Cats Quote by Joseph Goldstein
““In India, I was living in a little hut, about six feet by seven feet. It had a canvas flap instead of a door. I was sitting on my bed meditating, and a cat wandered in and plopped down on my lap. I took the cat and tossed it out the door. Ten seconds later it was back on my lap. We got into a sort of dance, this cat and I...I tossed it out because I was trying to meditate, to get enlightened. But the cat kept returning. I was getting more and more irritated, more and more annoyed with the persistence of the cat. Finally, after about a half-hour of this coming in and tossing out, I had to surrender. There was nothing else to do. There was no way to block off the door. I sat there, the cat came back in, and it got on my lap. But I did not do anything. I just let go. Thirty seconds later the cat got up and walked out. So, you see, our teachers come in many forms.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Insight Meditation Center, 1990s
A persistent distraction can become a teacher if we stop resisting and simply observe its presence.
In simple terms: Distractions teach us when we stop fighting them.
Key Takeaway
Allow interruptions, notice the lesson.
Themes
mindfulness
patience
acceptance
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
teaching
philosophical
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- teaching moments
- daily interruptions
- stressful work
Key Concepts
non‑attachment
inner peace
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you learn from a recurring annoyance?
- How does acceptance change the experience?
A Different Perspective
Resisting can cause more frustration and block insight.
