I was very happy to receive a copy of the children’s book, The Adventures of Kundun the Golden Cat written by Beverly Russell and Benjamin Beardwood. Though I strive not to judge a book by its cover, I could not help being captivated by illustrator, Sushiela’s, charming depiction of Kundun the Cat on the front.
I first thought that Kundan was waving at me from the bright golden cover, but I was even more delighted to read in the book’s preface that his hand posture - known as “the Varada mudra”- signifies an intent to invoke the invisible forces that can operate on an earthly sphere. Specifically, Kundan’s hand posture symbolizes charity, compassion and gift-giving which are clear themes of this story. With that introduction, I was hooked!
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This 21st Century fable is full of wonderful references to our human need to accept the cultural differences between nationalities in order to live harmoniously with each other. Kundan’s very name is one shared by the Dalai Lama and means “Presence.”
Born in Tibet to wealthy, royal parents, Kundan finds himself preparing to accompany them on a journey West. He will be taken to California to attend a summer camp for animals called Las Brisas. While his parents are busy on their quest to share the Eight Auspicious Symbols with other Top Cats in the West, Kundan learns just how much he has to share with his new friends on the ranch.
Like many of us facing a long trip, Kundan tries to pack all his favorite possessions. His parents encourage him to take along only what he absolutely needs. They give him an ancient, carved wooden box of his grandfather’s containing words of wisdom, a golden key and a small leather pouch. Kundan reluctantly tucks the mysterious box into his backpack along with all his extra clothes, laptop computer and music player. Kundan was not at all happy with the prospect of the trip or the idea of attending his first sleep-away camp.
Children will love meeting Kundan’s new animal friends on the ranch and learning valuable life lessons about Giving through his many adventures with them. Grown-ups will be treated to explanations of the enrichments to daily life known as the Eight Auspicious Symbols included at the end of the book along with an index and website sources for giving away belongings. Everyone will love the engaging photos and illustrations tucked between the pages of this touching story.
Visit www.beverlyrussell.com for more info. The book is also available on Amazon (ISBN 13: 978-1-934582-20-6 or ISBN 10: 1-934582-20-4).
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