Preview of The Cat Who Went to Heaven Summary:

Although at first this slim volume has the appearance of a children's "animal story," with lovely woodcuts by the celebrated illustrator Lynn Ward, it soon becomes evident that the author's goal is to convey in lyrical and poetic language the point of view of Far Eastern philosophy in general and Buddhist thinking in particular. The Cat Who Went to Heaven attempts to describe the interrelationship of human ideals and the qualities of the animal world.

Using the device of a simple folk tale, with added legends, Coatsworth portrays Buddhist principles of living:

devotion, compassion, and respect for life. She fashions an instructive parable, interwoven with poems and fables and the inspiring story of the Buddha himself. This unusual blend of literary forms is a fine example of how allegory and style can merge to evoke the spirit of another culture, in particular its peaceful outlook on life and...