Robin Sharma born in 1965 is an expert on leadership and personality development. In his fabulous and inspiring story “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” he provides a step by step approach to life with greater balance,happiness,courage and strength. The difference in the way Sharma has put things makes the book very interesting and very simple to read.

The book has been divided into eleven chapters and the flow in the book is natural.It keeps one hooked till the very end and the pleasant feeling lingering in the mind is something wonderful. The story tells about Julian Mantle a very high profile lawyer who had all the goodies in his life and how a massive heart attack brings him back down to earth and connect to his mortality.

The story is told from the perspective of his friend John who adored him and wanted to be like him in all perspectives. Julian decided to give up his law practice and heads to India where his restless soul was pacified and he was transformed into a smiling youthful personality with abundant vitality. He relates his experience with the great Indian Yogi Raman who in turn reveals the techniques of mastering one’s mind.

One quotation which deeply influenced me was

“When your mind is inspired by some great purpose it transcends all limitations and your consciousness expands in all directions. Dormant forces become alive and you discover yourself in a new great wonderful world that you dreamed yourself to be”.

His five step method to make desires come true is very practical;

Step 1 : Having a clear vision of outcome

Step 2 : Create positive pressure to keep oneself inspired.

Step 3 : Never set a goal without attaching a deadline.

Step 4 : Follow a new habit religiously for 21 days makes it a permanent habit.

Step 5 : Enjoy the whole process with a passion that fuels your dreams.

Julian explains the fundamental truth that the only limits in life are that we set ourselves.John explains to Julian how he in his fast moving life was unable to find time for himself. Julian reciprocates with a simple example of a fast moving car not stopping  for fuel or conditioning. At last lack of fuel or un-serviced parts catches up with the car and it breaks down. Life is like the same car where we have to take our pit-stops of meditation,exercise and good food to reclaim the engine of our body.This he brings out in his ten rituals of radiant living:

Ritual 1: Solitude – Daily mandatory silent period for half to one hour.

Ritual 2: Physicality – Daily mandatory physical exercise period for half to one hour .

Ritual 3: Live Nourishment – Eating vegetables and avoiding red meat ,junk food.

Ritual 4: Abundant Knowledge – Life long learning.

Ritual 5: Personal Reflection- Take some time for daily introspection of the day’s acts.

Ritual 6: Early Awakening – Wake up daily at 5.

Ritual 7: Music – Listen to good music when you are down and out.

Ritual 8: Spoken word – Daily utter some mantras to free the mind. Man-mind,tra-free.

Ritual 9: Congruent Character – Daily incremental action to build your character.

Ritual 10: Simplicity – Do not complicate. Focus on priorities.

Julian then emphasizes on discipline which can be attained by consistently performing small acts of courage and then tells John that by the time most people figure out what they really want and how to go about it it’s too late stressing the importance of time.

It summarizes with the words

The quality of your life will come down to the quality of your contribution.

Overall a book of wisdom to all those who are in the rat-race for money,power and prestige.

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