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The Dalai Lama's Cat #3
The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow
"If you ever doubted that your feline companion has her own inner life, just watch what happens when she falls asleep, and loses conscious control of her physical being . . . a twitching of limbs, a quivering of the jaw, sometimes, perhaps, a snuffling noise or a meow.. . . Cats may indeed be capable of great mindfulness, but we are thinking beings too. In my own case, unfortunately, a being who thinks rather too much."
In the latest installment of the Dalai Lama’s Cat series, His Holiness’s Cat ("HHC") is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life’s greatest joy, the here and now.
Throughout, there are encounters with familiar inhabitants of Dharamsala, as well as a whole new cast of characters: a senior exec from one of Silicon Valley’s most famous social media companies (hint: the name rhymes with "litter"), the Pope’s beloved dog (who shares a shockingly similar title: HHD, His Holiness’s Dog), and a public health inspector who threatens to have our poor narrator banned from the Himalaya Book Café.
In this follow-up to the Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring , readers escape to the enchanting and exotic world of the Dalai Lama’s monastery in the Himalayas, and take a peek inside the mind of a delightfully imperfect creature on the path to enlightenment. By accompanying HHC on her journey, you will learn new ways to relate to your own mind: slowing down, finding peace, and abiding in the boundless radiance and benevolence that is your own true nature.
In the latest installment of the Dalai Lama’s Cat series, His Holiness’s Cat ("HHC") is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life’s greatest joy, the here and now.
Throughout, there are encounters with familiar inhabitants of Dharamsala, as well as a whole new cast of characters: a senior exec from one of Silicon Valley’s most famous social media companies (hint: the name rhymes with "litter"), the Pope’s beloved dog (who shares a shockingly similar title: HHD, His Holiness’s Dog), and a public health inspector who threatens to have our poor narrator banned from the Himalaya Book Café.
In this follow-up to the Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring , readers escape to the enchanting and exotic world of the Dalai Lama’s monastery in the Himalayas, and take a peek inside the mind of a delightfully imperfect creature on the path to enlightenment. By accompanying HHC on her journey, you will learn new ways to relate to your own mind: slowing down, finding peace, and abiding in the boundless radiance and benevolence that is your own true nature.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
355 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
David Michie
101 books665 followersDavid Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
November 18, 2024
What a wonderful book! I can't believe as a BOOK LOVER and a CAT LADY that I have missed this series! Where was I? Hiding behind the cat tree or the litter box? Preening my paws? Washing my whiskers?
This is book three in the Dalai Lama's Cat series and I really enjoyed it. I totally loved that the book is written from that cat's feline perspective which at times is just hilarious and cheeky. Such an endearing cat.
This book focuses on HHC's journey to try to meditate (some very funny moments with this) and undercover more self understanding and self awareness. It's written with Buddhist philosophy and teachings but through the voice of the cat mostly throughout the book. Delightful. Now I am not a Buddhist, in fact I am a Christian and saw a lot of correlation in the teachings. I did take away learning, particularly about peaceful meditation and the power of it, knowing that Christians also meditate.
MINDFULNESS and achieving living in the here and now is a focus of this book and in this day and age not a bad goal to try to work towards.
In the latest installment of the Dalai Lama's Cat series, His Holiness's Cat (“HHC”) is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life's greatest joy, the here and now.
There are some delightful stories and escapades and teachings. I found the lineage belief the Buddhists have that HHC is a reincarnation of a Lhaso Apso dog and so on, going waaaaaawy back. So be more cat, after tasting life as a dog.
I will certainly be reading the rest of the series, purrrfect teaching material sure to bring some joy to any reader, especially those of the feline fanatic purrrrsuasion. 4 stars from me, Booklover Catlady. Meow.
For more of my reviews, book chat, giveaways and much more, see you at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for my review copy of this wonderful book
This is book three in the Dalai Lama's Cat series and I really enjoyed it. I totally loved that the book is written from that cat's feline perspective which at times is just hilarious and cheeky. Such an endearing cat.
This book focuses on HHC's journey to try to meditate (some very funny moments with this) and undercover more self understanding and self awareness. It's written with Buddhist philosophy and teachings but through the voice of the cat mostly throughout the book. Delightful. Now I am not a Buddhist, in fact I am a Christian and saw a lot of correlation in the teachings. I did take away learning, particularly about peaceful meditation and the power of it, knowing that Christians also meditate.
