Are Cats Buddhist?

Yesterday, we talked about the uncanny ways in which certain cat behaviors seem to mirror the characteristics of Buddhist meditation.

For example:

Catnaps = Samatha (the form of meditation that emphasizes calming one’s mind): Cats know that living beings must sleep when they are tired. Otherwise, they cannot obtain the mental focus needed for true insight (“where has the laser pointer gone?!”). Not only does this give them energy for when they need it, but it also provides mental relaxation and a calm mind.

Cats’ Ability to Focus = Vipassana (the form of meditation that emphasizes intense concentration and awareness of one’s body): Never, I repeat NEVER, get into a staring contest with a cat. They will win. Cats perform a very unique version of meditation where they can focus on an object (a bird, a bug, or even a person sleeping!) for extended periods of time. Everything is taken into consideration and absorbed, so the cat can achieve right understanding and right action. The cat’s mind and body transforms with this meditation. 

Purring = Chanting (repeating mantras): Chanting is a form of meditation. Cats actually purr all the time, but you can only hear it at certain times. Purring is still a mystery to humans, and nobody can truly explain why they do it.

What is known is that purring can offer a calming effect on cats during stress (such as during a trip to the vet), or when a cat is showing loving-kindness to its human. It was recently discovered that the frequency that cats purr is therapeutic: it helps them to heal from injury. By purring, cats calm themselves and thus calm their mind and body, which helps them obtain peace.

Finally, here's an excellent question about the photos of cats with Buddhist monks, asked by Caroline, Juliet and Emily: If cats refused to pay homage to the Buddha (and cannot go to paradise), then why do the monks seem to love and respect the cats so much?