Book:Zen Cats:MEDITATIONS for the WISE MINDS of CAT LOVERS and a Give-Away

Zen and Cats.  The purrfect pairing. Zen is commonly defined as: "a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts."

Humans strive for perfect Zen. Cats often appear as if their body and minds have already attained a perfect state of Zen. Cats exude calm, relaxation, peace. They can sleep in the most uncomfortable appearing positions and locations, and make them appear to be the epitome of comfort.

Cat are often a symbol for mysticism .   They have the "ability to seemingly read the minds of other animals and humans. Thus, being so in tune with nature and the universal intelligence which some would refer to as God that they realize things ahead of their happening."

Those qualities make Cats the purrfect animal to be featured with the thought-provoking quotes from Buddha.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Mango Media

I have always been a fan of books that feature daily affirmations and quotes.  There is something inspiring and calming about beginning my day by reading something positive and having that message provide me with what I need to face the coming day.

I also love reading verses that inspire and encourage me to think. I am one that can sit with a book, find something that resonates with me, and then gaze out of a window for long periods of time, lost in contemplation.

Zen Cats: MEDITATIONS for the WISE MINDS of CAT LOVERS is the perfect addition to my books of quotes, affirmations and the many Philosophy books (I majored in Rhetoric-Greek Rhetorical Theory, and minored in Philosophy in college),  that line my full-to-the brim bookshelves! It  features photos of cuddly cats and kittens and  a collection of sayings from the Buddha. The verses, taken from the Dhammapada, were written centuries ago, but today they offer insight for all of life’s basic struggles.

The book is broken down into sections and within each section you will find a number of thought provoking verses. The sections are:

• Mind and Body
• Happiness
• Virtue
• Truth
• Eternity

Photo Courtesy of Mango Media

Beneath each verse is a synopsis or a definition if you will, as written by the editors of Mango Media, as to their interpretation of the verse featured on the page.

As shown above, the cat photos that accompany each verse are beautiful, adorable and often calming.  Zen and Cats the purrfect pairing.

Some of my favorite verses in Zen Cats are:

VERSE 49-Fools follow after vanity, men of evil wisdom. The wise man keeps earnestness as his best jewel.
Mango Media's Interpretation:An honest character is worth much more than any sum of money and will bring more happiness. Appearances can fool you.

VERSE 85-And he who lives a hundred years, ignorant and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is wise and reflecting.
 Mango Media's Interpretation: A reflecting mind is open to growth and change throughout a life. To live every day without reflection is to live the same day over and over, without growth.

 Meditate along with the verses to gain a greater understanding of you, your life, and your purpose. Find the meaning of truth in these verses and how to find it in the world around you. Let your inner Zen Cat guide you to enlightenment.

"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."

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

• ISBN-13: 9781633530485

166 pages
AVAILABLE ON: AMAZON,   BARNES & NOBLE,  and KOBO

GIVE-AWAY!!!
 Mango Media has generously offered FIVE OF OUR READERS who reside in the U.S. (our apologies to our International readers) the chance to win a copy of Zen Cats: MEDITATIONS for the WISE MINDS of CAT LOVERS. An approximate $15 value. Entering is easy! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Zen Cats in exchange for my honest review.