MINDFULNESS and achieving living in the here and now is a focus of this book and in this day and age not a bad goal to try to work towards.
In the latest installment of the Dalai Lama's Cat series, His Holiness's Cat (“HHC”) is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life's greatest joy, the here and now.
There are some delightful stories and escapades and teachings. I found the lineage belief the Buddhists have that HHC is a reincarnation of a Lhaso Apso dog and so on, going waaaaaawy back. So be more cat, after tasting life as a dog.
I will certainly be reading the rest of the series, purrrfect teaching material sure to bring some joy to any reader, especially those of the feline fanatic purrrrsuasion. 4 stars from me, Booklover Catlady. Meow.
For more of my reviews, book chat, giveaways and much more, see you at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for my review copy of this wonderful book
September 5, 2016
Well just finished the 3rd in this series and hopefully not the last. Each book got better, more enlightened with every turn of the page. Every purr and meow found its way to the deepest emotional love I hold for all around me.
No doubt that if you are a cat person, you will relate easily to Rinpoche and all she has to offer. And if you aren't a " cat person" the fact that you have a mind and heart should be enough to allow these lessons of LOVE to enter your being.
This isn't exactly a book of a cats life, rather a book of life, love, and how to appreciate all that is around you.
Quite genius actually how the author has taken the teachings of Buddhism and implemented them in an easy, fun experience filled with laugher and joy. A lot like living with the beautiful creatures we call cats.
Reading this helped me understand better my own relationships with my feline companions, and how much I really must have meant to them. This is a priceless revelation that will serve ALL my lifetimes.
The books have also peaked my interests in Buddhism, and I plan to start reading a lot more about it. Thank you Rinpoche , for all that you are.
No doubt that if you are a cat person, you will relate easily to Rinpoche and all she has to offer. And if you aren't a " cat person" the fact that you have a mind and heart should be enough to allow these lessons of LOVE to enter your being.
This isn't exactly a book of a cats life, rather a book of life, love, and how to appreciate all that is around you.
Quite genius actually how the author has taken the teachings of Buddhism and implemented them in an easy, fun experience filled with laugher and joy. A lot like living with the beautiful creatures we call cats.
Reading this helped me understand better my own relationships with my feline companions, and how much I really must have meant to them. This is a priceless revelation that will serve ALL my lifetimes.
The books have also peaked my interests in Buddhism, and I plan to start reading a lot more about it. Thank you Rinpoche , for all that you are.
February 13, 2022
Der 3. Band der Reihe "Die Katze des Dalai Lama" nimmt den Leser auf sanfte Weise mit auf eine Reise zu den schneebedeckten Bergen des Himalaya - in die Welt des Dalai Lama und der KSH, der Katze seiner Heiligkeit.
Mit der KSH spazieren wir durch das Kloster, nehmen an Interviews von hochrangigen Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Presse mit dem Dalai Lama teil und trollen uns bei entspannender Klaviermusik im Buchcafé gegenüber des buddhistischen Wohnsitzes.
Eine Geschichte die sanft in den Buddhismus einführt und uns die Welt des Dalai Lama farbenprächtig aufzeigt. Das ist der 3. Band von David Michies vierteiligen Reihe "Die Katze des Dalai Lama" aber auch für Quereinsteiger wie mich ist dieser Band ein sanftes Auffangbecken.
Viel Spass bei der Lektüre!
Mehr Details zu meiner Leseerfahrung und meinen ersten Meditations-Übungen findet Ihr hier:
https://youtu.be/UQJtOfIs7N0
Mit der KSH spazieren wir durch das Kloster, nehmen an Interviews von hochrangigen Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Presse mit dem Dalai Lama teil und trollen uns bei entspannender Klaviermusik im Buchcafé gegenüber des buddhistischen Wohnsitzes.
Eine Geschichte die sanft in den Buddhismus einführt und uns die Welt des Dalai Lama farbenprächtig aufzeigt. Das ist der 3. Band von David Michies vierteiligen Reihe "Die Katze des Dalai Lama" aber auch für Quereinsteiger wie mich ist dieser Band ein sanftes Auffangbecken.
Viel Spass bei der Lektüre!
