Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day

by Jay Shetty

There is a Zen story about a young man who is world-weary and dejected. With no plan or prospects, he goes to a monastery, tells the master that he is hoping to find a better path, but he admits that he lacks patience. “Can I find enlightenment without all that meditation and fasting?” he asks. “I don’t think I can handle it. Is there another way?” “Perhaps,” says the master, “But you will need the ability to focus. Are there any skills you’ve developed?” The young man looks down. He hasn’t been inspired by his studies or any particular interests. Finally, he shrugs. “Well, I’m not bad at chess.” The master calls over one of the monk elders and says, “I’d like you and this young man to play a game of chess. Play carefully, because I will cut off the head of the one who loses.” The young man breaks into a sweat. He’s playing for his life! He plays weakly at first, but it soon becomes clear that his opponent’s chess skills are fair at best. If he puts his mind to it, he will surely win. He soon loses himself in concentration and begins to beat the old monk. The master begins to sharpen his sword. Now the young man looks across the table, sees the wise, calm face of the old monk, who in his obedience and detachment has no fear of the death that certainly awaits him. The disillusioned man thinks, I can’t be responsible for this man’s death. His life is worth more than mine. Then the young man’s play changes—he deliberately begins to lose. Without warning, the master flips the ...