The Dalai Lama's Cat - David Michie

A novel. A gentle book of Buddhist basics wrapped in a charming story about a cat who becomes the pet of the Dalai Lama.

The apparent restful nature of a domestic cat's lifestyle is an ideal vehicle for explaining such concepts as mindfulness, meditation and other tenants of the Buddhist way. Cats often seen the epitome of living in the present and the hours they spend staring quietly out of the window or in to a hedge, have a Zen like quality to them. The storyline is simple and in a way little more than a collection of sketches and overheard conversations as observed by the cat but it gets the information across.

I'm a Christian, but read widely on other paths as I think each has something valuable to teach us. An open mind on spirituality to me doesn't dilute my view point, but enhances it as I see the commonality of faiths - that is to be compassionate and to live in peace with one another. And I have to add a note here to say I'm not a learned theologian - my views are entirely my own - you are entitled to disagree of course, but no I can't argue deep faith stuff with you, I'm not qualified to any level to do so.

Buddhism is perhaps unique in that meditation and mindfulness have been adopted by mainstream 'self help' books as a means to contentment and stress relief. Understanding a little of the Buddhist teaching behind these practises and how it works beyond the self help books is useful background I think. There are other ideas to explore and I left the book with other things to ponder on - such as Buddhists think that a lack of self confidence on something is a weakness of the mind as if there is something you must do (like share knowledge ) then it's selfish and lazy not to and that it's important to work to overcome it. Easier said than done I realise, but an interesting way of turning negative thinking on its head. There was also much about change and impermanence, and how we see ourselves.

Admittedly I did find myself wondering if the Dalai Lama knew of this book and I wondered what he'd think, but it's such a charming book I can't imagine any offence would be caused. In essence it's a happy little book, it won't take you long to read it, but it will make you think on things even after you've finished it.