Mehr Details zu meiner Leseerfahrung und meinen ersten Meditations-Übungen findet Ihr hier:
https://youtu.be/UQJtOfIs7N0
December 28, 2016
Obviously these books are brilliantly written. Though from a perspective of a cat, everything that is written is for humans. My top two reasons for reading this series - 1. how cute the tone used for describing the Snow Lion is
2. The warmth I feel as I read the parts when HHH Dalai Lama is mentioned. The narration belongs to the cat, but I can literally feel the warmth and peace engulf me from the book everytime HHH makes an appearance.
2. The warmth I feel as I read the parts when HHH Dalai Lama is mentioned. The narration belongs to the cat, but I can literally feel the warmth and peace engulf me from the book everytime HHH makes an appearance.
June 13, 2021
I read this book during covid 19 lockdown period. This book was such a breather and positivity creator.
I had no clue that there were 2 prequels to this book and this is part 3.
However I never felt vague when I read this book w/o reading the 2 prequels.
Loved the way the author describes the entire story through a cat's narration. Though the narrator is cat, the aspects mentioned in the book is applicable to all humans as well. This is one of the few books which speaks about mediation and mindfulness in most simple way and offcouse w/o boring the reader.
This book needs a slow reading per to me as there are lot of aspects which needs to be absorbed. To me this book is definitely worth to go into the read and reread list. I would definitely keep coming back to the multiple highlights which I have created while reading.
Definitely a must read.
I have now purchased book 1 and 2 of the series and will read them in order now😂
I had no clue that there were 2 prequels to this book and this is part 3.
However I never felt vague when I read this book w/o reading the 2 prequels.
Loved the way the author describes the entire story through a cat's narration. Though the narrator is cat, the aspects mentioned in the book is applicable to all humans as well. This is one of the few books which speaks about mediation and mindfulness in most simple way and offcouse w/o boring the reader.
This book needs a slow reading per to me as there are lot of aspects which needs to be absorbed. To me this book is definitely worth to go into the read and reread list. I would definitely keep coming back to the multiple highlights which I have created while reading.
Definitely a must read.
I have now purchased book 1 and 2 of the series and will read them in order now😂
August 18, 2017
What a great book and series, who knew a cat could be this smart.
Finally to complete the trilogy we get meditation from HHC "His Holiness's Cat"
I'm sure to be re-reading this series again, and when I do a 5 star rating will most likely be forthcoming.
I had suddenly realized that my deep disgruntlement was less a result of what had happened to me than of my state of mind. I had come to see for myself that while I couldn’t change the world, I could change the way I experienced it.
Finally to complete the trilogy we get meditation from HHC "His Holiness's Cat"
Find yourself a quiet corner where you can sit undisturbed. The kind of place that a cat would feel comfortable and secure...
I'm sure to be re-reading this series again, and when I do a 5 star rating will most likely be forthcoming.
July 30, 2017
*NOTE: This is a review of the entire trilogy.*
I love reading books about cats. If I could read nothing but books about cats, I probably would, and be happy while doing it. I love learning everything I can about them. I also love learning about religions that I haven't studied yet. When I heard about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy, it sounded like the perfect book trilogy for me. I'm so glad that I picked it up. I loved the trilogy so much that I ended up reading all three books in a twenty-four hour time span.
When I started the first book in the trilogy, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I thought I would get a few cute stories about HHC (His Holiness' Cat) that would make me chuckle. However, this trilogy was so much more than that. Yes, there were great about HHC that made me laugh so hard, especially the one about drinking the reporter's water. There were also times where the book made me sad, like when a certain main character dies out of nowhere, and I find myself sobbing. The book made me feel so many different emotions that a book hadn't made me feel in such a long time.
The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy also taught me several different things. I didn't know much about Buddhism before reading this book. Now, it's definitely a religion I want to research more. I love the idea of finding inner peace by thinking of others, instead of thinking of yourself all the time. I've tried to practice that ever since I finished the book, and it actually does work. It makes me feel a lot calmer. The trilogy also made me want to do some research on The Dalai Lama. I was curious if he actually had a cat, so I googled it, and went from there. I found out that he has wrote a few books, and placed a hold on them from the library right away.
I loved everything about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy. Going into the book, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I got. I loved the stories about HHC, and loved learning more about Buddhism. This trilogy has inspired me to live in a way that is kinder to others, and brings inner peace. I can't wait to read more books about Buddhism, and The Dalai Lama. I recommend this trilogy to anyone looking for a captivating tale with great lessons attached on how to live in a peaceful environment.
