The mature lion represents the Buddha, and the animals represent persecutors and practitioners of other traditions. The mature lion reigns supreme in the forest. Although animals run in fear from the adult, they cautiously welcome the younger, three year old lion ─ a Ch'an master ─ as a playmate. Practitioners of other traditions would not dare take chances with the Buddha himself, but they might have a go of it with a Ch'an master. The three year old, however, is still a lion. Even at that young age it can roar, and when it does, other animals are filled with fear.

In comparison to a Ch'an master, a Ch'an practitioner is like a tiny, baby cub. Yet, even though a practitioner is not a master, he is still a lion; therefore, he should not fear attackers.

Once, a cunning fox tricked other animals into fighting each other. At the end of the melee, the elephant was the victor, but before the dust could settle, the fox jumped on the elephant's back and declared itself king. When the young lion saw the fox do this, it became upset and let out a thunderous roar. The fox was scared so badly it fell off the elephant's back. When the fox got up it declared a new law, "It is okay to fight, but lions aren't allowed to roar!" In the same way, if a Ch'an master utters even one sentence, attackers will stop.

When the great T'ang poet, Po Chu-i was an important official, he visited Ch'an master Niao-ch'ao, who was perched in a tree like a bird in its nest. Po Chu-i called to the meditating master, "Be careful, monk! It's dangerous sitting up there!"

Niao-ch'ao answered, "Official, it is you who are in mortal peril."

Po Chu-i was surprised by the answer, and he said, "I'm the administrator for this entire region. I have the army to protect me. How can I be in danger?"

Niao-ch'ao replied, "You are made of air, fire, water and earth, but the four elements are thieves. You're in danger."