Lion is the King of the Jungle, but the Wolf Never Performs in Circuses – Underrated Dominance Through the Lens of the Gita
Ankit Gupta | Apr 21, 2025, 22:03 IST
The natural world is full of symbols that can help us understand deeper philosophical truths about life and the human condition. Among the creatures that dominate the animal kingdom, the lion and the wolf stand out as iconic figures that represent two seemingly opposite qualities: the lion symbolizes power, courage, and leadership, while the wolf embodies independence, detachment, and survival instincts. Both animals carry rich symbolism and, when interpreted through the philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, provide unique perspectives on the nature of action, duty, and spiritual realization.
The Bhagavad Gita, a profound dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, addresses the complexities of life, duty (dharma), selfless action (karma), and spiritual liberation (moksha). By examining the symbolic roles of the lion and the wolf in the context of these teachings, we gain insights into the different paths to self-realization and the way human beings can navigate the challenges of existence. This essay will explore the lion’s symbolism as a leader who fulfills its Svadharma (duty) with strength and purpose, and the wolf’s role as a solitary creature who exemplifies the Gita’s teachings on detachment (vairagya) and independence.
The lion, often referred to as the "king of the jungle," has long been a symbol of power, courage, and authority. In many cultures, the lion is revered as the supreme leader of the animal kingdom, its majestic presence commanding respect and admiration. This image of the lion as a ruler can be directly linked to the concept of Svadharma in the Bhagavad Gita, which refers to one’s prescribed duties based on their nature and abilities. In the Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty (dharma) as a warrior, regardless of the potential consequences, because that is his true calling.
The lion’s role in the animal kingdom is a perfect representation of Svadharma. Just as the lion leads with strength and authority, it does so because it is its nature to do so. Similarly, an individual must perform their duties in life in accordance with their own nature and abilities, without concern for the outcome. The lion does not seek admiration; it simply fulfills its role in the natural order. This aligns with Lord Krishna’s teachings in Chapter 2, Verse 47, where he states: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."
The lion’s leadership is not motivated by personal gain or the desire for accolades. It leads because it is its inherent responsibility, and this mirrors the Gita’s call for individuals to act selflessly, without attachment to the results of their actions. Arjuna is urged to fight his battle in the war of Kurukshetra, not for victory or glory, but because it is his dharma as a warrior. In this sense, the lion becomes a symbol of selfless action, performing its duties without attachment to the outcome, just as Arjuna must do.
Lord Krishna also emphasizes the importance of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action, which can be understood through the lion’s natural fulfillment of its role. The lion does not hesitate or question its actions, nor does it seek to change its circumstances. It represents the ideal of acting in the world with full commitment and devotion, while remaining detached from the fruits of those actions. This is the path that Krishna urges Arjuna to take—acting in the world, but without being swayed by external results.
In contrast to the lion’s commanding presence, the wolf symbolizes independence, survival, and a solitary life. The wolf is not concerned with ruling over others or seeking external validation. Instead, it lives according to its instincts, hunting and surviving based on its own principles. This quality of the wolf aligns closely with the teachings of Vairagya (detachment) in the Bhagavad Gita. Vairagya involves letting go of attachment to worldly desires and possessions, focusing instead on the pursuit of self-realization and spiritual liberation.
The wolf’s detachment from societal expectations is evident in its solitary existence. It does not perform in circuses or seek the attention of human beings. It lives in harmony with nature, detached from the distractions of human-made systems and institutions. Similarly, the Gita encourages individuals to detach themselves from the material world, focusing on the inner journey toward self-realization. In Chapter 6, Verse 5, Krishna advises: “One must elevate, not degrade, oneself with one's own mind. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and its enemy as well.” This verse emphasizes the need for self-discipline and inner focus, qualities that the wolf embodies in its solitary existence.
The wolf’s independence can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual seeker who does not rely on external validation but instead looks inward for guidance. The Gita teaches that true happiness and fulfillment come not from external circumstances, but from cultivating an inner state of peace and detachment. Just as the wolf does not seek the approval of others, the spiritual aspirant must cultivate inner strength, detached from the fleeting desires of the material world.
In the Gita, Krishna also speaks about the importance of cultivating Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom, which involves a deep understanding of the nature of the self and the world. The wolf’s solitary nature reflects this path of self-inquiry, as it does not depend on external distractions but focuses on its survival and purpose. The wolf lives in tune with its environment, just as the seeker of wisdom must live in alignment with their true self, detached from the impermanence of worldly possessions and desires.