I love reading books about cats. If I could read nothing but books about cats, I probably would, and be happy while doing it. I love learning everything I can about them. I also love learning about religions that I haven't studied yet. When I heard about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy, it sounded like the perfect book trilogy for me. I'm so glad that I picked it up. I loved the trilogy so much that I ended up reading all three books in a twenty-four hour time span.
When I started the first book in the trilogy, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I thought I would get a few cute stories about HHC (His Holiness' Cat) that would make me chuckle. However, this trilogy was so much more than that. Yes, there were great about HHC that made me laugh so hard, especially the one about drinking the reporter's water. There were also times where the book made me sad, like when a certain main character dies out of nowhere, and I find myself sobbing. The book made me feel so many different emotions that a book hadn't made me feel in such a long time.
The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy also taught me several different things. I didn't know much about Buddhism before reading this book. Now, it's definitely a religion I want to research more. I love the idea of finding inner peace by thinking of others, instead of thinking of yourself all the time. I've tried to practice that ever since I finished the book, and it actually does work. It makes me feel a lot calmer. The trilogy also made me want to do some research on The Dalai Lama. I was curious if he actually had a cat, so I googled it, and went from there. I found out that he has wrote a few books, and placed a hold on them from the library right away.
I loved everything about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy. Going into the book, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I got. I loved the stories about HHC, and loved learning more about Buddhism. This trilogy has inspired me to live in a way that is kinder to others, and brings inner peace. I can't wait to read more books about Buddhism, and The Dalai Lama. I recommend this trilogy to anyone looking for a captivating tale with great lessons attached on how to live in a peaceful environment.
February 6, 2017
What a DELIGHTFUL book, and yet so full of quiet Wisdom! An excellent form of teaching Buddhism, this Cat is a marvelous teacher! This third "episode" of His Holiness Cat brings with it not only more realizations of self knowledge and of a spiritual kind, but also a tremendous sense of humor! It is written in a beautiful, relaxed style which is both witty and light minded and envelops all the characters in a psychologically perceptive but yet tender light... It is perceptive and at the the same time, full of compassion.
And the cat's personality is absolutely credible and so, so charming!
A must read!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 17 November 2016
And the cat's personality is absolutely credible and so, so charming!
A must read!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 17 November 2016
January 3, 2018
This book is unlike anything I’ve read before, and I did struggle to get into it a bit, but it was a gentle story, and I got quite a bit out of it in terms of meditation practices and thinking about things in a different way.
November 12, 2017
Very cute story which conveys some lovely concepts of meditation practice and more broadly Buddhism. Very relaxing read.
June 12, 2020
I sincerely enjoyed all three books in this series. So sweet, very feline, and fun to spend time getting to know HHC (His Holiness's Cat). It is definitely a book for animal lovers, those interested in the teachings of compassion and love, and those who want to explore mindfulness and meditation through the eyes of a Himalayan kitty with the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, amongst monks, endearing townspeople, and of course, the Dalai Lama himself.
April 26, 2020
In this book, His Holiness's Cat (HHC) or Snow Lion or Rinpoche or The Most beautiful Creature That Ever Lived sets out to live more mindfully. As she begins her tryst with meditation, through people and events around her, she comes to experience the world more deeply and through it realises her Karma.
What a delightful book this!! ❤
What a delightful book this!! ❤
June 2, 2020
Das Buch ist aus der Sicht der Katze seiner Heiligkeit geschrieben und bietet einen kleinen Einblick in den Buddhismus. Die Geschichte ist ruhig, regt da und dort zum Nachdenken an, irgendwie bekommt man Lust zu Meditieren, daher fand ich es gut dass am Ende des Buches eben dafür noch eine kleine Anleitung mit dabei ist.
November 6, 2021
I couldn’t imagine it would be possible to improve on the first two books of the series… how happy and humble I am to be proved wrong.
What a delight of a book. A beacon of hope, love and compassion and a wonderful glimpse into the life of the lovely Rinpoche/HHC as she embarks on a quest for feline spiritual upliftment.
What a delight of a book. A beacon of hope, love and compassion and a wonderful glimpse into the life of the lovely Rinpoche/HHC as she embarks on a quest for feline spiritual upliftment.
