Book Review - Think Like A Monk

The genre of non-fiction prose has become very popular in the past two decades. If one were to go by a rough estimate twenty first century is an era of non-fiction prose just as twentieth century was an age of fiction and nineteenth century was an age of poetry. Think Like a Monk is a book of non-fiction prose which aims at motivating the readers to lead a life guided by the sermons of the texts which we consider as scriptures. In a world driven by a limitless urge of accumulating wealth, power and prestige the ideas published in the book provide a soothing respite.
The best thing about this book is that it gives practical solutions to the problems of modern life. Jay’s way of explaining and presenting a concept is fascinating. This book is a blend of wisdom from scriptures, other ancient texts and facts drawn from scientific research. The way he uses examples, facts, theories, studies, quotes and researches is astounding. Teachings and wisdom of ancient texts, scriptures, monks are woven together by Jay in this book. This book is a step by step guide on how to use that wisdom from ancient texts and scriptures in present context. Book is written in easy to understand language with Jay's good sense of humor. This book is unputdownable !
“When you give yourself space and stillness, you can clear the dust and see yourself, not through others' eyes, but from within.” Thoughts like this are commonly expressed while talking about the way people have got engaged in their daily chores having little time for reflection. The book reminds them that there is a need to stop for a while and think about them. There are quite a good number of sentences which look like quotable quotes. They sound too good to the ears but often they are not practicable. However, some of these quotes are worth noting : 
 “The four motivations - fear, desire, duty and love.”
 “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so they can see that it's not  the answer”. - Jim Carrey
“Material gratification is external, but happiness is internal”.
To live intentionally, we must dig to the deepest why behind the want. This requires pausing to think not only about why we want something but also who we are or need to be to get it, and whether being that person appeals to us.
These quotes suggest that one should think like a monk if one needs to get rid of many problems of the material world. However, the truth is that it is easy said than done. The practical problems of communal hatred, imperialist and capitalist exploitation, poverty, hunger, unemployment, state oppression, suppression by fundamentalist organizations,  lack of stability and security , pandemic and  its aftermath etc., career development and family matters burden individual and collective consciousness of people in the society today. This book provides sources which we can fall back upon in our time of need.
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Everyday, Jay Shetty, HarperCollins UK, 2020,ISBN - 0008355576, 9780008355579, Pages352,Price-UK £9.99