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The Dalai Lama's Cat

by David Michie (Goodreads Author)

4.28 of 5 stars 4.28 · rating details · 246 ratings · 70 reviews

“‘Oh! How adorable! I didn’t know you had a cat!’ she exclaimed.

I am always surprised how many people make this observation. Why should His Holiness not have a cat?

‘If only she could speak,’ continued the actress. ‘I’m sure she’d have such wisdom to share.’

And so the seed was planted . . .

I began to think that perhaps the time had come for me to write a book of my own—a b...more

Paperback, 217 pages

Published October 1st 2012 by Hay House Visions

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Between Monks and Monkeys by Gill Winter

The Tibetan Book of the Dead by Padmasambhava

Tibetan Issues and Culture

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Feb 02, 2013 Damaskcat rated it 5 of 5 stars

A small kitten being ill-treated by some small boys attracts the attention of the Dalai Lama as he is driven through Delhi having returned from a visit to the US. He rescues the kitten and nurses her back to life and health – apart from slightly wobbly back legs. HHC (His Holiness’ Cat) as she is nicknamed soon becomes a popular part of the Dalai Lama’s household.

As she is living with one of the holiest men in the world HHC picks up a lot of wisdom and advice about how to live a truly Buddhist...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

In this book you will find a cat's eye view of Buddhism; call it an illumination of Buddhism perhaps. After all, what is a feline who walks at the heels [and occasionally bites at the ankles] of one of the great spiritual leaders to do but study the path toward Enlightenment?

The narrator cat immediately experiences the foundation of Buddhist thought; `compassion for all living things'; in action when the Dalai Lama rescues her - half-drowned, starving and near dead - from the gutters of New Delh...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Lalitha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Would the Dalai Lama have a cat? Well, if he did, the cat would probably sound very much like the "I" in The Dalai Lama's Cat.

This book is a multi-layered narrative that shows the world-within-a-world that is Dharamsala, from the perspective of a cat rescued by the Dalai Lama. It is a great way to start learning about the Buddhist way of life and thought. The tone is very warm and cozy. At points it positively purrs at you, just like the protagonist would!

Some parts of the book are really touchi...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Josine rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie (Hay House) ISBN 978-1-78180-056-0

Author David Michie introduces his readers to Tibetan Buddhism through non-fiction books and thrillers. The way he explains the basic concepts of the religion in his latest novel The Dalai Lama’s Cat reminded me of The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.

The main character is a scraggly kitten saved by the Dalai Lama from an uncertain fate. She becomes a part of his household in Dharamsala and grows into a beautiful Himalayan, worth...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Chris Craddock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-help

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it exceeded my expectations. I knew that it was going to use the point-of-view of a cat to reveal insights about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, but I didn't expect it to be so well executed. The characters might have been just characters in some Zen Koan, like the farmer and his horse, but they were told with such attention to character and detail that I was convinced they were real. Of course, a lot of the characters were real, like the Dalai Lama, for instance,...more I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it exceeded my expectations. I knew that it was going to use the point-of-view of a cat to reveal insights about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, but I didn't expect it to be so well executed. The characters might have been just characters in some Zen Koan, like the farmer and his horse, but they were told with such attention to character and detail that I was convinced they were real. Of course, a lot of the characters were real, like the Dalai Lama, for instance, but I'm not sure if all the people in His Holiness' entourage and staff described in the book were the same as in real life. Nevertheless, I was able to suspend any disbelief and was totally wrapped up in the story.

Of course, even the Dalai Lama's cat couldn't actually write a book or think such profound thoughts, but the cat's voice was always true to a cat's personality and nature. Author David Michie knows his cats, as well as his lamas. In short, it was purr-fect. David Michie couldn't resist making a pun at one point were he might have stretched a bit and used the word categorically, but it wasn't a catastrophe. Indeed, even the romance of the kitty cat was handled tastefully. It was never too cutesy wutesy, even when she quoted from The Great Gatsby. Since there was mention of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, and a slight bit of punning, I felt I could get away with my title for this review: The Great Catsby.

