Book review- Think like a Monk by Jay Shetty

 

Monkey mind: Overwhelmed by multiple branches.

Monk mind: Focused on the root of the issue.

Monkey mind: Overthinks and procrastinates.

Monk mind: Analyzes and articulates.

Monkey mind: Distracted by small things.

Monk mind: Disciplined.

Monkey mind: Multitasking.

Monk mind: Single-tasking.

Monkey mind: Looks for pleasure.

Monk mind: Looks for meaning.

Jay Shetty, a social media megastar and owner of a podcast named "On Purpose", is the writer of the book "Think Like a Monk". The book regales the tale of Shetty’s “Becoming a monk” story (but not in autobiographical format) and alongside presents the process of "how to become a monk in everyday life”.

Being an Indian and born in a Vedic family the concepts in the book are not pristine to me… few of the ideas like chanting in the morning, meditation, etc. discussed in the book are part of my life… yet I found this book simply good in presenting the old age concepts and presenting their practical approach in line with modern lifestyle.

Using several Sanskrit terminology, Shetty covers a wide range of matters, including diffusing fear, reconsidering career direction, and improving relationships. The common thread of his suggestions is his “spot, stop, and swap” method: spot the issue, stop to consider it, and swap in a new approach. He also recommends a variety of meditative techniques and offers stories from his time in the ashram, and is at his most inspiring when focusing on practical matters. For instance, his chapter on routine offers advice for more structured living, such as establishing a morning regimen and creating “found time” (for gratitude, meditation, and exercise) to help bring more “intentionality” into one’s day.

Overall, the book is not exactly self-help or motivational but lies somewhere in between and could be included in the New Year agenda ( of course if you have not yet read it)

A few of the quotes from the book which are my favorite are shared below-

“Remember, saying whatever we want, whenever we want, however, we want, is not freedom. Real freedom is not feeling the need to say these things.”

“Cancers of the Mind: Comparing, Complaining, Criticizing.”

“The greatest detachment is being close to everything and not letting it consume and own you. That’s a real strength.”

“Salt is so humble that when something goes wrong, it takes the blame, and when everything goes right, it doesn’t take credit.”

“Too often we love people who don’t love us, but we fail to return the love of others who do.”

“Everyone has a story, and sometimes our egos choose to ignore that. Don’t take everything personally—it is usually not about you.”