The Dalai Lama's Cat Awaken the Kitten Within

The Dalai Lama's Cat #5

by David Michie

As kittens we feel it often. All it takes is a wind-blown feather, an unexpected delicacy, or the alluring rush of water and instantly we are caught up in it: Wonderment. Enchantment. Being fully absorbed in the here and now.

By the time we reach senior status, way beyond the point of being impressed by such trivia, we have become knowing and indifferent.




But we have lost something, have we not?




Which begs answers to some intriguing questions. Is it possible to recover the unaffected zest for life which once came to us so naturally? To become un-blas�? Can you and I, dear reader, awaken the kitten within?




The Dalai Lama's Cat is confronted by a most unpleasant truth: she is getting old.




A routine visit to the vet confirms this. But is a future of decrepitude and senior cat biscuits inevitably a cause for despair? As it happens, she soon finds that a startling reminder of life's transience is exactly what's needed to renew our gratitude for life. To lighten up, accept ourselves, and value what truly matters.




With irrepressible mischief, the Dalai Lama's Cat explores the intriguing insight that reality is a projection of our mind. In so doing, she comes to discover that awakening the kitten within is not just possible - it is our purpose! For when we do so with a particular wisdom, we catch a glimpse of our own sublime nature. With a benevolent energy that reaches from the pages, this is the Dalai Lama's Cat at her most tender, irreverent, joyful best.

Genres: Fiction, Buddhism, Animals, Spirituality, Cats, Self Help, Audiobook

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.

In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.

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Reviews

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. A perfect antidote to these crazy times. Buddhist themed. It's gentle and entertaining from a first person (cat) perspective of a small community of people who are involved with the Dalai Lama and his cat. Charming but not over the top. I read the first three books and listened to the next two. The author is an excellent narrator, I highly recommend listening.

[Shiny5711 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These always seem to come out when I need a specific lesson. Thanks, HHC!

[Tereza Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I could be able to rate this wonderful book at least 6 stars.

It is no secret I am a huge fan of David Michie’s work. Whenever there is a new book of his coming up, I always make sure to purchase it immediately even if it has to travel across the world to get to me. I simply love the Dalai Lama’s cat series. Every book brings me so much joy and so much wisdom and somehow, quiet magically, every book gets to my exactly when I need it the most.

Awaken the Kitten Within is no exception. Lovely story full of so much truth and life lessons that we all should learn about and live by. The more you read the story, the more story you want. Pure, fun and so soul lifting.

Loved every part of the book and trully cannot wait for another one.

Thank you David, you trully are a life changing author.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always this new story in the series about the Dalai Lama’s Cat has not failed to bring me joy. From the very start one becomes completely drawn into the world of HHC.
The author has a true gift for creating the exact aura within a room and around the various personalities as they appear and merge into the storyline.
All of the familiar characters are here and as new challenges, and new relationships develop, we come face to face with the life enhancing dharma teachings which I have always looked forward to in David’s writings.
Our little Snow Lion has once more found her way into my heart. ✨🙏🏼✨

[Jo Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading all about HHC. She is fierce and kind.

David Michie is a master storyteller and I devour everything he writes.

If you haven't come across this set of books yet, I highly recommend starting at the beginning so you too can come to love the most beautiful cat that ever lived.

[Saba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful and captivating book by David Michie. I’d forgotten how much I’ve missed HHC the Snow Lion. So many delicious and prosperous words, a book full of mindfulness, offerings and wisdom to sip and savour every word - I loved it!

A couple of my favourite quotes from the book were: “our minds don’t perceive reality. They create it” and “only when you fully understand the rare opportunity presented by each new day that you wish to make the most of it.”

So much nourishment, so much rich abundance and so much joy reading ‘The Dalai Lama’s Cat Awaken the Kitten Within’. Highly recommend and a gift to read.

[Gina Lupu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a pleasant reading, taking the reader, with unexpected grace, from sheer playfulness in describing engagingly everyday life in Dharmasala all the way to tackling deep and surprising subjects - such as reframing our connection with nature and, of course, preparing for death. Hope there will be a next book!

