Introduction

“Think Like a Monk” is a self-help book written by Jay Shetty, a former monk who has become a popular motivational speaker and influencer. The book is based on Shetty’s experiences as a monk and his insights into how to live a more fulfilling life. It provides practical advice on how to cultivate a monk mindset and apply it to everyday life.

Summary

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the monk mindset. Part One, “Let Go,” is about releasing negative thoughts and emotions. Shetty discusses the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, and self-awareness. He also emphasizes the need to let go of attachments to material possessions and focus on inner peace.

Part Two, “Grow,” is about personal growth and development. Shetty provides tips on how to cultivate a growth mindset, set goals, and overcome obstacles. He also discusses the importance of self-care and taking care of one’s physical and mental health.

Part Three, “Give,” is about giving back to others and making a positive impact on the world. Shetty discusses the importance of service, compassion, and empathy. He also provides examples of people who have made a difference in the world through their acts of kindness and generosity.

Throughout the book, Shetty uses anecdotes from his time as a monk to illustrate his points. He also includes quotes and stories from other spiritual leaders and thinkers, such as the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa.

Examples and Anecdotes

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of letting go of negative thoughts and emotions. Shetty shares a story about a monk who was asked to teach a group of students about forgiveness. The monk asked the students to write down the name of someone they needed to forgive on a piece of paper and then crumple it up. He then asked them to throw the paper ball as hard as they could. The students were surprised when the monk asked them to go and retrieve the paper ball. When they did, they found that it was impossible to unfold the paper and read the name. The monk explained that holding onto anger and resentment is like holding onto a crumpled piece of paper – it only hurts you.

Shetty also discusses the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness. He shares a story about a monk who was asked to teach a group of business executives about mindfulness. The monk poured tea into a cup until it overflowed and asked the executives why they thought he did that. One executive said it was because the cup was too full, but the monk explained that it was to demonstrate that the mind is like a cup – if it is too full of thoughts and distractions, there is no room for anything else. He encouraged the executives to practice mindfulness and create space in their minds for new ideas and insights.

Another theme of the book is the importance of giving back to others. Shetty shares the story of a man named Narayanan Krishnan, who gave up his career as a chef to feed the homeless in India. Krishnan started a nonprofit organization called Akshaya Trust, which provides food, shelter, and medical care to the homeless. Shetty uses Krishnan’s story to illustrate the power of service and the impact that one person can make on the world.

Conclusion

“Think Like a Monk” is a powerful and inspiring book that provides practical advice on how to live a more fulfilling life. Shetty’s insights into the monk mindset are based on his personal experiences and his deep understanding of spirituality and personal growth. The book is filled with examples and anecdotes that illustrate his points and make the content engaging and relatable. Whether you are looking to let go of negative thoughts, cultivate personal growth, or make a positive impact on the world, “Think Like a Monk” is a must-read.