Balancing
While the lion and the wolf represent different aspects of life—strength and leadership versus independence and detachment—the Bhagavad Gita does not advocate for choosing one over the other. Instead, the Gita envisions a balanced approach to life, where both Karma (action) and Vairagya (detachment) are integrated. Krishna’s teachings highlight that one must engage in the world and perform their duties but without attachment to the outcomes. This is the essence of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action.
In Chapter 3, Verse 35, Krishna states: “Performing one's own duties, though imperfectly, is preferable to performing another’s duties perfectly. It is better to die fulfilling one's own duties than to live performing the duties of another.” This verse emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s nature and role in life, just as the lion leads the jungle and the wolf survives in solitude according to its instincts. Both creatures, in their own way, exemplify the idea of performing their roles in the world with full commitment, yet remaining detached from external rewards.
The Gita also stresses the need for inner balance, where the individual performs their prescribed duties while maintaining a state of inner peace and detachment. The lion’s leadership is not rooted in ego or desire for power, but in fulfilling its dharma as the ruler of the jungle. Similarly, the wolf’s solitary nature reflects the importance of detachment from the external world, as a means to connect with the deeper self.
True spiritual growth, according to the Gita, comes from balancing action and detachment. The lion’s strength and leadership can be tempered with the wolf’s solitude and self-reflection, creating a harmonious existence. Krishna encourages Arjuna to act without attachment, to perform his dharma without concern for personal gain, and to remain steadfast in his pursuit of higher knowledge and liberation. This balanced approach allows individuals to engage fully in the world while maintaining a connection to their true self, untouched by the transient nature of material desires.
The Bhagavad Gita provides profound insights into the nature of duty, action, and detachment, and the lion and the wolf serve as powerful metaphors for different paths of spiritual growth. The lion, with its strength and leadership, symbolizes the fulfillment of one’s duties (Svadharma) with courage and integrity. The wolf, on the other hand, represents independence and detachment, reflecting the path of self-realization through inward focus and renunciation of worldly desires.
Both qualities—strength and detachment—are essential for a balanced and spiritually fulfilling life. The Gita teaches that one must engage in the world with full awareness and commitment, but without attachment to the results. By integrating the leadership and strength of the lion with the detachment and independence of the wolf, individuals can lead lives that are both active and contemplative, rooted in a deeper understanding of the self. The balance between these two paths—action and detachment—forms the foundation of the Gita’s teachings on how to live a life of purpose, inner peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Lion: Strength, Leadership, and Duty (Svadharma)
An Era of Dominance
The lion, often referred to as the "king of the jungle," has long been a symbol of power, courage, and authority. In many cultures, the lion is revered as the supreme leader of the animal kingdom, its majestic presence commanding respect and admiration. This image of the lion as a ruler can be directly linked to the concept of Svadharma in the Bhagavad Gita, which refers to one’s prescribed duties based on their nature and abilities. In the Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty (dharma) as a warrior, regardless of the potential consequences, because that is his true calling.
The lion’s role in the animal kingdom is a perfect representation of Svadharma. Just as the lion leads with strength and authority, it does so because it is its nature to do so. Similarly, an individual must perform their duties in life in accordance with their own nature and abilities, without concern for the outcome. The lion does not seek admiration; it simply fulfills its role in the natural order. This aligns with Lord Krishna’s teachings in Chapter 2, Verse 47, where he states: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."
The lion’s leadership is not motivated by personal gain or the desire for accolades. It leads because it is its inherent responsibility, and this mirrors the Gita’s call for individuals to act selflessly, without attachment to the results of their actions. Arjuna is urged to fight his battle in the war of Kurukshetra, not for victory or glory, but because it is his dharma as a warrior. In this sense, the lion becomes a symbol of selfless action, performing its duties without attachment to the outcome, just as Arjuna must do.
Lord Krishna also emphasizes the importance of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action, which can be understood through the lion’s natural fulfillment of its role. The lion does not hesitate or question its actions, nor does it seek to change its circumstances. It represents the ideal of acting in the world with full commitment and devotion, while remaining detached from the fruits of those actions. This is the path that Krishna urges Arjuna to take—acting in the world, but without being swayed by external results.
