Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t
anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. – His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Zen Cats: Meditations for the Wise Minds of Cat Lovers opens with the lovely quote above, and it purrfectly sets the tone for this gem of a book. This little volume features gorgeous cat photos alongside excerpts from the Dhammapada, a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures.
Each of the book’s five sections, Mind and Body, Happiness, Virtue, Truth, and Eternity, offer the reader a chance to reflect and meditate.
The combination of the stunning photos and the beautiful verses had an immediate calming effect on me. I had read many of these verses before, but the addition of the cat photos made them even more meaningful to me.
This is a book to be savored as you absorb the beauty of each cat, and reflect on the meaning of each verse. I love to use it as a tool to calm my mind during a busy day: I simply open the book to a random page, and let my mind slow down and absorb.
My only complaint about this lovely little book is the binding. It’s a beautiful paperback with high-quality paper, but as much as I know I’m going to use this book, I’d love it if it were available in a hard copy format.
Treat yourself to this jewel of a book filled with purrs of wisdom, courtesy of the Buddha.
Also from Mango Media:
Shakespeare’s Cats: The Complete Sonnets for the Literary Cat Lover
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Conscious Cat Sunday will return in two weeks.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
