Work has been hectic since last month and I have not been able to blog often. But I am consistent with my reading and making good progress on my Goodreads reading challenge. I have read a couple of books since I last posted here and I will be posting reviews soon. Today I am reviewing ‘The Dalai Lama’s Cat’ by David Michie. I finished the book last night and I must say that this has been one of the best books I have read till date.
As the title suggests, the book is about the adventures of HHC (His Holiness’s Cat), also fondly called the Snow Lion. Rescued from the streets of New Delhi, an abandoned and injured kitten found a new lease of life as well as a new home at Namgyal Monastery. Privileged to be the household cat of none other than the Dalai Lama, HHC is the object of affection for all with many names ranging from HHC to Rinpoche (precious) to Snow Lion and Mousie-Tung. The book is told from the cat’s perspective and follows her adventures in the monastery and the town where she is treated as nothing less than a celebrity. Her jealousy when an unwanted puppy Kyi-Kyi arrives, pesky fur balls, putting on weight as too many locals shower her love in the form of food, dilemma in love when she comes in contact with the tiger tabby- All the incidents of her life and subsequent introspection pass along valuable life lessons without being preachy.
The book is a fascinating multi-layered treatise where Buddhist teachings are explained through the delightful tale of the Snow Lion. The story also gives us a glimpse of the everyday life of one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time. Snow Lion aspires to be a ‘bodhicatva’ but has all the imperfections which we humans have- jealousy, pride, insecurities, gluttony and a wandering mind. The focal point of the story is the Dalai Lama whose unconditional love and compassion transforms all around him.
A nice little book and a quick read. It is kind of a beginner’s guide to Buddhism with a adorable cat as your instructor. Buddhist teachings are integrated into everyday life with a delightful dash of wisdom and humour. This charming feline tale perfectly leads the readers to the real time benefits of spiritual practices. The author beautifully narrates a heartwarming tale which will make you think, reflect and at the same time, smile as you read.
Highly recommended for cat lovers, followers of the Dalai Lama, the ones who are interested in Buddhism or any reader who’d love to read a charming, humorous tale peppered with age-old wisdom. The incidents in the book will make you laugh and also make you reflect on life. And most importantly, you will learn to be mindful, kind and compassionate!
Title: The Dalai Lama’s Cat
Author: David Michie
Originally published: 2012
Genres: Biographical Fiction, Religious Fiction
Page Count: 217
© 2019 Shaloo Walia All rights reserved
This has been on my TBR for long now, your review makes me want ot read ity sooner.
You must…This has been the best book I have read so far this year.