The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow

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 show more 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 show less

3.5 stars

The header of the title reads: “The Dalai Lama’s Cat and...”. The book is told from the point of view of HHC (His Holiness’ Cat). HHC is able to wander about and listen in on conversations, so as to learn about mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhism herself, and to put it to use.

There is a bit of a storyline amidst the learning about mindfulness etc. The cook at the monastery has had a heart attack, so after she is released from the hospital, she and her adult daughter come to the Dalai Lama to learn about mindfulness. The daughter, Serena, works closeby at a bookstore/cafe, which is often visited by HHC. When a lady comes in to the restaurant and has an allergy attack, she storms out and makes a complaint against the show more cat. Turns out, she has something to do with Serena.

Anyway, the book was a gift. I’m not that much into meditation and such, but I am a cat person. The author seems to know cats and their mannerisms, so it was entertaining to read HHC’s viewpoint. I was also interested in Serena’s storyline. I’m not sure I’ll read more in the series, although “The Art of Purring” might be enjoyable. I’m considering this one a good read. It was 199 pages, and very fast to read. show less

What a great book and series, who knew a cat could be this smart.

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.

Another great book by David Michie. This one covers learning to control distractions and overcome obstacles in the same wonderful format that makes this series a joy to read. Michie is one of my favorite authors.

Quick but calming read. Makes me want to try meditation

"The mind is like a garden," he told me. "You choose what to grow: weeds or flowers."