As my regular readers know, every year I do a survey to check in with you on the articles I offer, the balance between fiction and non-fiction, personal stories and Dharma insights, etc.
Hello. The part of your essay about where people find (or don't find) your books reminded me of where I first discovered The Dali Lhama's Cat... at a "souvenier" stand along a road in Bhutan! As I write this, it doesn't seem so remarkable that a book about Bhuddism would be for sale in Bhutan. I guess it feels remarkable to me because that trip was the beginning of my spiritual journey and that book the introduction to the dharma for me. And I didn't even know it at the time! I took the trip for an interesting travel adventure, and bought the book for my sister who was a cat lover. I have such a distinct memory of finding and buying that book from the small shack in an overlook site parking lot. So, while your books may not be found in modern major airport bookstores, they certainly seem to end up exactly where they most need to be discovered!!
What a charming story about coming across The Dalai Lama's Cat in remote Bhutan! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, Nancy. I am a big fan of Bhutan where there is such devotion for the Dharma. Couldn't think of a nicer place for HHC to be discovered!
Dearest David. I do so love these personal and usually self effacing, yet hilarious, anecdotes of your own history. They always touch chords and lend great familiarity to my own journey. The words are infinitely precious and wise. I’m a bit sick of bloody obstacles, to be honest. I’d rather like a little peace! However, I do now realize that I will continue to face obstacles, large and small,until the day I leave this earthly reality. Thanks to your teachings, I know that I will be here longer than intended!! You’ve been instrumental in saving my life, my passion and my courage. Keep writing! We all love you! Xxx
Wow, Roxy, what an extraordinary and moving response - my heartfelt thanks! And I love your honesty. I think we're all 'a bit sick of bloody obstacles'!
Dear David, Thank you for sharing your personal story as an illustration of obstacle as blessing. Not only is it a fun read, it is, in this case, more powerful than fiction would be because you are a real person like the rest of us. I think that you have achieved something far more amazing and wonderful than being a famous international best selling author, even though you really are that now with your books translated and read by so many. How many of those authors can honestly say that their books have touched the spirits of the international community of readers of their books and had such a positive and important impact on their lives in so many ways you'll probably never know? And certainly with respect to making the Dharma accessible, which you are so skilled at doing, what could be more transformational for people? It would be interesting to learn how we all came to your books, as the person who encountered your book in Bhutan did or in a psychiatric emergency ward. I think some "instant karma" might have been at work when I was introduced to the Dalai Lama Cat books by the daughter of a dear friend and spiritual mentor (who happened to be a student of Tibetan Buddhism). I had decided to phone her father, having not been in touch for some months. His daughter, whom I'd never met, answered. My friend, her father, was dying and she was sitting with him. At that point, he was still conscious and I was able to tell him how precious his friendship and mentorship had been, how very much he was loved and appreciated. After that, his daughter and I spoke on the phone and texted as she sat with him for several more days through the dying process. She mentioned to me that during the long hours she was finding comfort reading your Dalai Lama Cat books and she highly recommended them to me. And that is how I was introduced to your marvelous books!
David I so enjoy your books and reflections. I’m so happy you found your way to writing the Dali Lama Cat series. I have read and reread these books too many times to count. They have taken me through so many challenges in my life. My medical treatment,,the political turbulence in our country and now the passing of my husband, among other mountains I have climbed.
They are truly a gift as you are David. So, thank you, I am grateful you found your passion.
( and I still feel” Instant Karma” would make a great movie or tv series. We could certainly use a wake up call in the US.
Thank you so very much, Barb, for your beautiful message and support especially as you are going through this difficult time. There is TV interest in 'Instant Karma' - but in the world of TV drama, alas, few things are instant. We'll see!
Dearest David, I love all of your articles, etc. that you post on this site. I actually joined as a subscriber after reading many of your books; the entire Dalai Lama Cat series, Instant Karma, Buddhism for Busy People, Hurry up and Meditate, Buddhism for Pet Lovers, and The Queens Corgi. I downloaded them all on Kindle, but then I bought the entire Dalai Lama cat series as books so I could share them with my family. I love that series. I had read other books on Buddhism because I was also drawn to Buddhism by my love of animals and desire for all sentient beings to be equally loved and respected. However I found the other books difficult to get my mind around. Then I read the Dalai Lama Cat series and I understood everything more clearly. I have read this entire series about 7 times now because I read the series on my kindle every night to go to sleep.