January 24, 2022
Am trăt alături de Rinpoche un parcurs al descoperirii stării de mindfulness. Chiar dacă ea este „doar” o pisică, bogata sa viață interioară ne dă indicii, încă de la început, că este mai mult decât pare. O carte perfectă pentru vremurile agitate pe care le traversăm care m-a relaxat și m-a binedispus!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2018
"Sometimes we need to be reminded what we're capable of. How we all have abilities beyond anything we may perhaps believe. Mind training may be difficult. But sometimes... Sometimes we catch a glimpse of a purpose much grater than ourselves. Then it all becomes worthwhile."(Dalai Lama)
October 26, 2017
The whole trilogy was uplifting and simply refreshing. I wanted something different, and I found it with HHC. Such a beautiful character, and a cat no less! The fact that she was a Himalayan etched a bit deeper for me, as the first cat I ever loved was a Himalayan - and just as inquisitive and independent as HHC. His name, ironically, was Puss.
From reading this trilogy, I have come away with a better understanding of my life, and especially other life.
This story is simply beautiful. 5 stars all the way.
From reading this trilogy, I have come away with a better understanding of my life, and especially other life.
This story is simply beautiful. 5 stars all the way.
February 21, 2018
the dharma of meow
What a great intro into Buddhist philosophy. Its light hearted in its wisdom! A crash course in meditation for humans, but from a cats perspective
What a great intro into Buddhist philosophy. Its light hearted in its wisdom! A crash course in meditation for humans, but from a cats perspective
March 1, 2018
A powerful and simple little story told through the voice of the Dali Lama’s Cat. Life messages for all of us and a way of explaining the simple truths of life without being preachy
November 13, 2018
I have enjoyed this series by David Michie. Instructions on how to meditate, the nature of mind, and other Buddhist teachings are shared through the voice of the Dalai Llama's cat. Sweet, gentle, and real.
April 18, 2018
Another delightful adventure with HHC. This time exploring the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. 😸
December 27, 2018
Outro livro charmoso de David Michie cheio de personagens e histórias interessantes.
January 28, 2020
A delectable read. The philosophical narrative of the furry feline only adds to the enjoyment but the book re emphasises the belief that all minds and souls are eternally connected and transgress the circle of time and matter.
June 15, 2015
Paws in the moment!
HHC (His Holiness' Cat), a Himalayan, a cat of many names amongst them Snow Lion, Rinpoche and Little Sister is a wonderful character. Life in Dharamsala is viewed through this important little personage's eyes. A cat of consequence, although humble, HHC is working on becoming more 'mindful' cat, on exercising the power of the moment, the power of meow as the path to enlightenment is trod. A cat who 'couldn't change the world but could change how he experienced it.'
Today 'Mindfulness' seems to be a buzz word cropping up all over the place. In 'The Power of Meow', we see this concept discussed between the Dalai Lama, Serena and Mrs Trinci,when they talk about the exercising of meditation cultivating awareness and creating space of the mind,
'Little by little, you become more mindful, more aware of every action of your body, speech and mind. Not just when you are meditating. This is most useful, because it is only when we are awareness what is happening that we can change.'
Life around the Dalai Lama as seen through his cat's eyesight is insightful and humorous with a huge dose of love.
I enjoyed HHC's discovery of catnip. The further discovery of how it came to be in the garden is even more illuminating on several levels. Also HHC's discussion with the Dalai Lama's driver who is also the gardener. I loved the gardner's statement, 'The mind is like a garden...you choose what to grow: weeds or flowers.'
Throughout this gentle story of life in Dharamsala we are treated to the wisdom of being in the moment, of meditative practices presented in gentle terms, pertinent to the lives of the people involved, and to us.
Gems of "how to's" trail across the pages.
Observances about love and compassion are thought provoking. Someone said in previous reviews of earlier books that they'd highlighted many gems. Well, I have joined that club!
I will surely be reflecting on them for some time to come.
I found the discussion between Serena, Oliver and Tenzin about meditation and healing and the research into this area particularly significant and thought provoking for dealing with my own health. 'Meditation has a major impact on every biological marker of stress. It brings down high blood pressure. Slows hardening of the arteries. Boosts endorphins and the immune system. Increases the production of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals.'
The discovery of treasured (terma)writings from the time of the Great Fifth (the fifth Dalai Lama of the 17th century) is of great excitement for the Dalai Lama and his acolytes with possible relevance to research around quantum science, energy and healing.
All this is enfolded into the enjoyable daily look at the happenings in this community, the interwoven lives of HHC and His Holiness, and HHC's friends, including Serena, Sid, Zarah and Mrs Trinci through the eyes of HHC. Meow!
