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The Art of Purring
(The Dalai Lama's Cat #2)
by
What makes you purr? Of all the questions in the world, this is the most important. It is also the great leveler. Because no matter whether you are a playful kitten or a sedentary senior, a scrawny alley Tom or a sleek-coated uptown girl, whatever your circumstances, you just want to be happy. Not the kind of happy that comes and goes like a can of flaked tuna but an endur
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Paperback, 209 pages
Published
November 28th 2013
by Hay House, Inc.
(first published January 1st 2013)
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Start your review of The Art of Purring (The Dalai Lama's Cat, #2)

David Michie has found a whimsical, clever way to educate the reader about happiness from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. Although I didn't initially choose the book with a goal to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism, I learned a lot. And despite learning a lot, it was an easy, enjoyable read. I enjoyed the human and animal characters and became eager to see where their narratives led.
It is written in the first person perspective of (as the title says) the Dalai Lama's cat, and I grew very fond of ...more
It is written in the first person perspective of (as the title says) the Dalai Lama's cat, and I grew very fond of ...more

I love this this series, book 2 is even better then the first. I love that the cat narrates the book and if you're not a cat lover lots of dogs appear. There is a shocking revelation (view spoiler)
Highly recommended for anyone who loves animals, wants a break from violence and despair! ...more
Highly recommended for anyone who loves animals, wants a break from violence and despair! ...more

There are books that make you feel happy as you turn their pages, one anecdote at a time.And then there are books that lighten up your soul.And then there is this book and this entire series for that matter. Took over 2 weeks for this book just so that I don’t end up finishing it too soon. Guess this book will be gifted by me to many over next few years :)

Sometimes when you read a book which touches you, gives you a laugh and just plain makes you feel good, reading a sequel can be a bit daunting.
I approached The Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring with a certain degree of trepidation because, Starts at Sixty members will remember, I so thoroughly enjoyed HHC’s previous literary triumph. I needn’t have worried, HHC is no one hit wonder
Since reading HHC’s first book, The Dalai Lama’s Cat, I’ve recommended it many times and a number of people h ...more
I approached The Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring with a certain degree of trepidation because, Starts at Sixty members will remember, I so thoroughly enjoyed HHC’s previous literary triumph. I needn’t have worried, HHC is no one hit wonder
Since reading HHC’s first book, The Dalai Lama’s Cat, I’ve recommended it many times and a number of people h ...more

I read and thoroughly enjoyed David Michie's first novel, "The Dalai Lama's Cat," so I was delighted at the opportunity to read the next outing featuring HHC (His Holiness' Cat) and her perspective on life at McLeod Ganj.
This time, His Holiness is going away for an extended period of time and asks the cat to consider why she purrs. This begins HHC's examination of happiness. She learns several lessons through the course of the book just by observing what happens in her circle of human and canine ...more
This time, His Holiness is going away for an extended period of time and asks the cat to consider why she purrs. This begins HHC's examination of happiness. She learns several lessons through the course of the book just by observing what happens in her circle of human and canine ...more

This is the 2nd book in what is to be a trilogy, about the observations of the Dalai Lama's cat as she listens to the different characters in the book, from the Dalai Lama to his staff to her friends at her favorite cafe and Yoga studio, the Dalai Lama sets for his lovable feline companion the task of investigating The Art of Purring, or in other words (Happiness). These books are a simple read, packed with a lot of great wisdom, which makes them very enjoyable to read. We can connect to the cha
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A wonderful sequel to a marvelous book, this does not disappoint. If anything, this reader was left wishing for more. Not a fan of books from the animal's perspective, author David Michie pulls it off with aplomb. Highly recommended. This book and its prequel will easily transport you to another country, way of life and a basic understanding of Buddhism.
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*NOTE: This is a review of the entire trilogy.*
I love reading books about cats. If I could read nothing but books about cats, I probably would, and be happy while doing it. I love learning everything I can about them. I also love learning about religions that I haven't studied yet. When I heard about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy, it sounded like the perfect book trilogy for me. I'm so glad that I picked it up. I loved the trilogy so much that I ended up reading all three books in a twenty-four h ...more
I love reading books about cats. If I could read nothing but books about cats, I probably would, and be happy while doing it. I love learning everything I can about them. I also love learning about religions that I haven't studied yet. When I heard about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy, it sounded like the perfect book trilogy for me. I'm so glad that I picked it up. I loved the trilogy so much that I ended up reading all three books in a twenty-four h ...more

It is difficult to write a review of what happens in this delightful book without adding spoilers and that is something I am not going to do! Suffice it to say that I had to get a copy as soon as it became available in the UK! I was a little concerned how a sequel would stand up because very often the original inspiration is so much better. In this case I was not disappointed. In a way, I found this a more thoughtful book than the first but I dearly love them both. The Snow Lion is very close to
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This book is somewhat deeper than the first and we don't see much of the Dalai Lama. As a matter of fact, this book proves to me that I would never be able to become a Buddist, I just don't have the patience for it! Some of the passages are wordy and to me, seem to have nothing to do with the book. Then again this book is a mish-mash of peoples lives and deaths (yes one of our beloved characters died in this book). Also, the Dalai Lama is on a trip for most of the book.
This book does reinforce t ...more
This book does reinforce t ...more

