The Saga of His Holiness’s Cat 

Dalai Lama’s Cat was definitely a very intriguing name for a book. When I started reading the first of the Dalai Lama’s Cat Trilogy, I wasn’t expecting much but it did turn out to be amazing. Each book in the series is a relatable read for everyone. Rinpoche/Mousie Tang/HHC with whatever name you can call her, the narrator of this series of these books is an adorable Himalayan cat. This beauty is self-defined and her attributes are no less royal. But during the series of books, you learn about her life, her love for the Dalai Lama himself, and her perspective on Buddhism. The series of books gives you a perspective of how complex Buddhist analogies can be applied to cat problems as well, this lets you question why it should not work for you. Through the series, you also discover answers to questions like What does it mean to be happy? How to be happy? Why is it necessary to meditate? In a very non-preachy manner. Sometimes the questions that the characters in the book ask are exactly what is going on in your head. It never leaves you high and dry, the book fulfills your thirst for knowledge and your hunger for spirituality.

Other than the brilliant HHC and her narration is the beautiful Dharamshala, its magnificence, the palace, and the whole area surrounding the palace. Each and every character becomes a part of your life while you are reading the book. The description of each and every event, place, and food is so vivid you are transported to this magical world. Each and every conversation with the Dalai Lama feels like a conversation you might be having with them. Mrs. Trinci’s food and its depiction are so beautiful that even the cat food given to HHC when described brings water to your mouth. Such is the power of narration that you start seeing the world from the perspective of a cat.

The brilliance of the series of books is the narration, storytelling, and its beautifully described characters. The Dalai Lama’s presence on each and every page is calming, his description itself makes you feel at peace. I don’t know if David Michie’s world is fictional or real, but it feels real every second. What adds to the brilliance of the series is the humor. HHC is funny, like really funny. Her description and acceptance of what cats are and what they do will keep you laughing on floors in the first book. By the second and the third book you have grown up with her and you see the world from a more mature perspective. The books do not overshadow death and life in the humor and everything breezy. It makes a point, strikes you, and leaves you insightful after every page. 

I feel this should be your go-to book to understand Buddhism from a layman’s perspective. How it is not being a religion and what it truly means. Why is meditation important in Buddhism? Understanding layers of meditation? Why do we do what we do? How do we accept life, and our issues in the way they are? Dalai Lama’s Cat will help you find answers to all of these.

Dalai Lama’s Car, The art of purring and The power of Meow is a refreshing and insightful read. If you are like me who just can’t bear inspirational books without a story, this book is exactly for you. You will love, laugh, cry and be happy while reading this book. And you’ll thank David Michie for making you a part of his world. A world where the Dalai Lama is overlooking you to ensure you are happy and healthy.