the tiger, as if it were a humorous or charming performer or artist. We may communicate verbally using emotions, feelings, or fantasies, or non-verbally using laughs, claps, or hugs. This is an example of an ulterior communication, where the sender and the receiver are in different ego states, but one of them is hidden or disguised.
• If we are in an adult-like ego state and the image evokes an adult-like response, we may feel interested, informed, or enlightened by the tiger, as if it were a factual or logical source or evidence. We may communicate verbally using facts, logic, or reasoning, or non-verbally using nods, smiles, or thumbs. This is an example of a congruent communication, where both the sender and the receiver are in the same ego state.

These reactions can have different physiological consequences depending on whether they are positive or negative, congruent or incongruent, adaptive or maladaptive. For example, positive and congruent reactions can lead to physiological relaxation, such as lower heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, skin conductance, and muscle tension, and higher levels of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are hormones related to happiness, satisfaction, pleasure, and bonding. Negative and incongruent reactions can lead to physiological stress, such as higher heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, skin conductance, and muscle tension, and lower levels of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are hormones related to pain, depression, anxiety, and aggression. Adaptive and maladaptive reactions can also affect our physiological state depending on whether they help us cope effectively or not. For example, adaptive reactions can lead to physiological resilience, such as faster recovery, better immunity, and greater flexibility, while maladaptive reactions can lead to physiological vulnerability, such as slower recovery, weaker immunity, and lower flexibility.

Shiva’s Serenity and Tiger Symbolism

One of the most striking features of Shiva’s imagery is his serene and calm expression, even when he is surrounded by chaotic and violent elements, such as fire, snakes, skulls, or demons. How does he achieve this state of peace and tranquility? One possible explanation is his harmonious relationship with the tiger symbolism, which represents his primal aspects of human nature.

As we have seen, tigers are symbols of courage, power, royalty, fertility, and auspiciousness in Hindu mythology. They are also symbols of primal instincts, such as aggression, dominance, sexuality, and survival. These instincts are essential for human life, but they can also be sources of conflict, violence, suffering, and destruction, if they are not controlled or balanced. Shiva, as the god of destruction, transformation, and regeneration, knows how to deal with these instincts in a constructive and creative way. He does not suppress or deny them, but he also does not let them overpower or consume him. He embraces and integrates them into his personality, and uses them for his own benefit and the benefit of others. He is the master of his own mind and body, and the lord of his own destiny.

By wearing a tiger skin, Shiva signifies his mastery over the primal aspects of human nature. He also signifies his harmony with the natural forces of the universe, which he respects and reveres, but does not fear or oppose. He is in tune with the cosmic rhythm and order, which he maintains and restores through his acts of destruction and creation. He is the embodiment of balance and harmony, between the physical and the spiritual, the material and the transcendental, the temporal and the eternal.

This depiction of Shiva with a tiger skin can have a calming effect on our nervous system, especially if we are in a child-like or adult-like ego state, and the image evokes a parent-like or adult-like response in us. As we have seen, these are examples of positive and congruent communications, which can lead to physiological relaxation. By seeing Shiva’s serene and calm expression, we may feel reassured, comforted, or inspired by his presence and power. We may feel that he is a protector, a guide, or a role model for us, who can help us overcome our fears, doubts, or challenges. We may also feel that he is a teacher, a mentor, or a friend for us, who can help us learn, grow, or evolve. We may communicate verbally using praises, compliments, or encouragements, or non-verbally using smiles, nods, or pats. These communications can also reinforce our positive and congruent reactions, and enhance our physiological relaxation.