I am retired and now volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release center. We take care of mammals, birds and some reptiles and amphibians found in the northeast US. I have always wanted to do this work and now I finally am. Interacting with these animals brings me joy and happiness every day. We have sad experiences also, but we know we are always trying our best and are giving comfort to them all. Releasing an animal back into the wild that you've raised from the "bottle" is a very happy day. Thank you so much for not giving up on your writing career and creating these books for us all.
Thank you for your work volunteering at a wildlife rescue.
I echo your love for all animals.
Like you, I have found in Buddhism and through David’s writing, more clarity around how to view helping…perhaps at times, feeling a little less stuck in sad, pain-filled circumstances.
Denise, Thank you for sharing how you have been helped and are now helping others. 🐾💕
Such a wonderful and uplifting message to receive - thank you so much Denise! And thanks for all that you do to help our fellow sem chens. As you say, all we can do is offer love and compassion to animals - we can't always save them, or give them comfort and happiness as desperately as we may wish to. It takes a special kind of person to do the work you do.
Hello, I don’t remember exactly how I came upon the first novel of yours I read, The Dalai Lama’s Cat but it changed my life profoundly! I now own and have read all the Dalai Lama Cat series, I am a cat lover but beyond that your novels have helped me so much in my life. With what’s happening in the world right now I’ve been rereading the series and it has really helped my perspective again! I absolutely love HHC! I’ve also read The Magician of Lasha, loved it! The Astral Traveler’s Handbook, The Queens Corgi, Buddhism for Pet Lovers❤️❤️❤️👏you are an incredible author and it’s obvious from your earliest work at age seven, thank you for sharing, that you are a natural! Through your novels I’ve learned about Buddhist practices and that has inspired me to be a better person! I’m anxiously awaiting the release of The Good Karma Refuge for Elephants! I’m so grateful to have discovered your books! I love the stories, insights and pictures you share in the emails! Thank you 🙏
I am so deeply moved by your message, Daisy, and your heartfelt response to the Dharma. And I'm glad to know of your anticipation for The Good Karma Refuge for Elephants. Thank you so very much!
I was also drawn to Buddhism by my love of animals and desire for all sentient beings to be equally loved and respected. Your writing has resonated with me and brought me joy from the first Dalai Lama’s Cat book through all the rest. I am grateful for this weekly Substack!
Dearest David, once again such a great observation about obstacles! Had it not been for having been dismissed from your then Publisher in London, all the rest may not have happened and I would not have had the great opportunity of finding your book "Buddhism for Pet Lovers" (in my time of need) , nor been able to subsequently read ALL of your books! Obstacles are opportunities for greater things. Just as the story about the farmer's escaped horse, there is a reason.........🙏 thank you.
Thank you so much, Marianne for your very kind observation. Interesting that it was 'Pet Lovers' that you discovered first. I really feel that pets can be our most powerful and intuitive companions on our inner journey, gently showing us the way, if only we will listen.
good morning. I have enjoyed your books and have read 11 of them. I have “led” a spiritual book circle for years and we just finished our conversations on Instant Karma. We thought if we inly could dictate who gets the instant karma! But, alas, it doesn’t work that way. So, we live out our values one stumbling step at a time. :)
Your message makes me chuckle, Pauli. I think we have all been there - determining who gets justice and who gets a pass! Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement - and for introducing me to your fellow readers.
I discovered you very recently- just a few months back. The Dalai Lama's cat was the book, a friend gave me and I just loved it!. I searched for you on the net and subscribed to you right away!. I bought the Magician of Lhasa recently and enjoyed reading it . I am planning to read all your books. I also practice Buddhism (Nichiren Buddhism) and being an Indian, Karma is a concept that we grow up with. I am hoping I will be able to attend one of your meditation retreats!
Thank you so much for your lovely message, Rani. Nichiren Shoshu was the first flavour of Buddhism I encountered. It opened my mind to all kinds of unexplored possibilities. I was drawn to Tibetan Buddhism when I moved to Perth from London, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the sacred mantra.
