"In waking a tiger, use a long stick"

This quote is a warning to be cautious when prompting or challenging someone who has the possible to be dangerous. Mao Tse-Tung is stating that if you are going to awaken a tiger (a harmful as well as effective pet), you must make use of a lengthy stay with do so. This means that you should come close to the situation with care and also use a secure distance or approach to prompt the tiger, as it has the possible to attack. In a more comprehensive sense, the quote could suggest that a person must be careful when prompting or challenging any person that has the possible to respond violently or aggressively.