Summary of Think Like A Monk
What did I like the most? The author dissects the various aspects of human life and gives ample tools to repair one’s thinking pattern.
The First Part of the Book:
Let go – this part helps the reader overcome their traumas, bad happenings, failures, etc. Ultimately, it is the person who has to take control of their mind and delete the negativity or work for a balance of mind to establish an inner connection with the self. The author describes two mindsets; one a monkey mind and the second a monk mind. The monkey mind is constantly engaged in multitasking, overthinking, distracted, self-centred. A monk is single-minded, analysing, disciplined, self-caring, etc.
At any point in time, a person may experience a monkey’s mind. Hence, they should work for a transition of mind because it is not permanent. The author uses the word monk to denote that a person can change their state of mind by becoming a knowledge seeker.
The Second Part: Grow
A person may experience different moods in life. One may try to find a purpose; one may try to work for self-discipline. Yet another may be in a continuous process of achieving success to counter negative feelings.
The author emphasises the importance of having a routine life and explains the ego. With the help of these two tools, one may learn and grow.
The author equates the two mindsets with the wolves. One may call a bad or good wolf. The more one feeds the wolf, the more it wins. Besides it, the use of the monkey mind makes things worse. So checking on these two points is the right approach to control what one is feeding and which wolf.
The author explains ego and helps a reader to understand the difference between ego and self-esteem. He advocates that one who is satisfied need not ask for a certificate to prove their worth.
Monk Mind: Give
In previous parts of the book, the author prepares a person to understand, analyse, and reach a state of mind conducive to growth. The author in this part discusses gratitude, relationships, and service. He opines that any person who is ingratitude has a positive state of mind.
The author talks of the circle of love. If a person has a passion for self, they may extend this love to another person too.
Then the author talks of relationships, explaining four types of trust. These are (a) Competence, (b) Care, (c) Character and (d) Consistency. This set of tools can help a person identify and understand people’s nature in one’s vicinity or close relationships. One thing relevant about the CCCC tool kit is that one may decide with whom to spend time and who should be avoided.
The author talks of service in this section: The book serves an excellent purpose for a person looking for real self-help.
It is an inspiring book. It helps a person to search for purpose and wear-tear in the self. The remarkable style of the author uses the experience of self to make the book intriguing.
