ꓡꓽ ꓟ ꓗꓳ ꓚꓲꓺ ꓚ꓾ ꓥꓪꓸ ꓡ ꓬꓲꓻ ꓑꓰ ꓚ=
[lɑʔ²¹ mɑ³³ ko³³ tʃʅ³³ tʃɑ³³ ŋuɑ⁵⁵ lɑ²¹ jʅ³³ pi³³ tʃɑ³³]
ကျားကတောင်ကြောလျှောက်၊ ဖျံမြစ်ကြောလိုက်။
Tigers trace the contours of mountain ridges,
While otters gracefully navigate the river’s flow.
The Lisu proverb “Tigers trace the contours of mountain ridges, while otters gracefully navigate the river’s flow” eloquently illustrates the beauty of individuality and the importance of embracing one’s natural inclinations and strengths. This idea is mirrored in various sayings and contexts across different cultures, emphasizing the wisdom of following one’s own path and recognizing the unique talents each individual possesses.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” This echoes the proverb’s message by celebrating the distinctive qualities that make each person special, much like how tigers and otters excel in their respective environments by adhering to their inherent nature.
Similarly, the Hindu concept of “Svadharma” encourages individuals to fulfill their own duties and responsibilities, as dictated by their personal nature and social role. The Bhagavad Gita states, “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” This wisdom aligns with the imagery of the tiger and the otter, each thriving by being true to themselves.
Reflecting on personal experiences, many people can recall moments when they succeeded by leveraging their unique skills and passions. For instance, someone who loves teaching might find great joy and success in education, while another who thrives on adventure may excel in outdoor pursuits or travel-related professions. These experiences affirm the value of recognizing and embracing one’s strengths, much like the proverb suggests.
A related thought is found in the saying “Bloom where you are planted.” This advice encourages individuals to thrive in their current circumstances by making the best use of their innate abilities, just as tigers and otters thrive in their natural habitats by following their instincts and adapting to their environments.
In essence, the proverb “Tigers trace the contours of mountain ridges, while otters gracefully navigate the river’s flow” teaches us to appreciate and honor the diversity of talents and paths in life. It reminds us that true fulfillment and success come from embracing who we are and finding our place in the world, much like the tiger and the otter, each navigating their own unique terrains with grace and power.
