Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day

by Jay Shetty

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

When Jay Shetty says "think like a monk," he's not being glib. He became a monk and has spent years meditating. If you're one of his faithful millions on social media, you likely already know this. Still, we can all benefit from what he has learned in order to lead a more meaningful life.

Jay Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, distills the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less anxious, more meaningful life.

When you think like a monk, you’ll understand:
-How to overcome negativity
-How to stop overthinking
-Why comparison kills love
-How to use your fear
-Why you can’t find happiness by looking for it
-How to learn from everyone you meet
-Why you are not your thoughts
-How to find your purpose
-Why kindness is crucial to success
-And much more...

Shetty grew up in a family where you could become one of three things—a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure. His family was convinced he had chosen option three: instead of attending his college graduation ceremony, he headed to India to become a monk, to meditate every day for four to eight hours, and devote his life to helping others. After three years, one of his teachers told him that he would have more impact on the world if he left the monk’s path to share his experience and wisdom with others. Heavily in debt, and with no recognizable skills on his résumé, he moved back home in north London with his parents.

Shetty reconnected with old school friends—many working for some of the world’s largest corporations—who were experiencing tremendous stress, pressure, and unhappiness, and they invited Shetty to coach them on well-being, purpose, and mindfulness. Since then, Shetty has become one of the world’s most popular influencers. In 2017, he was named in the Forbes magazine 30-under-30 for being a game-changer in the world of media. In 2018, he had the #1 video on Facebook with over 360 million views. His social media following totals over 38 million, he has produced over 400 viral videos which have amassed more than 8 billion views, and his podcast, On Purpose, is consistently ranked the world’s #1 Health and Wellness podcast.

In this inspiring, empowering book, Shetty draws on his time as a monk to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Combining ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, Think Like a Monk reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us. He transforms abstract lessons into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve relationships, and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world. Shetty proves that everyone can—and should—think like a monk.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781982134488
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	09/08/2020
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	9,115
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Jay Shetty is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, award-winning storyteller, podcast host, and former monk, dedicated to helping people train their mind for peace and purpose every day. In 2017, Forbes named him to their 30 Under 30 List for his game-changing impact in media. His viral videos have been viewed more than 10 billion times and he is followed by over 50 million people across social media. In 2019, Jay created On Purpose, now the world’s #1 Health and Wellness podcast. He’s been a keynote speaker around the world, invited to Google, Microsoft, Netflix and American Express, among many others. Over two million people have attended his Online School, and his Genius Coaching community provides weekly programming on health and wellness to thousands of members in over 100 countries.

Editorial Reviews

04/27/2020

Shetty, host of the On Purpose podcast and a former Vedic monk, debuts with a peppy and persuasive work that guides readers through a process of personal growth by “training our minds to focus on how to react, respond, and commit to what we want in life.” Shetty covers a wide range of topics, 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. Though Shetty draws on the Vedas and uses some Sanskrit terminology, his approach is nonsectarian and will appeal to anyone who is, at minimum, open to trying meditation. Shetty’s take on Hindu spirituality delivers practical wisdom for anyone looking to create better daily habits. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Jay Shetty shows you step by step how to build your power, shifting your focus from self-image to self-esteem. This book frees you from the hypnosis of social conditioning and helps you become the architect of your own life.”—DEEPAK CHOPRA, MD, professor of medicine, University of California, San Diego, and New York Times bestselling author

“Grab this book, find a comfortable chair, and let Jay Shetty take you on a life-changing journey. Jay guides us with warmth and clarity on a path to greater joy and purpose, offering wisdom that can be put into practice right now. You will want to share it with everyone you love.”—ROBERT WALDINGER, MD, professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and director, Harvard Study of Adult Development

“Combining ancient wisdom with the practicalities of today, Think Like a Monk provides essential guidance for traveling a balanced path to success.”—RAY DALIO, founder, co-chairman, and co-chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates and New York Times bestselling author

“Jay Shetty has a rare gift for tapping into the world’s timeless wisdom and making it timely by infusing everyday moments with meaning and grace. He’s already shared glimmers of that wisdom with millions on social media, but here he gathers it all into one life-changing volume. Read this book to open your mind, lift your heart, redefine success, and connect with your deeper purpose.”—ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, founder of The Huffington Post, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, and New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

04/01/2020

Shetty, host of the podcast On Purpose, spent three years studying with Vedic monks in an ashram outside of Mumbai. He realized that his purpose in life was not to be a monk, but instead to spread the practices and knowledge he gained in a modern way. Now he has a strong social media following, an internationally popular podcast, and numerous fans. This book aims to teach readers to find "peace, calm, and purpose" by following the example set forth by monks. Shetty believes that true transformation occurs with examining the root of the issue, and this book tackles many of life's tough spots including fear, anxiety, finding one's purpose, and dealing with relationships. Although fundamentally based in Vedic teachings, Shetty's influences and references are widespread and both religious and secular. He provides plenty of exercises and examples to put his teachings into daily practice and his sources are thoroughly documented. VERDICT Listeners of Shetty's podcast will be familiar with his conversational tone, and his style adapts into an easy-to-read, approachable guide. Recommended for readers interested in mindfulness and self-exploration guides.—Anitra Gates, Erie Cty. P.L., PA

Library Journal

Jay Shetty, the British writer and narrator of this audiobook, showcases his considerable talent for motivational speaking as he explains his methods for reducing everyday stress. As a former Indian monk, he practiced how to live a clean and serene life. His keen observations and magnetic delivery will appeal to even the most materially driven individuals. By using simple meditations and mindfulness exercises, he keeps listeners focused in the present. He also introduces simple mantras to help clear the mind and uses easy directions to keep the recommended body movements fluid. As a monk, he was taught to believe that one’s natural abilities are revealed through service to others. Shetty’s dynamic presentation will convince listeners to consider giving these practices a try. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2020 - AudioFile