Connection Between Symbolic Imagery and Hormonal Responses

As we have seen, symbolic imagery can influence our physiological state through our emotional response to it. One of the ways that this happens is through the release of hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions and behaviors. Hormones that are related to symbolic imagery and physiological responses include:

• Endorphins: These are natural painkillers that are released when we experience physical or emotional stress, such as injury, exercise, or laughter. They help us cope with pain and discomfort, and also produce a sense of euphoria and well-being. Endorphins can be stimulated by positive symbolic imagery, such as images of love, joy, or beauty, which can make us feel happy and relaxed.
• Serotonin: This is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and learning. It is associated with feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and calmness. Serotonin can be influenced by symbolic imagery, such as images of nature, art, or spirituality, which can make us feel peaceful and content.
• Dopamine: This is a neurotransmitter that controls reward, motivation, and pleasure. It is involved in the anticipation and pursuit of goals, as well as the enjoyment and reinforcement of behaviors. Dopamine can be triggered by symbolic imagery, such as images of success, achievement, or adventure, which can make us feel excited and motivated.
• Oxytocin: This is a hormone that promotes social bonding, trust, and empathy. It is released during physical or emotional intimacy, such as hugging, kissing, or cuddling. It also facilitates maternal and paternal behaviors, such as nurturing, caring, and protecting. Oxytocin can be enhanced by symbolic imagery, such as images of family, friends, or pets, which can make us feel loved and connected.

These hormones can have various physiological effects on our body, such as:

• Lowering or raising blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, depending on whether they induce relaxation or arousal.
• Increasing or decreasing immune system function, depending on whether they boost or suppress inflammation and infection.
• Improving or impairing cognitive function, depending on whether they enhance or impair memory, attention, and learning.
• Modulating or altering emotional state, depending on whether they induce positive or negative emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear.

Tiger Skin as a Symbol of Transformation

Another aspect of Shiva’s tiger skin symbolism is its implication of transformation. Transformation is a process of change, growth, or evolution, that involves both destruction and creation. Shiva, as the god of destruction, transformation, and regeneration, is the master of this process. He destroys what is old, obsolete, or harmful, and creates what is new, useful, or beneficial. He is the source of change, innovation, and progress.

By wearing a tiger skin, Shiva signifies his transformation from a human to a divine being, from a mortal to an immortal, from a limited to an unlimited. He also signifies his transformation of the tiger from a wild and dangerous animal to a tame and loyal companion. He shows that he can transcend the boundaries of nature and culture, and integrate them into a higher synthesis.

This symbolism of transformation can also apply to our physiological state, especially if we are in a child-like or adult-like ego state, and the image evokes a child-like or adult-like response in us. As we have seen, these are examples of positive and congruent communications, which can lead to physiological relaxation. By seeing Shiva’s tiger skin, we may feel inspired, motivated, or challenged by his example of transformation. We may feel that he is a catalyst, a facilitator, or a supporter for our own transformation. We may also feel that he is a witness, a validator, or a celebrator for our own transformation. We may communicate verbally using emotions, feelings, or fantasies, or non-verbally using laughs, claps, or hugs. These communications can also reinforce our positive and congruent reactions, and enhance our physiological relaxation.

Transformation can also involve physiological changes, such as:

• Adapting to new or changing environments, such as temperature, altitude, or humidity, by adjusting our metabolism, circulation, or respiration.
• Developing new or improved skills, abilities, or talents, such as learning, creativity, or performance, by stimulating our brain, nerves, or muscles.
• Healing from injuries, illnesses, or diseases, such as wounds, infections, or cancers, by activating our immune system, cells, or tissues.
• Aging gracefully, healthily, or beautifully, such as maintaining or enhancing our vitality, functionality, or appearance, by regulating our hormones, genes, or organs.

Application in Modern Practices

The ancient symbolism of Shiva and tiger skin can still be relevant and useful in modern practices, such as art therapy, meditation, and mindfulness. These practices can help us engage with symbolic imagery in a conscious and intentional way, and leverage its positive physiological impact on our mind and body.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses various forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage, to express and explore our emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Art therapy can help us cope with stress, trauma, or conflict, by providing a safe and creative outlet for our feelings. Art therapy can also help us heal, grow, or transform, by facilitating self-awareness, self-expression, and self-acceptance.

One way to use art therapy with Shiva and tiger skin symbolism is to create our own image of Shiva with a tiger skin, or any other animal skin that resonates with us. We can use any medium, style, or technique that we prefer, and let our imagination and intuition guide us. We can then reflect on our image, and what it means to us, by asking ourselves questions such as:

• What does the animal skin represent to me?
• How do I feel about wearing it or being near it?
• What does it say about my personality, identity, or spirituality?
• How does it relate to my past, present, or future?
• How does it inspire, motivate, or challenge me?