The Buddhist teachings were thoroughly integrated into the story, illustrated with certain characters with lessons to learn. You never felt as if somehow you were being forced to convert to Buddhism at gunpoint. Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the fact that alongside centuries old traditions there were blogs, espressos, computers, and the internet--it was a timely and a timeless tale. The cat in question even has a YouTube video that goes viral.

This book is a good introduction to Buddhism and it points to other books for further study. On a lighter note, there are also a lot of celebrity cameos, where you have to guess the identity of the celebs. One name that was dropped was Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Master about town that you may have heard of. I think that Ellen, Portia, Reese, and Tony Robbins were in there as well. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cats and is interested in taking a stroll down the spiritual path.

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
~ Dalai Lama (less)

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Nov 23, 2012 Viviane Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ah, this is the life!!! Originally dumped in the street by unkind hooligans, this unkempt is meant to be sold into an even harsher life but instead is rescued by the Dalai Lama's Assistant. Now, he is HHC or "His Holiness's Cat" or Snow Lion...or some other embarrassing but funny names acquired as vital lessons in the path of holiness!

Consider the fact of pride as "being" one of the favorites of this revered holy man, the Dalai Lama. A French chef who owns a very popular restaurant near the actu...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Tim Bidstrup rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I were to write a list of the authors that have had the greatest influence over my growth over the past 4 years you would see a lot of the names you would expect, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, etc. etc. but the place it all started for me was with David Michie’s Buddhism for Busy People. Refreshing, clear and inspirational, I can’t think of any book that’s had a more startling impact on the direction I’ve taken.
Needless to say I was more than a little excited to get my hands on the Dalai Lama’s...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Kay Goldstein rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dalai Lama’s Cat is a multi-layered treatise on the practical aspects of Buddhist teachings cloaked in the delightful tale of a cat who becomes the pet of the Dalai Lama. Besides introducing us to the fascinating life at the residence of one of the great spiritual leaders of our time, the story weaves together self-deprecating humor and profound teaching through the adventures of HHC (His Holiness’s Cat) a.k.a Snow Lion. Snow Lion is “Everycat” who aspires to being a “bodhicatva”, with all t...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Tahlia Newland rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Dalai Lama’s Cat is a delightful tale about . . . well, the Dalai Lama’s cat. I have no idea if the Dalia Lama has a cat or not, but if he did, I have no doubt that the cat (whose point of view we follow in this story) would think just like this one and be treated exactly as she is treated by the Dalia Lama and his staff.

HHC, the name that ends up sticking to this moggy that the Dalia Lama rescues from otherwise certain death at the hands of two ragged boys, is influenced by the people aroun...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, own, vine

What a darling little book! I’ve read novels from dog’s perspectives, but never a cat, and a very privileged and enlightened cat at that. As a kitten, she, is brought into the household of the Dalai Lama and from her special position, she is able to observe fundamental teachings of Buddhism. She tries to improve her own life and attitude based on His Holiness’s imparted wisdom. Her interactions with the Dalai Lama, his staff, and people of the village are well-written and often humorous. There a...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Vivek Tejuja rated it 5 of 5 stars

The joys that few books seem to give the minute you are taken in to their world. There is nothing more to do as a reader but to give in. Maybe also read the book effortlessly and enjoy the moment you are in. The “mindfulness” as His Holiness, the Dalai Lama puts it beautifully. Like most books, I wasn’t intending to read this one immediately. It just happened. The timing was right for sure. I needed it and I will tell you why. The book in question is, “The Dalai Lama’s Cat” by David Michie.

I am...more The joys that few books seem to give the minute you are taken in to their world. There is nothing more to do as a reader but to give in. Maybe also read the book effortlessly and enjoy the moment you are in. The “mindfulness” as His Holiness, the Dalai Lama puts it beautifully. Like most books, I wasn’t intending to read this one immediately. It just happened. The timing was right for sure. I needed it and I will tell you why. The book in question is, “The Dalai Lama’s Cat” by David Michie.

I am not a fan of Buddhism. I do not know. I have never tried finding that out. So when I apprehensively picked up the book (going by the title), little did I know that I would enjoy it to this extent. The book is supposed to be a novel and it is – told from the perspective of a gorgeous Himalayan cat and no ordinary cat at that, from the perspective of Dalai Lama’s Cat. The book is narrated by the Cat, but of course and she tells us of her beginnings, how she was found by His Holiness, and how she wanted to become a cat worthy of him and his teachings.

