The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

The monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma is the story of Julian Mantle, a superstar lawyer whose fast and out-of-balance lifestyle leads him to an almost fatal heart attack in the middle of a courtroom. His physical collapse leaves him with two choices:

1. Recover and continue to live a fast and unhealthy life, fueled by material desires or

2. Confront his spiritual crisis and seek answers to life's most important questions.

Julian chooses the latter and his quest for finding happiness and fulfilment leads him to an extraordinary odyssey to an ancient culture, deep in the mountains of the Himalayas. Here he discovers a powerful system to release the potential of the mind, body and soul and learns how to live with greater passion, purpose and peace.

The book gives timeless methods in which we can all find peace, happiness and fulfillment. Many of our lives mirror that of the main character in the book, Julian. We lead such 'fast' lives and have no time to savour the important things in life - family, friends, our hobbies, dreams and just as importantly, ourselves.

How many of us are consumed with hunger? Hunger for more prestige, more glory and more money? We live in a work centred world where material gains are an illusory version of success. Our desires will never be satisfied but instead will blaze like adding fuel to a fire.

The book vividly describes the lack of fulfillment that Julian goes through despite his abundant wealth and beautifully explains the solution to his predicament, his 'personal odyssey of the self.' To aid him in his quest for fulfilment, Julian was taught by the ancient great Sages of Sivana. They taught him many techniques which if applied on a daily basis will bring great joy to our lives.

The Sages taught him countless methods, I will not discuss them all but if we try to implement the following in our lives then we will be able to lead a more fulfilling life and find our purpose in and really appreciate the smaller things in life:

1. Try doing yogasanas, pranayama and meditation every morning

2. Ensure you carry out one of your hobbies on a daily basis. E.g. drawing, painting, play football etc...

3. Read for at least 30 minutes everyday but not just any book; read one which will add value to your life and challenges you intellectually

4. Take daily walks

5. Spend time with nature, even if it's just sitting in the garden or gazing at the stars

6. Use mantras, meaning 'freeing the mind' and positive thinking to your advantage - if you're ever feeling low, constantly repeat to yourself, 'I am strong, I am confident, I am able.' Never under estimate the power of words and positive thoughts

7. Reflection - spend 10 minutes analysing your day. Note down all the good things you did in the day and all the bad things in the day. Also write down any negative thoughts you had during this time also. By doing this, we are aware of our actions and thoughts and can actively go out to improve ourselves.

The monk who sold his Ferrari is a beautifully written book which gives us countless guidance on how to improve ourselves, advance spiritually and live a life of purpose and happiness.