I have lived with several Zen masters - all of them cats

I have lived with several Zen masters - all of them cats

Eckhart Tolle, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, once famously said, "I have lived with several Zen masters - all of them cats." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of Tolle's teachings on mindfulness, presence, and the power of living in the moment.

For Tolle, cats embody the qualities of Zen masters because of their innate ability to be fully present in the moment. Cats are known for their grace, independence, and ability to move through the world with a sense of calm and ease. They do not dwell on the past or worry about the future; instead, they live in the present moment, fully engaged with their surroundings.

In many ways, Tolle sees cats as the perfect embodiment of the teachings of Zen Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of mindfulness, awareness, and being fully present in each moment. Like Zen masters, cats are able to simply be, without the need for constant activity or distraction. They are content to sit quietly and observe the world around them, finding peace and tranquility in the present moment.

Tolle often uses the example of cats to illustrate the power of living in the now. He encourages his followers to observe the behavior of cats and learn from their ability to be fully present and engaged with the world around them. By emulating the qualities of cats, Tolle believes that we can cultivate a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our own lives.