The Wolf: Independence, Detachment, and Self-Realization (Vairagya)
Wolf
In contrast to the lion’s commanding presence, the wolf symbolizes independence, survival, and a solitary life. The wolf is not concerned with ruling over others or seeking external validation. Instead, it lives according to its instincts, hunting and surviving based on its own principles. This quality of the wolf aligns closely with the teachings of Vairagya (detachment) in the Bhagavad Gita. Vairagya involves letting go of attachment to worldly desires and possessions, focusing instead on the pursuit of self-realization and spiritual liberation.
The wolf’s detachment from societal expectations is evident in its solitary existence. It does not perform in circuses or seek the attention of human beings. It lives in harmony with nature, detached from the distractions of human-made systems and institutions. Similarly, the Gita encourages individuals to detach themselves from the material world, focusing on the inner journey toward self-realization. In Chapter 6, Verse 5, Krishna advises: “One must elevate, not degrade, oneself with one's own mind. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and its enemy as well.” This verse emphasizes the need for self-discipline and inner focus, qualities that the wolf embodies in its solitary existence.
The wolf’s independence can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual seeker who does not rely on external validation but instead looks inward for guidance. The Gita teaches that true happiness and fulfillment come not from external circumstances, but from cultivating an inner state of peace and detachment. Just as the wolf does not seek the approval of others, the spiritual aspirant must cultivate inner strength, detached from the fleeting desires of the material world.
In the Gita, Krishna also speaks about the importance of cultivating Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom, which involves a deep understanding of the nature of the self and the world. The wolf’s solitary nature reflects this path of self-inquiry, as it does not depend on external distractions but focuses on its survival and purpose. The wolf lives in tune with its environment, just as the seeker of wisdom must live in alignment with their true self, detached from the impermanence of worldly possessions and desires.
Balancing Strength and Detachment : The Gita’s Vision of a Complete Life
Krishna
While the lion and the wolf represent different aspects of life—strength and leadership versus independence and detachment—the Bhagavad Gita does not advocate for choosing one over the other. Instead, the Gita envisions a balanced approach to life, where both Karma (action) and Vairagya (detachment) are integrated. Krishna’s teachings highlight that one must engage in the world and perform their duties but without attachment to the outcomes. This is the essence of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action.
In Chapter 3, Verse 35, Krishna states: “Performing one's own duties, though imperfectly, is preferable to performing another’s duties perfectly. It is better to die fulfilling one's own duties than to live performing the duties of another.” This verse emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s nature and role in life, just as the lion leads the jungle and the wolf survives in solitude according to its instincts. Both creatures, in their own way, exemplify the idea of performing their roles in the world with full commitment, yet remaining detached from external rewards.
The Gita also stresses the need for inner balance, where the individual performs their prescribed duties while maintaining a state of inner peace and detachment. The lion’s leadership is not rooted in ego or desire for power, but in fulfilling its dharma as the ruler of the jungle. Similarly, the wolf’s solitary nature reflects the importance of detachment from the external world, as a means to connect with the deeper self.
True spiritual growth, according to the Gita, comes from balancing action and detachment. The lion’s strength and leadership can be tempered with the wolf’s solitude and self-reflection, creating a harmonious existence. Krishna encourages Arjuna to act without attachment, to perform his dharma without concern for personal gain, and to remain steadfast in his pursuit of higher knowledge and liberation. This balanced approach allows individuals to engage fully in the world while maintaining a connection to their true self, untouched by the transient nature of material desires.
Realization
The Bhagavad Gita provides profound insights into the nature of duty, action, and detachment, and the lion and the wolf serve as powerful metaphors for different paths of spiritual growth. The lion, with its strength and leadership, symbolizes the fulfillment of one’s duties (Svadharma) with courage and integrity. The wolf, on the other hand, represents independence and detachment, reflecting the path of self-realization through inward focus and renunciation of worldly desires.
Both qualities—strength and detachment—are essential for a balanced and spiritually fulfilling life. The Gita teaches that one must engage in the world with full awareness and commitment, but without attachment to the results. By integrating the leadership and strength of the lion with the detachment and independence of the wolf, individuals can lead lives that are both active and contemplative, rooted in a deeper understanding of the self. The balance between these two paths—action and detachment—forms the foundation of the Gita’s teachings on how to live a life of purpose, inner peace, and spiritual fulfillment.