Wisdom delivered in a surprisingly cute, cozy and heartwarming way.
The book explores the art of happiness (hence the art of 'purring' from a cat's perspective) and surrounding notions related to one's wellbeing: mindfulness, equanimity, self vs others, being present, meditation.. ...more
The book explores the art of happiness (hence the art of 'purring' from a cat's perspective) and surrounding notions related to one's wellbeing: mindfulness, equanimity, self vs others, being present, meditation.. ...more

Ludo was right: happiness was not to be found in the past. Not in trying to relive memories, however beguiling. It could only be experienced in this moment, here and now.
It was as if an elastic band that had been stretched to the limit suddenly let go.
Buddhists believe that acts of generosity benefit those who have died, when dedicated by people who have a close karmic connection to the deceased.
“When you take the happiness formula overall, you can see that while there are certain things that ca ...more
It was as if an elastic band that had been stretched to the limit suddenly let go.
Buddhists believe that acts of generosity benefit those who have died, when dedicated by people who have a close karmic connection to the deceased.
“When you take the happiness formula overall, you can see that while there are certain things that ca ...more

I started the series with this the 2nd book, but it makes no difference to understanding or enjoyment.
This is a delightfully written book, with a simple writing style that belies the fundamental wisdom of its message. I've been reading this while moving home and it's message about not letting little issues upset you particularly helped me at this time. This is probably an enduring lesson for me as well in day to day life and I love the way the lessons were presented and then recapped towards the ...more
This is a delightfully written book, with a simple writing style that belies the fundamental wisdom of its message. I've been reading this while moving home and it's message about not letting little issues upset you particularly helped me at this time. This is probably an enduring lesson for me as well in day to day life and I love the way the lessons were presented and then recapped towards the ...more

So happy to be able to spend some more time with Rinpoche aka Snow Lion aka HHC plus several other names. I hope there will be even more books in this series! I enjoyed catching up with many of the characters from the first book, The Dalai Lama's Cat, and meeting some new ones. Reading these books is almost a guilty pleasure--I enjoy them so much it doesn't really feel "spiritual," even though the content is there for the taking.
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I loved this book even more than it predecessor. The story is as fluid and the characters as charming as in the previous book, but there is a certain depth of teaching, under the guise of the easiness with which the Author get's the Cat to tell the story. I loved it and certainly recommend it as a good read!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 26 October 2015. ...more
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 26 October 2015. ...more

Obviously, I absolutely love this book. I love how the otherwise complicated-to-follow Buddhist tenets are explained in such simple words in this book. I love the anecdotal method of the flow in this book. And I totally totally love the parts where HHC is talking about HHH The Dalai Lama, such love, admiration and warmth it makes me feel.

I loved it! I cannot wait to read this and the first book again. They make you think and make you smile, I love HHC's story and I love the lessons we learn along with her on her journeys each day
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Jan 29, 2015
Michael O'hara
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
meditation
Cat Buddhism
A cat whose adventures explain Buddhist principles and an enjoyable and easy read. It follows on from the first book with an easy grace.
A cat whose adventures explain Buddhist principles and an enjoyable and easy read. It follows on from the first book with an easy grace.

How deeply I have learned to love has come so much from the furry friend's I have had in my life, the Dalai Lama's Cat included. Full review: http://aussiebookworm.weebly.com/mich...
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"There is a big difference between accepting an idea and changing behaviour"
" The formula is H equals S plus C plus V. Happiness equals what is called biological set points or S, plus the conditions of your life-C, plus V- your voluntary activities. According to this theory, each individual has a set point or average level of happiness. When you take the happiness formula overall, you can see that while there are certains things that can't be changed, there are others thay can. The key focus sho ...more
" The formula is H equals S plus C plus V. Happiness equals what is called biological set points or S, plus the conditions of your life-C, plus V- your voluntary activities. According to this theory, each individual has a set point or average level of happiness. When you take the happiness formula overall, you can see that while there are certains things that can't be changed, there are others thay can. The key focus sho ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Meditative
Often self help books are monotonous. But this book has got the sharpness, edge and wit along with meditative energy. The moment the scene starts to get complex and difficult to comprehend, the speaker who here is the Dalai Lama's cat does the heavy lifting and leaves one with a smile. I am glad that I came across this book. A small yet significant glance into the art of living of Buddhist monks. ...more
Often self help books are monotonous. But this book has got the sharpness, edge and wit along with meditative energy. The moment the scene starts to get complex and difficult to comprehend, the speaker who here is the Dalai Lama's cat does the heavy lifting and leaves one with a smile. I am glad that I came across this book. A small yet significant glance into the art of living of Buddhist monks. ...more

Excellent... Not only is this beautiful on several levels - the story of HHC's life as well as so many deep and warm life meanings and depths - but also it improves your mood and provides clarity on your own problems, almost by osmosis, as you go along. A real feel-good factor as well as a delight to read...
...more
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A very interesting way of teaching simple Buddhist truths - through the eyes of the Dalai Lama's cat. Did not realise it was part of a series, so will definitely continue with the other books. HHS witnesses many events that teach her a lot towards the question she was asked - why do cats purr.
...more
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MISSING KITTENS | 4 | 9 | Dec 11, 2013 05:36AM |
David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in 28 languages.
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Michie/e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmichiea...
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dnmi ...more
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Michie/e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmichiea...
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dnmi ...more
Other books in the series
The Dalai Lama's Cat
(4 books)
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