16 November 2023
My 20-year-old cat, Oliver died on the 50th day of the passing of his buddy, Emmanuel. Emmanuel was 19.
Through their lives, these 2 cats have given me 39 years’ worth of companionship and teachings on living & dying.
Because they can’t talk, I learn to listen to their needs by watching their eyes, facial expressions and body language.
Because they can’t talk, and can’t defend themselves verbally, I learn to listen to myself before my judgement becomes my reality.
And because they can’t talk, I learn to make supplications on their behalf.
The late Lama Zopa Rinpoche taught that animals don’t just come to us for food & shelter.
Indeed.
As Emmanuel needed home treatment involving needles that I fear and my stiff fingers are not of much help, I started listening to the Medicine Buddha Mantra to overcome fear and steady my hands.
As Oliver liked to stay on my lap to listen to devotional chanting or singing, I learned to be still like him and let the words sink in. This was also how my longest living cat left his body.
Until last year, Oliver & Emmanuel had never fallen ill. Unwell animals disguise their pains & injuries to avoid evoking the predatory instincts of the healthy ones. But I also believe my cats endured their illnesses so that I may evolve spiritually.
The quiet in my flat now seems to hold the mantras & music we have listened together over the years.
So on Oliver and Emmanuel’s behalf I wish to thank everyone who has ever smiled at or said kind words to those who cannot talk. In a broken world, any speech made with the intention to heal is sacred to the listener.
Life ends, but blessings bestowed are forever.
Thank you, friends and all. ❤️🙏
Lisa Ong 