If you love cats or just a little Zen try this!
"THE TAO OF MEOW … Purrrfect Peace"
“I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food which they take for granted – but his or her entertainment value.”
~ Geoffrey Household
I am the human companion of two Master Taoist cats. I have learned not to say “owner” or even “caregiver” because they are smarter and far more spiritual than I. Ponder this …
Cats are telepathic with extraordinary abilities. They can read your mind before you even speak which is probably why they zone you out most of the time. Cats know the value of simplicity. If you want their attention all you have to do is call out the idiotic name you’ve probably given them and then they’ll decide whether or not what you’re blithering about has any value that can enhance their “being.” Cats know how to be at peace. They will sit on sunny windowsill or bask outside all day on a rock and meditate in perfect harmony with the Creator. Cats know how to pay attention and have radar that never misses anything while you bluster about reacting instead of observing. “Foolish human,” thinks the cat, “Does he not know the value of non-action can bring him closer to the Creator?” Cats don’t concern themselves with the trappings of ego either. When they bring you a “present” which generally consists of some sort of prey, they don’t expect you to thank them or praise them. They simply twitch their tails and walk away because they understand the true meaning of generosity and giving.
Clip from Dharma The Cat
The twelve levels or "virtues" of Taoist Cats…
SPONTENAITY
Mantra: "Life is a battleground – don't skulk, meet challenge head-on with right action."
WU-WEI (Action through non-action — Ya Think?!)
Mantra: "Pause in your deliberations and enjoy creature comforts."
SPEECH & GUIDANCE
Mantra: "To be heard, let your speech reflect good humor and less seriousness."
HUMILITY
Mantra: "The world can be cruel and impersonal, treat others with compassion."
VITALITY
Mantra: "Be the superstar that you are."
MODERATION
Mantra: "Do all things in moderation. Keep your body and your space clean."
REFINEMENT
Mantra: "Be compliant, tactful and resolute."
RELATIVISM
Mantra: "PAY ATTENTION!"
HARMONY
Mantra: "Be free, be happy, get outdoors and play."
DETACHMENT
Mantra: "Climb to the heights but don't be attached to outcomes."
NATURALNESS
Mantra: "Be an original."
PEACEFULNESS
Mantra: "Be prayerful, respectful and grateful.”
Ha ha!
Very clever LOGOS … although I will have to say that we can in truth learn much from animals!
Namaste
Cats are a sociological
Cats are a sociological compass, or the force that has people reveal their polarity when it comes to encountering consequences of actions beyond their own. Especially street- or straycats bring out the personality of everyone around them. They do what ever may be possible under their circumstances and want to know who to trust and who not to, what to expect and what to hope for. It seems that cats, who have hope, favor it countless times above any rightful fear that might be speaking against it. I find their relentlessness here and there utterly inspiring.
The stray that I once helped giving birth is not permitted to be in the garden of my apartment, because she digs in the flowerbets and- well- leaves gifts one could do without. My landlady chases her away, even throwing things after her. She asked me to do the same, but I flat out told her that there's no chance ever that I'd do that. But I agreed not to leave any food on the porch. But the cat never came because of food in the first place. I gave it love, empathy, friendship. The landlady even tried to fence up the garden, but the cat found its way around it (c'mon, really? Keep a cat out with a fence? LoL). I still don't give anything but love and despite occasional stones and the attack-Yorkshire- whome I love, too, by the way- she comes back practically everyday to get some cuttling and care. That's undying and unconditional hope. 8}
…I can't wait to have my own home, really. And maybe a good set of recipes to make cat-food myself, hahaha. :oP