Thank you for sharing your first poem, wonderful handwriting for a seven-year old. I was given your first Dalai Lama's cat book by my partner as he knows I am a cat lover and great respecter of His Holiness - and have since read all of them. They are wonderful novels from a cat's perspective with Buddhist insight too.
Like Nancy Dolan I also read the line about where your books are not found and immediately recalled that someone very close to me, who knows I’ve read and recommended the Dalai Lama’s cat books, noticed the first in the series was available in a common room of the psychiatric inpatient emergency ward when they spent time there during their (successful) treatment. I think that says a lot.
Also, I loved your first poem, thanks for sharing! Kudos to your wise teacher, mandatory applause aside.
I am delighted to know that HHC was to be found prowling through the psychiatric emergency ward. As all cat-lovers know, our feline friends can have the most powerful, calming influence! Thank you so much for sharing, Carol!
What a beautifully written description of the transformation of your writing vocation.
From early beginnings (the witch watched by her skinny black cat), to what initially and continues to draw me in (seeing through HHC’s eyes), your 40yr journey deservedly now receives far more willing applause!
Your look back at the obstacles, the lessons from lamas to examine how our thoughts about them create the emotional narratives we carry, I could walk around with this as a mantra and not hear it too much.
Lol, guess a lot of this resonates but will wrap it up with a head nod and a big “Yes,” to not being attached to outcomes for one’s deeper happiness—your switching genre when writing “Buddhism For Busy People” without expectations of financial success. Heartfelt thanks for your post.
What Precious photos of the baby elephant! 🐘💟 and Love the photo of Wussik, a beautiful muse.
Hello. The part of your essay about where people find (or don't find) your books reminded me of where I first discovered The Dali Lhama's Cat... at a "souvenier" stand along a road in Bhutan! As I write this, it doesn't seem so remarkable that a book about Bhuddism would be for sale in Bhutan. I guess it feels remarkable to me because that trip was the beginning of my spiritual journey and that book the introduction to the dharma for me. And I didn't even know it at the time! I took the trip for an interesting travel adventure, and bought the book for my sister who was a cat lover. I have such a distinct memory of finding and buying that book from the small shack in an overlook site parking lot. So, while your books may not be found in modern major airport bookstores, they certainly seem to end up exactly where they most need to be discovered!!
What a charming story about coming across The Dalai Lama's Cat in remote Bhutan! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, Nancy. I am a big fan of Bhutan where there is such devotion for the Dharma. Couldn't think of a nicer place for HHC to be discovered!
Dearest David. I do so love these personal and usually self effacing, yet hilarious, anecdotes of your own history. They always touch chords and lend great familiarity to my own journey. The words are infinitely precious and wise. I’m a bit sick of bloody obstacles, to be honest. I’d rather like a little peace! However, I do now realize that I will continue to face obstacles, large and small,until the day I leave this earthly reality. Thanks to your teachings, I know that I will be here longer than intended!! You’ve been instrumental in saving my life, my passion and my courage. Keep writing! We all love you! Xxx
Wow, Roxy, what an extraordinary and moving response - my heartfelt thanks! And I love your honesty. I think we're all 'a bit sick of bloody obstacles'!
Dear David, Thank you for sharing your personal story as an illustration of obstacle as blessing. Not only is it a fun read, it is, in this case, more powerful than fiction would be because you are a real person like the rest of us. I think that you have achieved something far more amazing and wonderful than being a famous international best selling author, even though you really are that now with your books translated and read by so many. How many of those authors can honestly say that their books have touched the spirits of the international community of readers of their books and had such a positive and important impact on their lives in so many ways you'll probably never know? And certainly with respect to making the Dharma accessible, which you are so skilled at doing, what could be more transformational for people? It would be interesting to learn how we all came to your books, as the person who encountered your book in Bhutan did or in a psychiatric emergency ward. I think some "instant karma" might have been at work when I was introduced to the Dalai Lama Cat books by the daughter of a dear friend and spiritual mentor (who happened to be a student of Tibetan Buddhism). I had decided to phone her father, having not been in touch for some months. His daughter, whom I'd never met, answered. My friend, her father, was dying and she was sitting with him. At that point, he was still conscious and I was able to tell him how precious his friendship and mentorship had been, how very much he was loved and appreciated. After that, his daughter and I spoke on the phone and texted as she sat with him for several more days through the dying process. She mentioned to me that during the long hours she was finding comfort reading your Dalai Lama Cat books and she highly recommended them to me. And that is how I was introduced to your marvelous books!
