The Dalai Lama's Cat

Product Information

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. 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. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you who voted, commented and offered insights on the different options I shared a month ago. After publishing Buddhism for Busy People in 2004 and subsequent non-fiction books, I sometimes found myself talking to people who were voracious readers, and had a keen interest in the subjects I wrote about.

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

Unfortunately the community I live in does not have any Buddhist centres where I can learn in person. Having already a profound and fulfilling connection with my own feline friend, I have observed a further deepening in our shared moments while reading this book. And, yes, when I sit down to meditate my little Rinpoche, Zuzu, finds her way to my lap…indeed my meditation cushion is one of her favourite spots to curl up. She has known my faith journey from growing up in a Jewish home, to becoming a Christian, and more recently my beginning to learn about the Buddhist teachings and my starting to meditate again, something I first learned to do some 40 odd years ago. It’s hard to believe, dear readers, but we are once again at that intriguing stage of the publishing process where we have to choose a cover for the next Dalai Lama’s Cat book – Awaken the Kitten Within!I, His Holiness’s Cat – otherwise known as HHC, the Snow Lion, Rinpoche, and more names than I could possibly list here – am all too real. Yes, the first two The Dalai Lama’s Cat books have already been translated into Italian and others are to follow. 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). This is important because both our compassion as well as our wisdom are necessary if we are to live truly purposeful lives.

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

I start work by 6 AM so I can be at the nursing home with my mom at dinnertime each night) Please do not stop adding to this series so I can continue to learn from one of my favorite cats and continue down the path of enlightenment. 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. The story created around HHC is largely based on the activities of my own pampered feline, Princess Wussik!

I’ve read numerous books about and by the Dalai Lama over the years, and I had the good fortune of hearing him speak twice. She must not only be aware of what she ought to do but she must also do it with big eyes and a strong voice … er, meow? Another long time reader who read romance novels in her teens, then took a long break before started back again about 25 years ago.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat series – David Michie

Because the simple fact is that characters and stories engage us at an emotional level, which most non-fiction books do not.We have reached that fun part of the publishing process where we get to choose a cover of the new book! Each encounter offers a fresh insight into finding happiness and meaning in the midst of a life of busy-ness and challenge. You will not see me photographed with The Dalai Lama and his great variety of visitors – because I am usually watching the photograph being taken.

The unexpected joy of writing The Dalai Lama’s Cat series The unexpected joy of writing The Dalai Lama’s Cat series

David Michie’s portrayal of the Dalai Lama adds a dimension of ordinary “humanity” to this global icon. The only sadness I had was when I came to the end of the series…how I wish I could learn more from little Snow Lion. This is often loosely translated as meaning ‘loving kindness,’ but it actually derives from two words.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. From furniture, scratching posts, beds and toys to food dishes and litter boxes, you’ll find everything you need for your feline family members. When I heard that the Dalai Lama once had a cat, being a pet lover myself, I immediately though of what an amazing life the cat must have.