In a Taoist context, the Tiger, king of the earthly animals, represents Yin and physical strength, while the Dragon, king of the celestial animals, represents Yang and spiritual strength, the two forming a dynamic balance in constant interaction.

In the context of Zen Buddhism, the traditional image of the Tiger taking shelter in the bamboo when the elements are raging represents the spirit that resists the fluctuations of thought; the Dragon that suddenly appears in a stormy sky evokes the thunderbolt of enlightenment.