"The Cat Who Went to Heaven" tells the story of a poor Japanese artist whose life is changed through his housekeeper who brings one night home with her a cat named Good Fortune. He was too poor to even buy food. Soon he saw the beauty and gentleness of the cat. Good Fortune's three-colored coat-a very lucky coloration-is gradually warming the artist's heart. Commissioned to paint the dying Buddha, he reflects on the teachings of the Buddha and the connectedness of life. While he paints, he reflects on the contrast in his adversities with the noble spirit of the cat, controverting societal beliefs that even cats are cursed. Fortune plays the dignified, reminding him of the nobility of pity. As soon as he had completed it, the artist yielded to temptation and included her image in it, though knowing that might not please the priests overseeing the commission. Ironies mount as Good Fortune dies of joy over her depiction in the painting. The painting then miraculously shows the Buddha extending a hand in blessing over the cat, meaning love and acceptance beyond constraint.
The great theme of "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is the compassion and acceptance of all beings. It dares the conventional belief that cats are debarred into worthlessness, proving that nobility only truly resides in the heart of kindness. The artist in the story, who first disdained Good Fortune, grew to deeply love her. This showed that through love, barriers created by prejudice can be crossed. Good Fortune was gentle in nature; she accelerated the growth of the artist by pushing him to look above the judgments of society. One could meanwhile bring forth the fact that all creation is valuable in and for itself and not because of perceived perfect qualities. While the artist learned to appreciate Good Fortune, he started reflecting on his struggles and his spirituality, too. On the other hand, the story suggests that there can be a great understanding of oneself and others through means of compassion. It also nurtures the idea of embracing diversity in our lives. The eventual bond that takes place between the artist and Good Fortune shows how acceptance allows bonding to take place and how love comes in through unprecedented ways.
The other leading theme in the story is transformation and personal growth. Manko is a poor artist, embittered but gradually changed by the presence of Lady Good Fortune. She inspires him to probe harder into his feelings and thus further into the spiritual dimensions of his art. In painting the Buddha, he mulls over life, death, and connectedness. In this case, creativity can be thought of as one path to reach enlightenment. Fortuna herself symbolizes change, as her presence starts to change the manner in which the artist perceives the world. The instant that the artist decides to include her in his painting, he also acknowledges that he, too, can change. This is where the individual was working against societal norms in showing how personal relationships can change one's beliefs. The idea-that true growth involves transcending limiting belief structures-is poignantly underscored by the miracle that occurs at the story's conclusion when the painting evolves to include the blessing of the cat.
Another important theme that was present in the story "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" is that of interrelation. The story really brings this out-that all beings share one common thread, much as it was expressed through the musings of the artist over the Buddha and his teachings. As he paints, he muses on the various lives of different animals who came to honor the Buddha and realize their significance in the grand tapestry of life. From catching birds to her reverence for the Buddha, the behaviors of Good Fortune reveal her part to be played in this interwoven web of life. This theme reinforces an idea: compassion toward all creatures enriches our understanding of the world. Thus, this is a journey of the artist where his pains and struggles amalgamate with those of Good Fortune, deepening his empathy further. The magical transformation of the painting at the story's end serves as a metaphor for how, through embracing the connectedness of all beings, one may transcend the fragmented society for a deeper belonging and purpose. It is thus a moving application to pity, change, and mutual dependence in "The Cat Who Went to Heaven." With the inclusions of both the artist and Good Fortune, this story elaborates on the sensitive proposition of intrinsic worth in all beings-a prospect which compels top-heavy society to face its contemptuous prejudice. Probably the brightest example is that of the artist himself, who, through love and companionship, learns to shed bitterness in acceptance.
This is a story for one to reflect upon as it concerns one's faith and gives a way to help oneself build compassion within. That, in other words, generates the concern to come up with an open and sensitive world outlook by embracing interdependence amongst all the living beings. The note of hope represents the bottom line of the story-saying power through love would ultimately transcend the barriers and bring about personal and social change. Strong in its themes, "The Cat Who Went to Heaven" seems almost timeless, reminding one of beauty found in acts of kindness and understanding.
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