[Maria Lucia Seidl de Moura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a group of first readers, which gave me great joy. I am a fan of D. Michie’s books, especially the ones of The Dalai Lama’ Cat. Since reading the first one, I long to visit Daransala. Although I know I am not going to meet this special cat there, I wish I could. I feel I know all the characters of those lovely books. They are full of wisdom and buddhist teachings, written in a very pleasant way.

This last one, “Awaken the kitten within”, did not disappoint me. I was studying a book by Thich Nhat Hann, Understanding the mind, while I read Awaken the kitten within. What a synchronicity! Several difficult concepts are presented in a very accessible way, for example in the dialog between the Dalai Lama and Christopher.

“Arrival and departure, life and death, self and other – all is mere concept,” he said with that ineffable luminosity of his, which not only captured all that I had learned, but which also showed how best to live in accordance with it. A state which included me and every other being in a field of radiant light, profoundly peaceful, with no beginning or end. “The more we let go of concept, […] the more we abide in our own true nature.”

The book was a source of joy and learning to me. Do not be mistaken thinking this is just a light book about a lovely cat. It is a serious book about some deep subjects, such as death and dying. I am already missing all the characters and waiting for the next book.

[Sue Baensch · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Awaken the Kitten Within’ is the fifth instalment in the memoirs of His Holiness’ Cat (or HHC for short) and it doesn’t disappoint! Like many of us, HHC is approaching a time in her life when she has to face the fact that she’s not as young as she used to be (a trip to the vet for her annual checkup puts it rather more bluntly!) and she faces the choice of either doing nothing or finding a way to awaken her inner kitten. The familiar cast of characters are back to help her on her journey of discovery, but it is perhaps two new characters, an elderly artist and a young, innovative yoga instructor, who provide HHC with her most eye opening revelations about rediscovering a zest for life and ignoring the ‘shitty committee’ of negative inner voices we all possess. Add to that, the overarching presence and wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, and you have a book that you will keep returning to time and time again in your own journey to ‘awaken the kitten within’.

[MS SUSAN HEMP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly awaited this 5th book of David Michie and the adventures of HHC the Dalai Lamas cat and it does not disappoint. The wait was worthwhile. Bringing in many previous favourite characters and introducing some new faces you feel as if you are visiting with old friends. As always, DM manages to carefully craft many buddhist philosophies into an engaging story that is in no way a ‘preachy’ mantra. Instead you find yourself reading and then pondering these wisdoms. I have so many highlighted notes on the pages my Kindle that I have now ordered a paper copy for easier reference. After a difficult two Covid years this book will not only bring a smile to your face but may also give you a new perspective on dealing with what life throws at you.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Michie is a wonderful author and his latest book The Dalai Lama's Cat Awaken the Kitten Within is purely 5-stars! I love the story of HHC starting with book one and have read and reread each story. This book is another A+. Not only do you get a great story but you get great messages, meet wonderful characters, learn teachings and feel like you are there. I recommend this whole book series - you won't want to put it down.

[Yvonne A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. The messages behind the delightful story evoked positive feelings about sensitive subjects. The book was cleverly written, giving the reader the opportunity to take on board what will work for them. I am so glad I read this book. I rarely reread fiction but I can see me reading this again.

[Eva Králová · Rating 4 out of 5]

Páté vyprávění Dalajlamovy kočky, díky kterému poznáváme základní principy buddhismu velmi čtivým způsobem.
Příběhy, které kočka zažívá, jsou doplněny o Dalajlamovy myšlenky, rozhovory s jeho hosty nebo lidmi žijícími v okolí. Každý z příběhů nese nějaké poselství k zamyšlení.
David Michie se ve své knize opět postaral o příjemnou atmosféru a odpočinkové čtení.
Vyprávění z pohledu Dalajlamovy kočky se mi líbilo, předchozí díl byl ale o kočičí chloupek lepší... :-)

[Kimberly Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many tools that humans used to help each other. Storytelling is a powerful tool, for learning intellectually and for changing behavior. David once again uses his amazing gift to bring the reader back to the present in a calm and pleasant state and also remind us the practices which allow us to become better humans for our own development as well as connecting to others. The Dalai Lama’s cat series resonates in a way similar to the Alchemist. Despite the seeming simplicity of the story, one reading is simply not enough to make the most of the wisdom inside.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Thoughtful and thought-provoking, with the most entertaining flashes of humor. A maturing Snow Lion explores several challenging Tibetan Buddhist ideas, using familiar likeable characters and intriguing, helpful newcomers. Such an inspiring book! Michie just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommend!