A jewel of a book instructing life. This will be re looked at, rediscovered and re treasured.
A NetGalley ARC
HHC (His Holiness' Cat), a Himalayan, a cat of many names amongst them Snow Lion, Rinpoche and Little Sister is a wonderful character. Life in Dharamsala is viewed through this important little personage's eyes. A cat of consequence, although humble, HHC is working on becoming more 'mindful' cat, on exercising the power of the moment, the power of meow as the path to enlightenment is trod. A cat who 'couldn't change the world but could change how he experienced it.'
Today 'Mindfulness' seems to be a buzz word cropping up all over the place. In 'The Power of Meow', we see this concept discussed between the Dalai Lama, Serena and Mrs Trinci,when they talk about the exercising of meditation cultivating awareness and creating space of the mind,
'Little by little, you become more mindful, more aware of every action of your body, speech and mind. Not just when you are meditating. This is most useful, because it is only when we are awareness what is happening that we can change.'
Life around the Dalai Lama as seen through his cat's eyesight is insightful and humorous with a huge dose of love.
I enjoyed HHC's discovery of catnip. The further discovery of how it came to be in the garden is even more illuminating on several levels. Also HHC's discussion with the Dalai Lama's driver who is also the gardener. I loved the gardner's statement, 'The mind is like a garden...you choose what to grow: weeds or flowers.'
Throughout this gentle story of life in Dharamsala we are treated to the wisdom of being in the moment, of meditative practices presented in gentle terms, pertinent to the lives of the people involved, and to us.
Gems of "how to's" trail across the pages.
Observances about love and compassion are thought provoking. Someone said in previous reviews of earlier books that they'd highlighted many gems. Well, I have joined that club!
I will surely be reflecting on them for some time to come.
I found the discussion between Serena, Oliver and Tenzin about meditation and healing and the research into this area particularly significant and thought provoking for dealing with my own health. 'Meditation has a major impact on every biological marker of stress. It brings down high blood pressure. Slows hardening of the arteries. Boosts endorphins and the immune system. Increases the production of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals.'
The discovery of treasured (terma)writings from the time of the Great Fifth (the fifth Dalai Lama of the 17th century) is of great excitement for the Dalai Lama and his acolytes with possible relevance to research around quantum science, energy and healing.
All this is enfolded into the enjoyable daily look at the happenings in this community, the interwoven lives of HHC and His Holiness, and HHC's friends, including Serena, Sid, Zarah and Mrs Trinci through the eyes of HHC. Meow!
A jewel of a book instructing life. This will be re looked at, rediscovered and re treasured.
A NetGalley ARC
April 16, 2021
“Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are lead by the mind, created by the mind. If one speaks or acts with serene mind, happiness will follow.” Buddha
“Some events, some triggers propel you in a direction you may have been contemplating but to which you were never fully committed.”
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. We will all have to endure trauma and challenges. What matters is how we move forward. Are we keep carrying the trauma and its causes in our mind? Or we can find a way to let go of them?”
“ You must never say my mind is bad because this is a mistaken thinking. You may experience great agitation. Much distraction. But this is temporary. Thoughts arise, abide and pass. They are not permanent. Like clouds, no matter how completely they fill the sky or how long they seem to stay there, they too will pass. And when they do, even in the brief moments after the end of one thought and the next one begins, you can catch a glimpse of your mind. You can see it for what is it.”
“The power of meow? Exactly. It is the pathway to well-being and to discovering our own true nature.”
”I always love how the moon transforms a familiar scene into something quite magical. If daylight belongs to the dogs, then we the cats are creatures of the night”.
“Lotus plants grow in poor conditions. Their roots are in the mud, sometimes dirty swamps. But they rise above that. Sometimes when we have problems, we, too can use our difficulties to create something we may have not considered before. We can turn our suffering into the cause of extraordinary growth.
“Mindfulness is when we focus on the present moment instead of being caught up in our thoughts. Being mindful to the mind is when we are aware of thoughts without becoming engage with them. We see a thought merely as a thought. An act of cognition. Something temporary that arises, abides and pass. This is very useful kind of mindfulness. We cultivate the awareness behind thoughts and feelings. We become the observer of our thoughts, not their slaves. Little by little, over time, we can contro, our mind-stream and let go of mental patterns that don’t serve us well”
“We get so engrained in physical patterns. Habits we repeat of our awareness. We don’t even realize them until we bring attention to our body. Then we can let go. It is the same for the mind. We get caught up in cycles of habit that may have been useful in the past, but we get hocked into them. What was once the solution to a problem becomes a problem itself. We need to break free
-how do we do this?
