In a world that measures success by the size of your paycheck, the speed of your car, and the number of followers on your social media feed, Jay Shetty offers a radical alternative: Think Like a Monk.
Jay Shetty isn’t your typical motivational speaker. After graduating from business school, he traded his suit for robes and spent three years living as a monk in India. When he returned to the “real world,” he realized that the ancient wisdom he learned in the ashram was exactly what the modern world was starving for.
This blog provides an in-depth summary and review of Shetty’s #1 New York Times Bestseller. We’ll break down every chapter, explore the Vedic philosophy behind his teachings, and discover how to find peace in a chaotic world.
The Core Message: Why “Think Like a Monk”?
The central thesis of Jay Shetty’s book is that the monk mindset is a learned behavior. You don’t have to live in a forest or shave your head to find tranquility. Being a monk is about mastery over the mind.
Shetty argues that our “Monkey Mind” (distracted, reactive, and fearful) keeps us trapped in a cycle of anxiety. By adopting the “Monk Mind” (focused, disciplined, and proactive), we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and find a lasting sense of purpose.
Part One: Let Go – Clearing the Path to Peace
Before we can grow, we must shed the layers of social conditioning, ego, and negativity that weigh us down. Part one focuses on the internal “decluttering” process.
Identity: “I Am What I Think I Am”
Most of us are living a life designed by someone else. We choose careers to please our parents or buy clothes to impress strangers. Shetty explains that our identity is often a reflection of what we think others want us to be.
- The Lesson: To find your true self, you must peel back the “external noise.”
- Actionable Step: Audit your values. Are they yours, or were they inherited?
Negativity: “The Evil King Goes Hungry”
Negativity is contagious, but it is also a choice. Shetty uses the analogy of two kings fighting within us—one good and one evil. The one that wins is the one you feed.
- The Lesson: You cannot stop negative thoughts from entering, but you can stop them from staying.
- The 25/75 Rule: Try to spend 75% of your time with people who inspire you and only 25% with those who drain you.
Fear: “Welcome to Hotel Earth”
We often try to suppress or run away from fear. Shetty suggests a different approach: befriend it. Fear is simply an alarm system telling us that something we care about is at risk.
- The Lesson: When you detach from the outcome and realize you are a “guest” on Earth, the stakes feel less life-threatening.
- The “Why” Technique: Ask “Why?” five times to get to the root of your fear.
Intention: “Blinded by the Gold”
Why do you do what you do? Shetty warns that if our intentions are rooted in “The Four Motivations” (Fear, Desire, Duty, or Love), the results will differ. Living with “Love” as the primary intention leads to the most sustainable happiness.
- The Lesson: Success without a pure intention is just a “gold” mask covering an empty soul.
Meditation: Breathe
The first step in the monk’s journey is physical. Breath is the bridge between the mind and the body. Shetty introduces basic breathwork to center the nervous system.
Part Two: Grow – Building Your Internal Foundation
Once you’ve let go of the baggage, it’s time to build. Part two focuses on discipline, focus, and the mechanics of the mind.
Purpose: “The Nature of the Scorpion”
In Vedic philosophy, this is called Dharma. Your Dharma is the intersection of your Passion, Expertise, and Usefulness to the world. Shetty uses the story of a monk saving a stinging scorpion to show that every being has a fundamental nature.
- The Formula: Passion + Expertise + Usefulness = Dharma.
- The Lesson: When you live in your Dharma, you don’t feel like you’re “working.”
Routine: “Location Has Energy, Time Has Memory”
Our environments and schedules dictate our mental state. Shetty emphasizes the importance of waking up early and creating “sacred spaces” in your home.
- Location Has Energy: Don’t work in bed; don’t eat at your desk.
- Time Has Memory: If you meditate at the same time every day, your brain begins to auto-pilot into a calm state.
