Think Like a Monk: Jay Shetty

 

The book that needs no introduction. It starts with a quote: “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” This line itself gives a clear idea of what to expect in the coming chapters.

Jay Shetty, the author, spent most of his time in monasteries in India. At one point, he left the monastery and returned home. He had planned to become a monk but couldn't. Still, the ideas and thought process of the monks deeply influenced him, and that’s how the book Think Like a Monk was born.

Thinking is the easiest thing we do every day, but the author pushes us to act on those thoughts, too. The book is divided into three key parts: Let Go, Grow, and Give. These are the main areas the book focuses on. For me, this book played an important role in my gratitude journey.

The first stage of life begins with letting go of our past self. The author explains this through an example of a dirty mirror. If the mirror is dirty, our reflection will also look unclear. Once we clean it, the reflection becomes clear. In the same way, we should try to apply this in our daily lives. Negative thoughts and fear often come up depending on the situation, but having a clear mind through the art of learning and growing helps us overcome them.

“Your identity is a mirror covered with dust. When you first look in the mirror, the truth of who you are and what you value is obscured. Clearing it may not be pleasant, but only when that dust is gone can you see your true reflection.”

We mostly have a monkey mind that runs after everything. But a monk's mind is different. It brings calmness and helps us grow through every situation. This shift in mindset makes a big difference.

The growth phase of the book talks about learning our purpose. The journey of knowing ourselves begins with meditation and mindfulness, which are strongly practiced in monasteries. Today’s world is full of distractions. For example, I planned to write this in the morning but got distracted by many other things. So staying mindful is the new golden habit we all need. This can be achieved through regular meditation and by creating a proper daily routine.

“Detachment is not that you should own nothing, but that nothing should own you.”

The third and often missed part is giving. Jay emphasizes the power of giving. It begins with appreciating what we already have. The purpose of life revolves around service and human connection. Meaningful relationships bring deep satisfaction. The idea of giving more to receive more is not always true. Instead, giving without any expectations is what truly changes everything. Give as if you already have everything.

“We seek to leave a legacy. We want to be remembered. What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others lives on.”