Along the course of the book, the cat gives us spiritual lessons (which aren’t complex or hogwash), talking of the celebrities who visit His Holiness, their problems, the problems of the common man who is in touch with the monks and how it all comes together. The Cat (known to the monks and His Holiness) in so many ways brings out lessons from everyday living and for me to understand that, maybe I had to read a book of this nature.

Michie’s writing is full of humour and anecdotes. The writing is beautiful and simple. Michie has written several books on Buddhism and its teachings; however this one was the first I had read by him.

There have been immediate learnings which I have taken from the book (for instance mindfulness, the biggest of them all), which I never thought I would. For me, reading this book was magical, only because sometimes you need to read something so simple to make sense of the complex world around you. Maybe it is all about happiness afterall and that too at the end of it all, depending on what is the end and how you plan to get there. I would definitely not say that this book was of the self-help category. In fact not at all. The other thing that I loved was that it was narrated by a cat and I do tend to have a soft corner for them, so that is also what led me to read this book.

“The Dalai Lama’s Cat” is a charming small book that has the complete warmth of storytelling and will make you smile on almost every single page. At least it managed to do that superbly to me. Michie’s writing like I said is almost like the simple things of life – full of joy and wonder. A great read.
(less)

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Oct 10, 2012 Jo at Jaffareadstoo rated it 4 of 5 stars

On the surface, this is the delightful story of the Dalai Lama’s cat, a cat of many names, who when rescued from the slums of New Delhi, goes on to find comfort and an intellectual home amongst the philosophers and teachers who inhabit the inner sanctum of the Dalai Lama. However, underneath this whimsical tale of feline adventure, there is also the added bonus of some rather special Buddhist philosophy, and an introduction into the world of this enigmatic spiritual leader.

Author David Michie is...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Arlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

What would it be like to learn about life from the lap of a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate? What would it be like to live with a man who is not only one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders "but also a dab hand with a can opener."

The Dalai Lama's Cat is David Michie's novel account of life with the Dalai Lama from the perspective of a cat.

The Dalai Lama rescues an injured, near-dead Himalayan kitten from the gutters of New Delhi and brings her home to recover. Because of this, the kitten learn...more

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Jan 13, 2013 N. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

4.5/5 - A lovely novel about life as the Dalai Lama's pet, the Himalayan kitten that stars in this story is saved from certain death when the Dalai Lama sends someone to buy the kitten from two boys who have stolen a litter of kittens, just as they're preparing to dispose of her.

The cat goes by many names (chiefly His Holiness' Cat, or HHC). She spends her time exploring the monastery and surrounding area, sitting in laps of monks, Dalai Lama and visitors, lounging in her favorite window, visiti...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, inspiration, zen

The Dalai Lama’s Cat is written from the perspective of a (self-described) gorgeous Himalayan who was rescued by the Dalai Lama’s staff and who spends copious amounts of time around His Holiness and those closest to him.

As you might imagine, “Bodhi catva” is privy to many spiritually intense conversations, and not only does she recount some the most important nuggets of Buddhism, she also applies the principles to her own life as she continues to strive to live up to her title of HHC (His Holine...more
The Dalai Lama’s Cat is written from the perspective of a (self-described) gorgeous Himalayan who was rescued by the Dalai Lama’s staff and who spends copious amounts of time around His Holiness and those closest to him.

As you might imagine, “Bodhi catva” is privy to many spiritually intense conversations, and not only does she recount some the most important nuggets of Buddhism, she also applies the principles to her own life as she continues to strive to live up to her title of HHC (His Holiness’s Cat). We also get a clue into the feline mind on issues such as playing the cello, “as we cats refer to that most delicate part of our grooming regimen when we attend to our nether regions.”

Yes, there’s a good dose of humor throughout the book as well.