- Same as with the body. We bring attention to the mind. Simply by being present here and now, we free ourselves to our condition”.
“The mind is like a garden. Yu choose what to grow: weeds or flower. Mindfulness provided us with the option to choose”
“Mind watching meditation: begin the mediation to settle the mind. As an object of meditation, the breath is a gross object – easy to find. Once your mind has calmed to some extent, after five or ten minutes, then change the object of meditation to the mind itself. Unlike other meditation, when thoughts arise, they are not considered distraction. Thoughts arise from the mind just as waves arise from the ocean. They are of the same nature. If we sit on the beach of above the sea and watch a wave forming, rising to a crest and then breaking on the beach before rolling into the sea, we know that the wave is just the sea, identifiable as distinct from the rest of the ocean, for a few moments, but part of it. Same with the thoughts. The main thing is not to engage with our thoughts, which is what we usually do. To do this, when a thought arises, we practice to acknowledge, accept and let it go.
-What happens when more thoughts immediately pop up?
- Same again. Accept. Let it go. You see, usually we are thought-huggers. As soon as a thought arises in our mind, we engage with it. We become absorb with it, no matter what is it. No matter how badly it hurts. A thought is merely a thought. A temporary conception. It is not a fact. Nor a truth. Every thought you have has gone. We may be overwhelmed with thoughts initially. But as we practice not engaged with them, the curious thing is that they occur less and less. Gradually they cease.
-And what do we have left?
- Mind itself. Stay with that nothing. Initially your own mind may seem like nothing more than an inert void, merely the background to your thoughts. The longer you are able to abide with your mind, the more you begin to experience its qualities. Perhaps we start off thinking that meditation is a cognitive exercise, but we discover that is a state of being, our primordial consciousness.
“– Every thought has an energetic component that translate into phisical result."
-“So relax. Let go of whatever you have conceived about yourself because it is only a story. Don’t fool yourself that only what is a thought it is truth”.
“We all go around creating causes for future effects without even being aware of it. Then, by the time the effects happen, we have the idea why because we are not even the same beings we were when we cause them.
-Yes, different person. But the same subtle continuum. Same energy. Energy is not created or destroyed. Because consciousness is energy. It changes it forms and cannot be created or destroyed.
“Music is incredibly powerful, almost magical in the way it marries consciousness to energy. Different music carries different vibrational qualities, and just listening to It can change one’s own energy and mood, like alchemy. "
-“You know, little Snow Lion, there are 2 kinds of treasures or termas. One kind is the physical termas, like this text. But more important and more valuable is the treasure of the mind. Mental termas can help us realize our true nature”.
“Some events, some triggers propel you in a direction you may have been contemplating but to which you were never fully committed.”
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. We will all have to endure trauma and challenges. What matters is how we move forward. Are we keep carrying the trauma and its causes in our mind? Or we can find a way to let go of them?”
“ You must never say my mind is bad because this is a mistaken thinking. You may experience great agitation. Much distraction. But this is temporary. Thoughts arise, abide and pass. They are not permanent. Like clouds, no matter how completely they fill the sky or how long they seem to stay there, they too will pass. And when they do, even in the brief moments after the end of one thought and the next one begins, you can catch a glimpse of your mind. You can see it for what is it.”
“The power of meow? Exactly. It is the pathway to well-being and to discovering our own true nature.”
”I always love how the moon transforms a familiar scene into something quite magical. If daylight belongs to the dogs, then we the cats are creatures of the night”.
“Lotus plants grow in poor conditions. Their roots are in the mud, sometimes dirty swamps. But they rise above that. Sometimes when we have problems, we, too can use our difficulties to create something we may have not considered before. We can turn our suffering into the cause of extraordinary growth.