What a powerful and heart-moving story about how you encountered my books, Cathy! I feel so very touched by your generosity and kindness.
David I so enjoy your books and reflections. I’m so happy you found your way to writing the Dali Lama Cat series. I have read and reread these books too many times to count. They have taken me through so many challenges in my life. My medical treatment,,the political turbulence in our country and now the passing of my husband, among other mountains I have climbed.
They are truly a gift as you are David. So, thank you, I am grateful you found your passion.
( and I still feel” Instant Karma” would make a great movie or tv series. We could certainly use a wake up call in the US.
Thank you so very much, Barb, for your beautiful message and support especially as you are going through this difficult time. There is TV interest in 'Instant Karma' - but in the world of TV drama, alas, few things are instant. We'll see!
Dearest David, I love all of your articles, etc. that you post on this site. I actually joined as a subscriber after reading many of your books; the entire Dalai Lama Cat series, Instant Karma, Buddhism for Busy People, Hurry up and Meditate, Buddhism for Pet Lovers, and The Queens Corgi. I downloaded them all on Kindle, but then I bought the entire Dalai Lama cat series as books so I could share them with my family. I love that series. I had read other books on Buddhism because I was also drawn to Buddhism by my love of animals and desire for all sentient beings to be equally loved and respected. However I found the other books difficult to get my mind around. Then I read the Dalai Lama Cat series and I understood everything more clearly. I have read this entire series about 7 times now because I read the series on my kindle every night to go to sleep.
I am retired and now volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release center. We take care of mammals, birds and some reptiles and amphibians found in the northeast US. I have always wanted to do this work and now I finally am. Interacting with these animals brings me joy and happiness every day. We have sad experiences also, but we know we are always trying our best and are giving comfort to them all. Releasing an animal back into the wild that you've raised from the "bottle" is a very happy day. Thank you so much for not giving up on your writing career and creating these books for us all.
Thank you for your work volunteering at a wildlife rescue.
I echo your love for all animals.
Like you, I have found in Buddhism and through David’s writing, more clarity around how to view helping…perhaps at times, feeling a little less stuck in sad, pain-filled circumstances.
Denise, Thank you for sharing how you have been helped and are now helping others. 🐾💕
So agree, Linda!
Where in the Northeast do you live? I live in New York City.
Such a wonderful and uplifting message to receive - thank you so much Denise! And thanks for all that you do to help our fellow sem chens. As you say, all we can do is offer love and compassion to animals - we can't always save them, or give them comfort and happiness as desperately as we may wish to. It takes a special kind of person to do the work you do.
Hello, I don’t remember exactly how I came upon the first novel of yours I read, The Dalai Lama’s Cat but it changed my life profoundly! I now own and have read all the Dalai Lama Cat series, I am a cat lover but beyond that your novels have helped me so much in my life. With what’s happening in the world right now I’ve been rereading the series and it has really helped my perspective again! I absolutely love HHC! I’ve also read The Magician of Lasha, loved it! The Astral Traveler’s Handbook, The Queens Corgi, Buddhism for Pet Lovers❤️❤️❤️👏you are an incredible author and it’s obvious from your earliest work at age seven, thank you for sharing, that you are a natural! Through your novels I’ve learned about Buddhist practices and that has inspired me to be a better person! I’m anxiously awaiting the release of The Good Karma Refuge for Elephants! I’m so grateful to have discovered your books! I love the stories, insights and pictures you share in the emails! Thank you 🙏
I am so deeply moved by your message, Daisy, and your heartfelt response to the Dharma. And I'm glad to know of your anticipation for The Good Karma Refuge for Elephants. Thank you so very much!