I love me some anthropomorphism, and Michie pulls this off brilliantly. Both the premise and the writing are sharp, snappy, and clever; the story is warm and fulfilling. The lessons in Buddhist principles are an added, wonderful bonus because Michie, an established authority on Buddhism, not only shares them but also illustrates them in lighthearted, everyday situations to which anyone can relate.

I highlighted so many bits in my Kindle version, but one I want to leave you with is this, just in case the idea of reading a book about Buddhism, or any religion, puts you off: "The purpose of Buddhism is not to convert people. It is to give them tools so they can create greater happiness. So they can be happier Catholics, happier atheists, happier Buddhists."

Despite its deep topics, this book is an easy, enjoyable read; it reminds me a lot of Paolo Coelho’s The Alchemist in that you can either fly through this for the story or stop at every page and think on what you’ve just read for hours, days, weeks, months, or years.

I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cats, is interested in learning more about mindfulness and other Buddhist principles, or who simply wants a great read. I couldn’t love this book more, and I consider it an absolute must-read for 2012.(less)

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Nov 16, 2012 Sandie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, feel-good-reads, fantasy, christian-lit

This book is really a thinly disguised instruction book on the Buddhist way of viewing and living life. In this particular tale an abandoned and injured kitten is rescued from the streets of Delhi by the Dalai Lama, becomes the household pet, and proceeds to give readers second hand life lessons based on the teachings of Buddhism that she has acquired by listening and observing (a lesson in itself and something we could all benefit from) as the Dalai Lama receives "students" and guests from arou...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: con-ficition, fantasy

The Dalai Lama's Cat was from Net Galley, and I wish I had not let it languish in my TBR que for so long because it was a genuine pleasure from beginning to end.

This charming Himalayan relates the way she found her way into the Dalai Lama's household and into the hearts of all, from the Dalai Lama and his staff, to the owner of the local cafe and many of its patrons.

Snow Lion, Rinpoche, or Bhodhicattva, this feline goes by many names (descriptive, endearing, or punning) and is privy to many int...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Alison rated it 5 of 5 stars

A gentle introduction to many of the basic tenets of Tibetan Buddhism told from the perspective of a Himalayan cat living in the Dalai Lama's household. Similar in style to The Tao of Pooh, lighthearted antics of a familiar character (in this case, a beloved pet) are presented and analysed, provoking the reader to take an introspective look at their own motivations and priorities. While this book is a quick and easy read, each of us readers can deeply identify with the characters and lessons pre...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Gill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a really lovely book, beautifully written. I agree with some of the other reviewers who say that if you have more than a basic understanding of Buddhism it might seem a bit simplistic, but for someone like me, who's just taking the first tentative steps, it was great. And it's a well told, charming story as well.

Having spent time in McLeod Ganj, I was happy to be taken back to the streets, the temple and the cafes, and David Michie evokes the atmosphere of the place very well. (The book...more

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May 19, 2013 Xanthi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was lent to me by a cat loving friend. A nice enough book, written from the point of view of a cat who lives with the Dalai Lama and his staff in India. It is fictional, of course, but each chapter is about various aspects of Buddhist beliefs and practices, as told my the observations of the cat. I am not particularly religious but have to say Buddhism comes closest to 'getting it right' in my opinion. It strikes me as being more of a philosophy than a religion.
I liked the various characte...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cats, spirituality

David Michie's expertise on Buddhism shines through this delightful novel -- without being the least bit preachy. Written from the perspective of HHC (His Holiness' Cat), She of Many Names -- it seems that everyone in town calls her something different -- this is a delightful look at life inside Dharamsala, as well as Buddhist philosophy in general.

HHC meets many new friends along the way, from the haughty restaurateur and his little dog to the queen of Bhutan. Each meeting is an opportunity to...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Dnyanashree rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recently got interested in doing a Kailash and Manasarowar parikrama. So as we were researching about how to get the Chinese visa to enter Tibet, I also started reading more about Tibet. Now everyone knows that the Tibetan Government is in exile in Dharamsala, but I was never much bothered or concerned about them. My research led me to read 3 books on Tibetiam Buddhism and I accidently stumbled upon this one. I normally am not inclined towards religion and philosophy, so I was skepticle about...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Arindam Pal rated it 5 of 5 stars

