The Dalai Lama's Cat

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She learns that it is not so much the circumstances of our lives as how we view them. Also that it is not the purpose of Buddhism to convert people but to give them tools so they can create greater happiness. Little Snow Lion notices that sometimes the people at a local cafe (that is honored so serve her delicious tidbits) don’t take the time to appreciate the moment and practice an important Buddhist principle –“mindfulness means paying attention to present moments deliberately and non-judgmentally.” Cats enjoying their dining have already got that covered. Puh-lease! It’s enough to make you want to sink your fangs very deeply into a tender part of their anatomy. So, I want to put this matter to rest, once and for all. In the months that followed I watched His Holiness working on a new book . . . I began to think that perhaps the time had come for me to turn my paws to a book of my own . . . one that tells my own tale . . . How I was rescued from a fate too grisly to contemplate, to become constant companion to a man who is not only one of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, but who is also a dab hand with the can opener.”

The Dalai Lama’s Cat series – David Michie

If I had to summarize The Dalai Lama’s Cat in just a few words, they would be “Buddhism 101, brought to you by an adorable cat.” But these few words wouldn’t do this charming book justice. While this warm-hearted story of a small kitten rescued from the slums of New Delhi through fortuitous circumstances may be a little contrived, it’s also utterly delightful. As she grows into a beautiful cat, HHC has her own share of adventures, meets a tabby cat admirer from ‘downtown McLeodGanj’, attends teaching sessions by monks and tells us all about her learnings. HHC takes us with her as she moves between the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamshala, the Namgyal Monastery and Cafe Franc (a neighbourhood cafe). Her keen observations and reported conversations in these places bring us little gems of Buddhist wisdom. Passages from the book that stays with me…David, I bought the Dalai Lama’s Cat purely because of my love of cats. What a beautiful surprise! I literally sobbed through the book, I don’t mean cry, it was heart wrenching wails. The messages obviously had a profound effect on me..lol. I blush to admit that I know only a little bit about Buddhism – probably only enough to be dangerous. But as our little Bodhicatva is taken into the household of the Dalai Lama (“she must have a very close karmic connection to him”) and starts to learn, so do I by reading. She must not only agree with the principles of her new religion but also live them – no more giving into her instincts and chasing mice. The Dalai Lama understands her moment of weakness but encourages her not to give up on herself as the buddhas haven’t given up on her. Among these people were journalists, accountants and other professionals. The nature of their various jobs had the same net effect: having to deal with enormous volumes of non-fiction as part of their working life meant that when it came to the weekend, or going on holiday, the last thing they wanted to do was read yet more non-fiction. If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness and other Buddhist principles, this is an easily accessible way to do so. If you believe that cats have many lessons to teach us, reading this enchanting book will be a transformational experience for you.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat — A Book Review - Medium The Dalai Lama’s Cat — A Book Review - Medium

Most interesting, my little Snow Lion,” the Dalai Lama remarked after a while, as he closed his book and came over to stroke me. I would love to give a copy to my close Italian friend, and I wonder if your books have been translated into Italian?As a cat lover myself I am so glad that you responded in just the way I had hoped – in fact, even more enthusiastically than I could have hoped! His Holiness is certainly aware of my books, Iveta. He once had a cat but hasn’t had one for some time. The story created around HHC is largely based on the activities of my own pampered feline, Princess Wussik! Warm wishes, David