For Buddhism, cats represent spirituality. They are enlightened beings that convey calm and harmony and, therefore, it is said that those who do not relate well to their unconscious never manage to connect fully with a cat, nor will they understand its mysteries.
The truth is that no one is surprised to learn that the figure of these animals is related to Buddhism, so much so that in Thailand there is a sacred legend that has transcended time to turn cats into unique beings of peace and intimate union, with many in many temples in Asian countries. That is why it is so common to see so many cats sleeping and curled up in the arms of the numerous sacred buddha statues and other themes that adorn the shrine gardens.
- It is often said that having a dog means having the most faithful companion that can exist.
- That is absolutely true.
- Still.
- Anyone who knows the character of a cat feels that the connection is more intimate and deep.
- So many Buddhist monks like Master Hsing Yun speak of the healing power of this animal.
- We invite you to discover it with us.
First, we need to know something very important, Buddhism is not organized according to a vertical hierarchy, as we already know, religious authority is based on sacred texts, but in turn there is great flexibility in its own approaches. which we will show has its roots in a specific school: that of Theravada Buddhism, or Buddhism of the lineage of the ancients.
It was in Thailand and in this context that the book of the cat’s poems, or Tamra Maew, was written today in the National Library of Bangkok as a true treasure to be preserved. In his old papyrus, one can read a charming story that tells that when a person had reached the highest levels of spirituality and died, his soul was placidly attached to the body of a cat.
Life could then be very short, or as long as feline longevity allowed, but when the end came, that soul knew it would rise to an enlightened plane. The Thais of that time, knowing this belief, also maintained another curious practice ?
When a relative died, the person was buried in a crypt with a live cat, the crypt always had a space for the animal to come out, and when he did, they probably knew that the soul of the beloved was already inside. That noble cat,” thus achieved freedom and that place of calm and spirituality capable of preparing the soul for the later path, the path of ascension.
Cats are said to be like little monks capable of bringing harmony anywhere. For the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, for example, they are like people who have already attained enlightenment.
In conclusion, we know that it is not necessary to resort to Buddhist texts to understand that cats are special, that their eyes transport us to introspective universes, that with their strange postures invite us to practice yoga, which are an example of elegance and balance. ? We want the good of these animals and even venerate them and, although authentic gods are created remembering those who know their days in ancient Egypt, we let them be proud.
We all have our own stories with these animals, unforgettable moments that allowed us to enjoy small moments full of magic and authenticity, which surely served as inspiration to create this charming Buddhist legend printed in ink, paper and mysticism. we wanted to tell you and share our space with you.