[K Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracker from David Michie. The narrative of H.H.'s cat captivates at once and I had to read the whole book with barely a pause. I have loved every one of these books and - if you have yet to read them - I envy you the joy of discovery!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books. Always feel so much better about everything after each book.

[Lisa DeGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are those reads that arrive in your hands at just the right time with just the message you needed to be reminded of. This book is a treasure and its lessons well worth reflecting on.

[Mark Bourdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dalai Lama's Cat series are always a fun read with wonderful lessons imbedded in the storyline. Awakening the Kitten did not let me down on both fronts. This time the “lessons” are centered around “the value of life depends far less on its length than by what you do with it.”

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One has to believe in mindfulness and kindness to follow the story. It also helps to have a love for animals. The story is told through the Dalai Lama’s cat. If one does not accept Buddha concepts, this might not be the book for them. I enjoyed it as it reminded me that we are all on a journey and it is our decision what direction to go.

[Nancy Dardarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book of Buddhist teachings.

[Cat Sheely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow the wanderings of His Holiness' Cat (HHC for short) as she wanders in and around McLeod Ganj and Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala in India, learning more about herself and the friends she has made. In this, the fifth in the series, HHC learns about loss and death and how, instead of it being a negative experience, it is a positive and enlightening one.

HHC's life story is accessible and David Michie uses her view of the world, her experiences, to bring Tibetan Buddhist teachings to life, providing examples from real life. In this case, in a most poignant way.

This book can be read as a simple and delightful story of a most enlightened cat, or one can look more deeply. Either way it is a wonderful and oft times powerful read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale continues in the wiggle of a kitten-tail!. Good characterisation, vivid scenes throughout a poignant story. Dog-lovers also welcome!
All who are following from the first instalment, cannot now imagine His Holiness The Dalai Lama without his feline friend. David Michie writes compellingly, with soft-advice and great compassion that arises from experiential understanding and daily practice.
New readers: May I suggest a good start with 'The Magician Of Lhasa', then simply flow through the delights, adventures and realisations of the Dalai Lama's Cat - now over 5 volumes. Recommended 🕊

[Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely instalment from the Dalai Lama's Cat. She is as entertaining and educating as usual, as she discovers more about Buddhism. I love the development of the characters who are in her life as well. David Michie has a way of writing that makes you want to devour these books meaning they never last long enough! However, rereading them always brings new insight. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend the whole series.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best

Having read all the Dalai Lama's Cat books, I was wondering what more David would have to say. Silly me! This book is full of wisdom, love, insights and deeper teachings about Tibetan Buddhism. I am incredibly grateful to David Michie for writing these books. His writings have profoundly changed my life.

[Jonathan Hazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful take on buddism.

Profoundly moved me. Great Buddist philosophy's that fit with whatever beliefs you have and ensure a peaceful nights sleep. Brilliantly translated b6 the kitten within

[Marnie Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Snow Lion, Rinpoche, Most Beatiful Creature That Ever Lived, Swami, Therapy Cat, HHC. This girl never fails to send joy out into the world with her gentle lessons in Buddhism. Thank you David Michie.

[Jim Leffelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this Autor's writings, but this one did not resonate with me as much as the previous books in this series. If you are a fan of the series it's still worth a read - but it was my least fav of the series to date.

[Debra Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational

I enjoy this book series as it teaches the principles of Buddhism in a very relatable way. Gives you things to think about and put into practice.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

5th novel in which His Holiness's Himalayan cat explores Namgyal monastery & its environs, learning about Buddhism from the residents & visitors.
So charming!