I love all David's books and perspectives, and it's truly delightful when they come from a cat's perspective. I like to re-read them as well as they speak to my heart and yet are an easy read. Thanks David.
David, I thoroughly enjoy all your video updates. I’m going onto Amazon today to make sure I’ve given those books 5 stars.. I know you’re a very busy individual doing so much good for the world and writing such fantastic books, but I wonder if you’ve given any thought again to the idea of doing a basic online course about Buddhism. I’m sure there are many out there, but for your fans many of whom like myself who discovered Buddhism through your books, it would be such a treat and worth paying for to take a overview online course or series of videos about Buddhism. Thankyou
Such good news about your melanoma! My father had one in exactly the same place and the surgeon took a chunk about the size of an American quarter--afterwards he was just fine. May the same be true for you...I will send healing thoughts for you on Friday for a successful operation and quick recovery.
You're a true treasure in our world, David, and your writings have been an important source of support and upliftment in my life. It was a pleasure to give 5 stars and write reviews, hoping to encourage others to also add them to their bookshelves. And may Friday and the days ahead go as gently as possible. 🙏🏼 My love and prayers are with you and Koala.💖
Dear David - I'm quite allergic to pretty much all things Christian these days but happy for you to have a new creative venture. Long live Mary Magdalene's Cat! And thank you for ROKPA, Twala, and the elephants. I understand they're not all "you." But you have created an "us." I love reading the updates and am deeply grateful to be able to support them. I feel that I have family in Zimbabwe now. ♥️🙏🏻
I think the word 'allergic' sums up the way many people feel, Mary, including me, to some extent. I am hoping that MMC offers an anti-histamine equivalent!
Wow David! May you be perfectly well and happy! The world needs you and your wonderful cats. My heart bubbles up with love whenever I read what you write. Be well, be happy and write on!!!
Thankyou for the fundraising update David and so glad you are well and happy and exploring the new sandpit! 😄 I'm thoroughly enjoying the resulting immersive world of Mary Magdalene's cat, Barukh, which provokes a lot of cojitation and hence a lack of words to adequately comment or do justice! I am also interested in further reading suggestions relating to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.
David I’m excited to go back and keep reading about Mary and her cat. 🐱 my teaching year is almost over and it’s hard to have sit down and read time during the year. It would be even better to have audio snippets for me to keep up on the readings. Also, have you read “lamb?” It’s a silly commentary on some alternative perspectives around the life of Jesus. Hope all is well!
Thank you David for the update. Prayers are with you tomorrow as you have your second surgery. Thanks also for the back story on the Mary Magdeline's Cat. It is helpful to understand your interest and desire to explore further in this place. Thanks also for the reference to Elaine's book. I will pick it up with interest. I think I have rated all the books but will double check. Until next time.
Have always loved David's book.They are definitely a repeat read for me.
Thank you David for sharing your bountiful knowledge.My steps are lighter after hearing from you.I am going to South Africa in August and so looking forward to it.Love to you and Koala.xx
Excellent commentary David. Thank you. Reviews completed and well deserved. Some more information on The Gospel of Mary Magdalene would be greatly appreciated. Coincidentally today whilst answering a FB post, I came across another gnostic gospel passage- this one from the gospel of Thomas- also highlighting similarity on core Christian and Buddhist teaching: (The below is from the Living Zen site, and was posted by Oliver J. Belisle
Passerby
“Jesus said, ‘Be passerby.’” - Gospel of Thomas, Logion 42
The saying “Be passerby” mirrors Chapter 27 of the Tao Te Ching with remarkable precision. Both point toward a way of moving through the world lightly without clinging, imposing, grasping, or becoming overly identified with temporary forms. When Lao Tzu says, “A knower of the truth travels without leaving a trace,” he is not describing literal invisibility, but freedom from egoic attachment. The sage participates fully in life yet does not burden the world with excessive self-assertion, possessiveness, or the need to leave behind monuments to the self.