I was also drawn to Buddhism by my love of animals and desire for all sentient beings to be equally loved and respected. Your writing has resonated with me and brought me joy from the first Dalai Lama’s Cat book through all the rest. I am grateful for this weekly Substack!
My heartfelt thanks for your kind message, Ann!
Dearest David, once again such a great observation about obstacles! Had it not been for having been dismissed from your then Publisher in London, all the rest may not have happened and I would not have had the great opportunity of finding your book "Buddhism for Pet Lovers" (in my time of need) , nor been able to subsequently read ALL of your books! Obstacles are opportunities for greater things. Just as the story about the farmer's escaped horse, there is a reason.........🙏 thank you.
Thank you so much, Marianne for your very kind observation. Interesting that it was 'Pet Lovers' that you discovered first. I really feel that pets can be our most powerful and intuitive companions on our inner journey, gently showing us the way, if only we will listen.
good morning. I have enjoyed your books and have read 11 of them. I have “led” a spiritual book circle for years and we just finished our conversations on Instant Karma. We thought if we inly could dictate who gets the instant karma! But, alas, it doesn’t work that way. So, we live out our values one stumbling step at a time. :)
Your message makes me chuckle, Pauli. I think we have all been there - determining who gets justice and who gets a pass! Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement - and for introducing me to your fellow readers.
Dear David,
I discovered you very recently- just a few months back. The Dalai Lama's cat was the book, a friend gave me and I just loved it!. I searched for you on the net and subscribed to you right away!. I bought the Magician of Lhasa recently and enjoyed reading it . I am planning to read all your books. I also practice Buddhism (Nichiren Buddhism) and being an Indian, Karma is a concept that we grow up with. I am hoping I will be able to attend one of your meditation retreats!
Thank you so much for your lovely message, Rani. Nichiren Shoshu was the first flavour of Buddhism I encountered. It opened my mind to all kinds of unexplored possibilities. I was drawn to Tibetan Buddhism when I moved to Perth from London, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the sacred mantra.
Thank you for sharing your first poem, wonderful handwriting for a seven-year old. I was given your first Dalai Lama's cat book by my partner as he knows I am a cat lover and great respecter of His Holiness - and have since read all of them. They are wonderful novels from a cat's perspective with Buddhist insight too.
Such a beautiful message, my sincere thanks as always, Wendy!
Wonderful to hear your story. I'm forwarding it to my cat-loving granddaughter. As the song says, "Stumbling blocks become step stones."
Beautiful! My sincere thanks, Judy!
Like Nancy Dolan I also read the line about where your books are not found and immediately recalled that someone very close to me, who knows I’ve read and recommended the Dalai Lama’s cat books, noticed the first in the series was available in a common room of the psychiatric inpatient emergency ward when they spent time there during their (successful) treatment. I think that says a lot.
Also, I loved your first poem, thanks for sharing! Kudos to your wise teacher, mandatory applause aside.
Carol
I am delighted to know that HHC was to be found prowling through the psychiatric emergency ward. As all cat-lovers know, our feline friends can have the most powerful, calming influence! Thank you so much for sharing, Carol!
Loved every word, David! As always! Hugs and heart to you and all the sentient beings you touch so profoundly with your gifts. xoxo
Hugs back to you, thanks Maura!
Such a heartwarming, inspiring and uplifting tale, David. Thank you for sharing of yourself so generously. 🙏🏼💗
It's my real privilege and pleasure, thanks Sharadha!
What a beautifully written description of the transformation of your writing vocation.
From early beginnings (the witch watched by her skinny black cat), to what initially and continues to draw me in (seeing through HHC’s eyes), your 40yr journey deservedly now receives far more willing applause!
Your look back at the obstacles, the lessons from lamas to examine how our thoughts about them create the emotional narratives we carry, I could walk around with this as a mantra and not hear it too much.
Lol, guess a lot of this resonates but will wrap it up with a head nod and a big “Yes,” to not being attached to outcomes for one’s deeper happiness—your switching genre when writing “Buddhism For Busy People” without expectations of financial success. Heartfelt thanks for your post.
What Precious photos of the baby elephant! 🐘💟 and Love the photo of Wussik, a beautiful muse.
As always, Linda, I am so grateful for your constant, generous encouragement!