The Dalai Lama's Cat

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By the way, is your cat quite as delightful as me? Does she give you such precious opportunities to practice generosity and patience? I think I deserve to be told! 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. What if it could talk? Or even … write a book? That was the start of The Dalai Lama’s Cat series. One thing I hadn’t counted on was how engaged readers would become in the life of His Holiness’s Cat – or HHC, to give her official title. Because the simple fact is that characters and stories engage us at an emotional level, which most non-fiction books do not. Novels can speak not only to our minds, but also to our hearts.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat series – David Michie

So as far as I’m concerned, the case is closed. You have photographic evidence that the Dalai Lama is a Cat Lover. I, HHC, have an online pawprint that grows by the day. The matter of my existence is therefore beyond dispute. Hi David, I’m halfway through and loving this book. There have been many touching moments for me throughout the story – you have conveyed the elusive nature of Dharma realisation very well. All 3 books of The Dalai Lama’s Cat series are probably the best books I have ever read. They are happy and calming books; and very inspiring for self improvement. It also made my relation with my cat more special! I sure do hope these are just 3 of a long series to follow! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book. I always slow down when I get to the last chapter so I can make the book last as long as possible. Like Connie, I also hope there will be more adventures and learning experiences for HHC, and for your readers.sometimes our negative conditioning can be overpowering… learn from your mistakes and move on. Like that.” The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. From furniture, scratching posts, beds and toys to food dishes and litter boxes, you’ll find everything you need for your feline family members. 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. 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… Not so much fly-on-the-wall as cat-on-the-sill, this is the warmhearted tale of a small kitten rescued from the slums of New Delhi who finds herself in a beautiful sanctuary with sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas. In her exotic new home, the Dalai Lama’s cat encounters Hollywood stars, Buddhist masters, Ivy-league professors, famous philanthropists, and a host of other people who come visiting His Holiness. Each encounter offers a fresh insight into finding happiness and meaning in the midst of a life of busy-ness and challenge. Drawing us into her world with her adorable but all-too-flawed personality, the Dalai Lama’s cat discovers how instead of trying to change the world, changing the way we experience the world is the key to true contentment.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie Review: The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie

I am a person with chronic pain and your Dalai Lama’s cat series has been such a comfort to me. The messages of Buddhism included in the novels are inspiring and full of hope. Please write more of this series! They are such a breath of fresh air in a world filled with anger, hatred and violence. We need to keep hearing about impermanence and what brings true happiness. I’m reading and enjoying The Magician of Llasa right now. You are so talented and have so much wisdom to share. Thank you. Dear Malka, Thank you so much for your warm and generous message. I am so glad that the Dharma is resonating with you! Here’s wishing you a very happy festive season and all the best with your Dharma journey in 2016! Warm wishes, David

Among the unexpected joys I have felt, writing this series, has been to discover how much little HHC, Snow Lion, or Rinpoche – she is a cat of many names – and the cast of characters around her, have engaged reader’s hearts as well as minds. This is important because both our compassion as well as our wisdom are necessary if we are to live truly purposeful lives. I am reading about the life of Albert Schweitzer, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. He was a very compassionate man, very sincere. I have just read something he said: ‘Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.’ I agree with that, don’t you, HHC?” I so agree! I am the same. I work hard and want to be taken away into a fantasy life in my spare time. But I’m also very hopeful to grow spiritually, so your books have been a favourite of mine. One question I’ve always wanted to ask you is did the Dalai Lama and the Queen (Queens Corgi) have to, or want to comment on these books? Sign up for my newsletter. You’ll hear from me once or twice a month with blogs and other news designed to be stimulating and useful.