To be a “passerby” is therefore not to reject the world, but to stop trying to possess it. The passerby understands the fleeting nature of all things: identities, achievements, status, pleasures, even suffering itself. Like footprints erased by the tide, experiences arise and dissolve. The wise person moves through them gracefully rather than desperately trying to freeze them in place. This is why both Jesus’ saying and Lao Tzu’s teaching carry such a sense of spaciousness and peace. One no longer clings so tightly to roles, opinions, possessions, or even fixed ideas of who one is.
There is also a subtle humility in both teachings. The ego longs to “leave a trace”—to be remembered, validated, immortalized. But the sage or passerby trusts the flow itself. They give and move onward without needing ownership over the result. In this sense, the passerby becomes strangely free: fully present in each moment, yet inwardly unattached to the passing forms of the world.
David, what a wonderful message you just sent all of us! Thank you so much for making us all feel so inter-connected and valuable to you and to each other! May your surgery be totally successful Friday! Blessings to you and Koala, we all hold you both so dear!
Thank you for your video update, it is always heartwarming to know how our donations are helping other people and animals. I hope all goes well for your surgery on Friday.
I was brought up as 'Church of England' but apart from school assemblies did not attend church services and 'Religious Education' classes at school meant very little to me. I was first introduced to Buddhism by a yoga and meditation teacher back in the late 1970s and this seemed logical to me. However, Rabboni in Mary Magdalena's Cat is how I imagine him to be and I look forward to reading more about him.
I think you speak for many of us, thanks Wendy. I am so glad that MMC may help give people a new lens through which to see Rabboni and his teachings, free from the weight of centuries of politics.
I love all David's books and perspectives, and it's truly delightful when they come from a cat's perspective. I like to re-read them as well as they speak to my heart and yet are an easy read. Thanks David.
( )~ prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
David, I thoroughly enjoy all your video updates. I’m going onto Amazon today to make sure I’ve given those books 5 stars.. I know you’re a very busy individual doing so much good for the world and writing such fantastic books, but I wonder if you’ve given any thought again to the idea of doing a basic online course about Buddhism. I’m sure there are many out there, but for your fans many of whom like myself who discovered Buddhism through your books, it would be such a treat and worth paying for to take a overview online course or series of videos about Buddhism. Thankyou
Thanks for that reminder about the online course, Lesley. MMC has occupied my creative imagination for the past months, but I still want to do this.
Dear David,
Such good news about your melanoma! My father had one in exactly the same place and the surgeon took a chunk about the size of an American quarter--afterwards he was just fine. May the same be true for you...I will send healing thoughts for you on Friday for a successful operation and quick recovery.
🙏💜 Misha
Sounds like what's happening to me later today, Misha. Many thanks indeed!
I hope all goes well Friday David. And yes, would love some reference reading material.
Thanks Nicci! I will provide some ideas for a reading list too.
You're a true treasure in our world, David, and your writings have been an important source of support and upliftment in my life. It was a pleasure to give 5 stars and write reviews, hoping to encourage others to also add them to their bookshelves. And may Friday and the days ahead go as gently as possible. 🙏🏼 My love and prayers are with you and Koala.💖
My heartfelt thanks, Sharadha!
Dear David - I'm quite allergic to pretty much all things Christian these days but happy for you to have a new creative venture. Long live Mary Magdalene's Cat! And thank you for ROKPA, Twala, and the elephants. I understand they're not all "you." But you have created an "us." I love reading the updates and am deeply grateful to be able to support them. I feel that I have family in Zimbabwe now. ♥️🙏🏻
I think the word 'allergic' sums up the way many people feel, Mary, including me, to some extent. I am hoping that MMC offers an anti-histamine equivalent!
Wow David! May you be perfectly well and happy! The world needs you and your wonderful cats. My heart bubbles up with love whenever I read what you write. Be well, be happy and write on!!!
So kind, thank you Geok!
Thankyou for the fundraising update David and so glad you are well and happy and exploring the new sandpit! 😄 I'm thoroughly enjoying the resulting immersive world of Mary Magdalene's cat, Barukh, which provokes a lot of cojitation and hence a lack of words to adequately comment or do justice! I am also interested in further reading suggestions relating to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.
Best wishes for Friday appointment.
Joan.
Many thanks indeed Joan - yes the new sandpit is fun!