The Mind: “The Charioteer’s Dilemma”
Shetty uses a classic Vedic analogy: The Five Senses are the horses, the Mind is the reins, and the Intellect is the Charioteer. If the Charioteer (Intellect) is asleep, the horses (Senses) will run wild.
- The Lesson: You are not your mind; you are the one observing it. Use your intellect to direct your thoughts, rather than being a slave to your impulses.
Ego: “Catch Me If You Can”
Ego is the biggest obstacle to growth. It makes us feel superior or inferior, both of which are forms of isolation. Shetty teaches us to practice humility by remembering that “everyone is your teacher.”
- The Lesson: The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.
Meditation: Visualize
Moving beyond the breath, Shetty introduces visualization. This isn’t just “dreaming” about a Ferrari; it’s about visualizing the person you want to become and the obstacles you will overcome.
Part Three: Give – The Ultimate Purpose of Life
The final stage of the monk mindset is looking outward. A monk’s life is defined by service.
Gratitude: “The World’s Most Powerful Drug”
Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you.” It’s a deep-seated recognition of the interconnectedness of life. It has been scientifically proven to improve sleep, immunity, and relationships.
- The Lesson: You cannot be grateful and envious at the same time.
Relationships: “People Watching”
Shetty breaks down how to navigate different types of relationships. He explains that we often expect too much from one person (a partner or friend) when we should be looking for “circle of support” consisting of different mentors and peers.
- Trust: Trust is built in layers. Don’t give it all away at once.
Service: “Plant Trees Under Whose Shade You Do Not Plan to Sit”
This is the pinnacle of the book. Service is the highest form of living. Shetty argues that the most selfish thing you can do is be selfless, because it provides the highest level of fulfillment.
- The Lesson: Real happiness is found in helping others find theirs.
Meditation: Chant
The final meditative practice is chanting or “Mantra.” Sound vibrations have the power to alter our consciousness and connect us to something larger than ourselves.
The Appendix: The Vedic Personality Test
One of the most practical parts of the book is the appendix, where Shetty introduces the three Gunas (Qualities of Nature):
- Sattva: Goodness, purity, and harmony.
- Rajas: Passion, energy, and movement (often leading to stress).
- Tamas: Darkness, chaos, and destruction.
By taking the Vedic Personality Test, readers can identify which Guna is dominant in their lives and work toward a more Sattvic (balanced) state.
Review: Is “Think Like a Monk” Worth the Hype?
The Good: Why It Works
Jay Shetty excels at translation. He takes dense, 5,000-year-old Sanskrit concepts and turns them into “Instagrammable” yet profound life lessons. The book is highly structured, making it easy to return to specific chapters when you’re feeling a particular emotion like fear or envy.
The personal anecdotes from his time in the ashram add a layer of authenticity. You aren’t just reading theory; you’re reading about a man who actually lived this life and struggled with the same “monkey mind” issues we all face.
The Critique: A Modern Polish
Some critics argue that the book is “spirituality-lite.” If you are already a deep student of Buddhism or Hinduism, you might find the concepts a bit simplified. However, for the average person juggling a 9-to-5 and a mortgage, this simplification is exactly what makes the wisdom accessible.
Conclusion: The Secret of Being Happy Now
The ultimate message Jay Shetty wants to convey is that peace is a practice, not a destination. Happiness is not something that happens to you once you get the promotion, the house, or the partner. Happiness is the “Monk Mind” you build through daily routine, controlled breathing, and an orientation toward service.
By letting go of identity, growing through discipline, and giving through service, we stop chasing a ghost of happiness and start living it in the present moment.
Are you ready to trade your monkey mind for a monk mind?
FAQs
Is Think Like a Monk suitable for beginners in spirituality?
Absolutely. The book is written in simple, relatable language.
Does the book include practical exercises?
Yes, including meditations and reflection practices.
Is it religious?
No. It’s spiritual, not religious.
Can this book help with anxiety?
Many readers find its techniques calming and grounding.
Who should read this book?
Anyone seeking peace, clarity, and personal growth.