Think Like a Monk  
Jay Shetty  

Summary

Practical advice from a modern monk

Notes

The only thing that stays with you from the moment you’re born to the moment you die is your breath

‘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.’ - Cooley

'Your identity is a mirror covered with dust. When you first look in the mirror, the truth of who you are may be observed. Cleaning it may not be pleasant but only when that dust is gone do you see your true reflection.’ - Gauvanya Das

Cancers of the mind: complaining, complaining, criticizing

Letting go gives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness

The more we define ourselves in relation to the people around us, the more lost we are

In the theatre of happiness, there is no limit

The cause of fear: attachment. The cure for fear: detachment

Our fears are more numerous than our dangers and we suffer more in imagination than reality - Seneca

Don’t judge the moment

When we deny fear, our problems follow us

Success doesn’t guarantee happiness and happiness doesn’t require success

External goals cannot fill internal voids

In getting where you want to be, meditation may show you what you don’t want to see

Living in your dharma is a certain route to fulfillment

You can’t be anything you want but you can be everything you are

Past beliefs sneak in to block our progress

‘Follow your bliss.’ - Joseph Campbell

Dharma is passion in the service of others

Change happens with small steps and big priorities

‘For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends but for one who has failed to do so, it is his greatest enemy.’ - Bhagvad Gita

Reframe self criticism in terms of knowledge and progress

Treat yourself with the same love and respect you want to show others

Only by detaching can be truly gain control of the mind

Make your mind your friend

You are who you are when no one is watching

The arrogant ego desires respect whereas the humble worker inspires respect

You can only be filled with knowledge and rewarding experiences if you allow yourself to be empty

Don’t take everything personally - it’s usually not about you

‘What belongs to you today, belongs to someone yesterday and will be someone else’s tomorrow.’

You are not your success or your failure

‘There more for me out there.’

Be more specific with your gratitude

Whenever you give out energy, you will always get it back

Too often we love people who don’t love us but we fail to return the love of those who do

‘People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime’ - Jean Dominique Martin

Until you understand yourself, you won’t be ready for love

Everyone can always give more

The highest purpose is to live in service

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