Book Review: Think like a Monk

I have long wanted to study Buddhism, because its teachings are quite cryptic in nature and to me, thought provoking.  In fact, I took a trip to China's Shaolin Temple in recent weeks to soak in some zen.  Shaolin is also known for its Chinese kung fu, so I also signed up for a private martial arts lesson with a warrior monk.  That was a great experience in itself, but the story will have to wait for another day. 

Instead, I wanted to share a great read called Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty.  It portrays a few keystones of Buddhism and how a purposeful life can be led without subccumbing to the distractions we encounter on a daily basis.  Reading the book provided an egaging experience as it uses real life examples to illustrate its points.  

Here is what I learnt: 

• We are what we think people think we are: we often project the "right image" to impress others.  This is the direct result of us overthinking our importance in the eyes of our neighbours.  Too often, we end up living the life we believe others want us to have.  If you do this for too long,  you will lose yourself and lead a false life that does not lead to peace.  So let's be yourself and be at peace with yourself

• Negativity is everywhere, especially in your mind: Negativity is everywhere in life because it has so many manifestations: the complainer, canceller, commander, casualty, critic, competitor, controller.  Be a silent observer of this negative energy when it is present.  Objectify it, remove yourself from it, before (literally) sending it away.  The other thing to watch out for is your mind, which is often a blocker to your achievements.  Many authors, including Shetty, have claimed the mind to be a evolutionary distraction as it creates noise and undesirable thoughts refraining us from achieving our potential.  Don't let it beat you into submission

• Spot, Stop, Swap: Use this technique to undo negativity.  Give yourself a to-be goal.  For instance, be someone who does not gossip.  Spot the moments when you fail to do so, stop yourself from committing the act, and swap the act with an action that aligns with the goal, i.e., say something nice about the person

• Fear and your abilities: Fear impedes your ability to perform a task at hand.  Nothing new here.  But many are indeed paralysed and crippled by fear in life.  Accept fear as a fact of life, and deal with it like any other negative thought.  Externalize, observe, and send it away purposefully   

• Find your dharma:   Dharma is the intersection of your passion, expertise and skill. It also involves servicing others.  Without service, there is no purpose in your dharma and so it is a hobby at best.  When you serve others through dharma, you feel alive, comfortable, and can experience flow -- the state where you are so focused you lose track of time.  Do this as often as you can! 

I remember not wanting to turn off my Kindle because this book was a pleasant read.  It made me examine my life and brought me peace when I truly practice some of the teachings. The concepts were easy to comprehend for the common readers.  Shetty did not delve into any deep philosophical teachings, but that was never his intention.  Instead, he gave us tools such as the Vedic test and medication techniques to live a more purposeful life.  All in all, Think Like a Monk is an entertaining and useful book to keep handy.  I am sure I will be going back to it from time to time, looking for reminders to live a calm and meaningful life. 

- PTS