We can also share our image and our reflections with others, such as a therapist, a friend, or a group, and receive feedback, support, or encouragement. We can also compare and contrast our image with other images of Shiva with a tiger skin, and learn from different perspectives and interpretations.

Meditation is a practice of focusing our attention on a single object, such as a breath, a mantra, a sound, or a image, and observing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment or attachment. Meditation can help us calm our mind, relax our body, and enhance our well-being. Meditation can also help us cultivate awareness, concentration, and insight, and achieve higher states of consciousness, such as bliss, peace, or enlightenment.

One way to use meditation with Shiva and tiger skin symbolism is to visualize Shiva with a tiger skin, or any other animal skin that resonates with us, in our mind’s eye, and hold it in our awareness. We can use any method, such as guided imagery, creative visualization, or mental imagery, that we prefer, and let our senses and emotions enrich our experience. We can then observe our reactions to the image, and what it evokes in us, by noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment or attachment. We can also connect with the image, and what it represents to us, by asking ourselves questions such as:

• What does the image mean to me?
• How do I relate to it or identify with it?
• What does it teach me or show me?
• How does it influence me or affect me?
• How does it empower me or liberate me?

We can also repeat a mantra, such as “Om Namah Shivaya”, which means “I bow to Shiva”, or any other phrase that resonates with us, and synchronize it with our breath, to deepen our meditation and enhance our connection with the image.

Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment, with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Mindfulness can help us reduce stress, anxiety, or depression, by breaking the cycle of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mindfulness can also help us improve our health, happiness, or performance, by enhancing our cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

One way to use mindfulness with Shiva and tiger skin symbolism is to be mindful of the symbolic elements in our daily life, such as objects, colors, shapes, or patterns, that remind us of Shiva with a tiger skin, or any other animal skin that resonates with us. We can use any technique, such as mindful observation, mindful appreciation, or mindful gratitude, that we prefer, and let our attention and intention enrich our experience. We can then be aware of our responses to the symbolic elements, and what they trigger in us, by being present and attentive to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. We can also engage with the symbolic elements, and what they inspire in us, by asking ourselves questions such as:

• What does the symbolic element remind me of or suggest to me?
• How do I appreciate it or value it?
• What does it offer me or give me?
• How does it challenge me or invite me?
• How does it transform me or change me?

We can also express our mindfulness of the symbolic elements, and what they mean to us, by sharing them with others, such as a partner, a friend, or a community, and giving or receiving feedback, support, or encouragement.

Conclusion:

The Shiva-tiger skin dynamic is not only a captivating and distinctive imagery, but also a rich and deep allegory for the intricate relationship between symbolic imagery, spirituality, and physiological responses. The imagery reveals the symbolic and physiological significance of the tiger skin, and how it affects the psychological and physiological state of the observer and the wearer. The imagery also offers us valuable insights and techniques to understand and improve our own physiological and mental well-being, by following the example and guidance of Shiva, the lord of destruction and transformation, the master of yoga and meditation, and the embodiment of pure consciousness and bliss.

By applying the Shiva-tiger skin dynamic to our own lives and relationships, and by using the framework of physiological transactional analysis, we can become more aware and conscious of our ego states and transactions, and how they affect our physiology and well-being. We can also learn to change and improve our ego states and transactions, and to create more balance and harmony in our physiology and well-being. We can learn to emulate and cultivate the Shiva-like serenity and physiology, and to overcome and transcend the Ravana-like ego and stress response.

By practicing art therapy, meditation, and mindfulness regularly, and by incorporating and leveraging the power and the potential of animal symbolism, such as the tiger, we can express and explore ourselves, others, and the world, and to facilitate the healing and growth of ourselves, others, and the world. We can also balance and harmonize our physiological and hormonal responses, and to influence and affect our physiological and mental well-being. We can achieve a state of inner peace and spiritual alignment, and a state of physiological balance and function. We can experience the true self, the essence, the spirit, and the bliss that we are.