The Two Arguing Tigers

The Two Arguing Tigers An Original Moral Story

Two tigers start to get into an argument while out for a walk

The first tiger is adamant that he is right, and the second tiger is certain that he is correct, both won’t give in, and the argument starts to escalate.

Just then, as they round a corner in the road, they meet a friendly meditating monk.

“Ahhh now for sure we will see I am right.” says one tiger.

“I don’t think so.” says the other tiger. “we shall see I am right.”

They pay their respects to the monk, before asking their pressing question.

“Monk we have a question for you.” states one tiger. “we would like you to clarify who is right and who is wrong. where does Heaven and Hell reside? My friend believes that Heaven is above, and Hell is below but I disagree, and am sure that Hell is above and Heaven is below. Monk please tell us”

The Monk smiles and considers the problem for a moment before replying.

“I’m afraid neither of you are correct. Heaven and Hell don’t reside outside of us, either above the clouds or deep within the earth. Heaven and hell reside in each one of our minds. Let me explain. Both of you are angry with each other in this moment and so your minds are filled with a destructive force, this is like a Hell. Only peace and compassion can bring about a Heaven in our minds”

Both the two tigers instantly understand what the monk has explained and drop their stupid argument, apologise to each other and become friends once more.

“And right now, in your mind tigers, is Heaven.” said the monk “when we have peace and compassion in our minds we are experiencing Heaven.”

Author: Dhamma Tāpasā

Moral of the Story

Heaven is not a place it is a state of mind.

Much of what we struggle with in life is not caused by circumstances themselves, but by how those circumstances are experienced through thought. When understanding deepens, the mind naturally settles and clarity returns, and often without effort.

If something in this story resonated, you’re very welcome to stay a little longer.

This site is a calm place for gentle reflections on mental well-being, and you’re warmly invited to step into The Quiet Space — a place to pause, reflect, and stay connected.

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My life has been shaped by trauma, deep inquiry, and years spent living simply in nature. Through deep insight gained into how the mind truly creates our experience, I developed the PACT-RICA Framework. Because when understanding deepens, the mind naturally settles and clarity will return.