Serving as guides and protectors, power animals are tutelary spirits bearing inherent wisdom.  Each power animal represents specific characteristics and powers, which enhances and empowers our understanding of, and connection to life. 

Known as one of the fearsome power animals, in this painting tiger appears in the eastern direction on the ground in a leaping posture, representing protection and power.  Snow lion is poised high symbolizing his position in the northern direction.  The snow lion symbolizes the national emblem of Tibet, and represents nobility and strength.

According to Tibetan cosmology, when terrestrial tiger and snow lion are paired with airborne garuda and dragon, they are known as “the pillars of the earth”.  For example, these four animals appear accompanying the wind-horse in Tibetan Lhasang ritual and they are commonly depicted on Tibetan prayer-flags.  Each residing in one of the cardinal directions, the tiger, snow lion, garuda, and dragon are known as the four guardian animals that protect against the four fears of birth, disease, old age, and death.  It is said that when these four auspicious animals are well balanced in harmonious configuration in their respective direction, then harmony and balance of the elements will prevail.