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

Shetty introduces the reader to monk-minded thinking by providing an overview of his own journey, from materialistic business student to service-oriented monk. Growing up in a middle-class Indian family in London, Shetty had always been “fascinated by people who’d gone from nothing to something—rags-to-riches stories” (x). But his path was altered irrevocably after he attended a talk given by a monk; now he found himself looking for inspiration from “someone who’d deliberately done the opposite,” giving up wealth for a more purposeful, meaningful life (x). After graduating college, Shetty became a monk himself, dedicating himself to meditation and service. Eventually, he left the ashram to disseminate his wisdom to a larger audience—hence, his podcast and now this book.

Shetty also talks about what it means to think like a monk—versus thinking with the “monkey brain,” which is prone to distraction and dissatisfaction—and outlines the development of the book. From letting go to growing to giving, the reader will learn to breathe, to visualize, and to chant. These tools will help the reader in “creating actionable steps for growth” (xvi). Ultimately, the goal is to live a meaningful life filled with gratitude, leaving behind anxious striving for serene self-reflection.