David I’m excited to go back and keep reading about Mary and her cat. 🐱 my teaching year is almost over and it’s hard to have sit down and read time during the year. It would be even better to have audio snippets for me to keep up on the readings. Also, have you read “lamb?” It’s a silly commentary on some alternative perspectives around the life of Jesus. Hope all is well!
Lovely to hear from you, Richelle. I haven't come across Lamb, but thanks for the mention.
Thank you for the update! I love your books and newsletter! I will rate the books and would love reading recommendations on Mary Magdalene.
I really appreciate that, thank you Erica. Lovely to hear from you!
Thank you David for the update. Prayers are with you tomorrow as you have your second surgery. Thanks also for the back story on the Mary Magdeline's Cat. It is helpful to understand your interest and desire to explore further in this place. Thanks also for the reference to Elaine's book. I will pick it up with interest. I think I have rated all the books but will double check. Until next time.
It's a great book and rightly won the Pullizer prize - thank you Pamela.
All the very best for the upcoming surgery.You sound like your in good hands. Xx
I am thanks Susan!
Have always loved David's book.They are definitely a repeat read for me.
Thank you David for sharing your bountiful knowledge.My steps are lighter after hearing from you.I am going to South Africa in August and so looking forward to it.Love to you and Koala.xx
Hope you have a chance to go on a safari while there, Susan.
Definitely am .So looking forward to it.
Excellent commentary David. Thank you. Reviews completed and well deserved. Some more information on The Gospel of Mary Magdalene would be greatly appreciated. Coincidentally today whilst answering a FB post, I came across another gnostic gospel passage- this one from the gospel of Thomas- also highlighting similarity on core Christian and Buddhist teaching: (The below is from the Living Zen site, and was posted by Oliver J. Belisle
Passerby
“Jesus said, ‘Be passerby.’” - Gospel of Thomas, Logion 42
The saying “Be passerby” mirrors Chapter 27 of the Tao Te Ching with remarkable precision. Both point toward a way of moving through the world lightly without clinging, imposing, grasping, or becoming overly identified with temporary forms. When Lao Tzu says, “A knower of the truth travels without leaving a trace,” he is not describing literal invisibility, but freedom from egoic attachment. The sage participates fully in life yet does not burden the world with excessive self-assertion, possessiveness, or the need to leave behind monuments to the self.
To be a “passerby” is therefore not to reject the world, but to stop trying to possess it. The passerby understands the fleeting nature of all things: identities, achievements, status, pleasures, even suffering itself. Like footprints erased by the tide, experiences arise and dissolve. The wise person moves through them gracefully rather than desperately trying to freeze them in place. This is why both Jesus’ saying and Lao Tzu’s teaching carry such a sense of spaciousness and peace. One no longer clings so tightly to roles, opinions, possessions, or even fixed ideas of who one is.
There is also a subtle humility in both teachings. The ego longs to “leave a trace”—to be remembered, validated, immortalized. But the sage or passerby trusts the flow itself. They give and move onward without needing ownership over the result. In this sense, the passerby becomes strangely free: fully present in each moment, yet inwardly unattached to the passing forms of the world.
What a beautiful message, Sue, and worthy of a post in itself. There are so many such parallels. Thank you so much for sharing.
David, what a wonderful message you just sent all of us! Thank you so much for making us all feel so inter-connected and valuable to you and to each other! May your surgery be totally successful Friday! Blessings to you and Koala, we all hold you both so dear!
My heartfelt thanks Susan!
Thank you for your video update, it is always heartwarming to know how our donations are helping other people and animals. I hope all goes well for your surgery on Friday.
I was brought up as 'Church of England' but apart from school assemblies did not attend church services and 'Religious Education' classes at school meant very little to me. I was first introduced to Buddhism by a yoga and meditation teacher back in the late 1970s and this seemed logical to me. However, Rabboni in Mary Magdalena's Cat is how I imagine him to be and I look forward to reading more about him.
I think you speak for many of us, thanks Wendy. I am so glad that MMC may help give people a new lens through which to see Rabboni and his teachings, free from the weight of centuries of politics.