The Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring
This is the second book by David Michie that enlightens readers through adventures of the Dalai Lama’s cat. It is helpful to get the background of HHC (His Holiness’ Cat) by reading the previous one first, but each is a stand-alone story in itself.
The Art of Purring is a handbook for happiness. “Not the kind of happy that comes and goes like a can of flaked tuna but an enduring happiness. The deep-down happiness that makes you purr from the heart.” (Michie) If this idea ripples through your soul with peace and promise, this book is for you–whether you are a cat lover or not!
Through the experiences of HHC in each chapter, we learn universal truths about happiness:
- Happiness is cultivated from within as opposed to being a result of externals.
- Success is a result of happiness, not the other way around.
- Happiness grows from being a part of a cause greater than our own selves.
- Happiness is not found in the past, nor is it found in the future.
- All we have is the now, and each day of that now is a miracle.
- We all have great capacity for happiness, and can actively expand this.
- When we help others, we ourselves actually benefit first.
- Mood is linked to food ingested.
- Equanimity and happiness are conjoined twins. (Equanimity: “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, esp. in a difficult situation.” New Oxford American Dictionary; thank you Kindle!)
- We limit our view of mind, our potential is infinitely expandable.
The lessons in the chapters are gently delivered and easily received. As HHC learns, we resonate–that’s a beautiful gift.
I received this book from Hay House in exchange for review purposes.
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gina drellack 
I love reading books authored by David Michie. I am reading The four Paws of spiritual success. I loved his book The Dalai Lama’s Cat. He writes about Buddha unconventionally, the way in which it is lot more relatable, simpler and engaging.
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I love these simple truths, they are the kinds of things we know but they never get old, and I never tire of hearing them put in slightly different ways. The one I always get stuck on is the being completely in the present. HOW???? How to stop thinking of the future and going over and letting go of the past??!! Sigh…really must try to meditate (again!)
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I wonder if it’s called a “practice” so that we are released from being perfect at it? All we can do is begin again. Each day, each moment. I can find comfort in that!
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