“Mindfulness is when we focus on the present moment instead of being caught up in our thoughts. Being mindful to the mind is when we are aware of thoughts without becoming engage with them. We see a thought merely as a thought. An act of cognition. Something temporary that arises, abides and pass. This is very useful kind of mindfulness. We cultivate the awareness behind thoughts and feelings. We become the observer of our thoughts, not their slaves. Little by little, over time, we can contro, our mind-stream and let go of mental patterns that don’t serve us well”
“We get so engrained in physical patterns. Habits we repeat of our awareness. We don’t even realize them until we bring attention to our body. Then we can let go. It is the same for the mind. We get caught up in cycles of habit that may have been useful in the past, but we get hocked into them. What was once the solution to a problem becomes a problem itself. We need to break free
-how do we do this?
- Same as with the body. We bring attention to the mind. Simply by being present here and now, we free ourselves to our condition”.
“The mind is like a garden. Yu choose what to grow: weeds or flower. Mindfulness provided us with the option to choose”
“Mind watching meditation: begin the mediation to settle the mind. As an object of meditation, the breath is a gross object – easy to find. Once your mind has calmed to some extent, after five or ten minutes, then change the object of meditation to the mind itself. Unlike other meditation, when thoughts arise, they are not considered distraction. Thoughts arise from the mind just as waves arise from the ocean. They are of the same nature. If we sit on the beach of above the sea and watch a wave forming, rising to a crest and then breaking on the beach before rolling into the sea, we know that the wave is just the sea, identifiable as distinct from the rest of the ocean, for a few moments, but part of it. Same with the thoughts. The main thing is not to engage with our thoughts, which is what we usually do. To do this, when a thought arises, we practice to acknowledge, accept and let it go.
-What happens when more thoughts immediately pop up?
- Same again. Accept. Let it go. You see, usually we are thought-huggers. As soon as a thought arises in our mind, we engage with it. We become absorb with it, no matter what is it. No matter how badly it hurts. A thought is merely a thought. A temporary conception. It is not a fact. Nor a truth. Every thought you have has gone. We may be overwhelmed with thoughts initially. But as we practice not engaged with them, the curious thing is that they occur less and less. Gradually they cease.
-And what do we have left?
- Mind itself. Stay with that nothing. Initially your own mind may seem like nothing more than an inert void, merely the background to your thoughts. The longer you are able to abide with your mind, the more you begin to experience its qualities. Perhaps we start off thinking that meditation is a cognitive exercise, but we discover that is a state of being, our primordial consciousness.
“– Every thought has an energetic component that translate into phisical result."
-“So relax. Let go of whatever you have conceived about yourself because it is only a story. Don’t fool yourself that only what is a thought it is truth”.
“We all go around creating causes for future effects without even being aware of it. Then, by the time the effects happen, we have the idea why because we are not even the same beings we were when we cause them.
-Yes, different person. But the same subtle continuum. Same energy. Energy is not created or destroyed. Because consciousness is energy. It changes it forms and cannot be created or destroyed.
“Music is incredibly powerful, almost magical in the way it marries consciousness to energy. Different music carries different vibrational qualities, and just listening to It can change one’s own energy and mood, like alchemy. "
-“You know, little Snow Lion, there are 2 kinds of treasures or termas. One kind is the physical termas, like this text. But more important and more valuable is the treasure of the mind. Mental termas can help us realize our true nature”.
September 14, 2015
The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow is the third book in the series and perhaps the most satisfying. I have loved each of the books and anxiously awaited the next. This latest entry into the series does not disappoint. It's impossible to stop turning pages. All of the characters we've come to know and love are there along with a couple of new ones. Threads of previous storylines are picked up and expanded. Best of all, this book talks about mindful meditation in a way that not only blends with the characters but is quite helpful to the reader in understanding this practice.
This is a book I will definitely read again. Bravo! I hope that there will be a fourth book. I don't want to have to leave The Dalai Lama's Cat.
This is a book I will definitely read again. Bravo! I hope that there will be a fourth book. I don't want to have to leave The Dalai Lama's Cat.
January 19, 2016
The latest instalment of the Dalai Lama's Cat (His Holiness's Cat - HHC) is positively AWESOME. HHC is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. I found this book related to so much in my life right now and my own mind. I know I need to slow down, find inner peace and study more mindfulness. I hope we hear more from the HHC.
June 19, 2018
"The power of meow", the last book from David Michie's series, "The Dalai Lama's cat". A wonderful story told by the 14th Dalai Lama's cat about the power of self love, mindfulness, learning to be compassionate and take care of others with the purest intention and feelings. Be present. Love youself. Show gratitude and care for the loved ones. Have patience. Live slowly.
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