A big find and would probably remain the best read of 2013. It was a small book but took ages to complete as I immersed myself into the deep chasms of words of wisdom out of "Bodhicatva's" mouth. Funny, heart felt, inspiring and many more adjectives can be attributed to this beautiful read. As a non-religious person, I would not pick up any books on doctrines of life but this one simply remarkable as I found out the true essence of the Dharma and that Buddhism, in spite of being termed a religio...more

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Feb 11, 2013 William rated it 2 of 5 stars

David Michie has written an introduction to (Tibetan) Buddhism using a fictional cat owned by the Dalai Lama as his narrator. I wanted to like this book more than I did. How well you like it will probably depend on how much you already know about Buddhism.

If you don't know anything about Buddhism, you will probably like this book. If this is the case, read the 4- and 5-star reviews for a better sense of what you should expect from this book.

If you already have an introductory knowledge of Buddhi...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Angelica Taggart rated it 5 of 5 stars

Being a cat lover, a friend thought this the perfect book for me for Christmas -- I finally read it in March, and what a delightful afternoon it was!!

Very simple Buddhism is presented through the eyes and ears of a tiny, well loved cat - who makes her way about the temple complex and the surrounding community, helping teach lessons by learning her own.

This is a book I'm going to be gifting quite a few times myself!

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Mar 10, 2013 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cats, fiction, buddhism, tibetan-buddhism

This delightful cook combines a fictional Himalayan cat in residence with the Dalai Lama and basic tenets of Tibetan Buddhism without being overly cute or scholarly. the story is told from the cat's point of view, but she meets many people and gets baarious aspects of Buddhist teachings demontstrated. I believe HHC (His Holiness's Cat) was based on a pet owned by the author.

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Mar 29, 2013 Sukanto rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think five stars are not enough for this book. I haven't been happier to read a book, what with it unfolding so many complexities of life and soothing my mind in ways more than one. Added to it is the fact that I happen to be a cat lover! It won't be wrong for me to say that I've fallen in love with such amusing but enlightening narration.

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Mar 24, 2013 Diane Greiner rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story that sends a very hopeful message. Is seems truly appropriate that the story is told from the cat's perspective. This cat has a great personality that endears you to her and gives you some insight into what a cat's perspective might be. The story was laced with Buddhism teachings but not to the point of being preachy. This well-written story is fit for adults as well as a younger crowd. I will be adding this title to my elementary library (4th & 5th) where my high-leve...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Princessjay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor, mainstream

A simple, lovely read. The Dalai Lama's cat learns lessons from the Dalai Lama himself, then applies it to her own life. We are all here to learn how to transcend suffering. This very readable little fantasie is as good an intro as any toward that path.

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Nov 27, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Perhaps sometimes a little contrived, when we realise half way through that all stories are there to teach the cat a lesson; however an otherwise lovely reminder to be mindful and compassionate and the simple lessons are easy to understand.

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About David Michie

David Michie is the author of The Dalai Lama's Cat, Buddhism for Busy People, Hurry Up and Meditate and Enlightenment to Go.

The Dalai Lama’s Cat is a novel ‘written’ by His Holiness’s mischievous Himalayan, offering Buddhist wisdom in a warm hearted, entertaining format.

Buddhism for Busy People describes David's encounter with Tibetan Buddhism, weaving an autobiographic narrative through a present...more

More about David Michie...

Books by David Michie

Buddhism for Busy People: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World

Hurry Up And Meditate: Your Starter Kit For Inner Peace And Better Health

Enlightenment to Go: Shantideva and the Power of Compassion to Transform Your Life

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Quotes from The Dalai Lama's Cat

“I didn't know you had a cat!' she exclaimed.

I am always surprised how many people make this observation-though not all are as bold as the American in giving voice to their astonishment. Why should His Holiness not have a cat-if indeed, 'having a cat' is a correct understanding of the relationship?” — 1 person liked it

“You know, Professor, this stray kitten and you have one very important thing in common.'

'I can't imagine,' responded the professor coolly.

'Your life is the most important thing in the world to you,' said His Holiness. 'Same for this kitten.” — 1 person liked it

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