8 Rules of Love

December 12, 2022
Former Vedic monk Shetty follows up Think Like a Monk with a refreshing look at love as a daily practice. Drawing on wisdom from ancient Hindu scripture (the Vedas) and his own life, Shetty sets up love as a conscious effort, rather than a gift that arrives fully formed, and explains it using the four stages of life outlined by the Vedas. “Solitude” allows space for reflection that will aid in bringing self-knowledge to a relationship. This enables a more effective “compatibility” stage, in which partners assess whether their romantic expectations align. “Healing” promotes a deeper understanding of forgiveness, while “connection” captures the “highest expression of love”—namely using it to serve others. Shetty’s intuitive rules (“Win or lose together”; “You don’t break in a breakup”) are insightful and easy to parse, and the abundant exercises reinforce key takeaways, such as identifying one’s “biggest growth area.” Shetty combines spiritual wisdom and down-to-earth guidance in a surprisingly seamless way, making for lessons that have real staying power. Those looking to start or strengthen relationships will find this well worth a look.

February 10, 2023

Instagram influencer, podcaster, and keynote speaker Shetty (Think Like a Monk) is best known for his health and wellness advice in relationships. In his book, he tells readers about how his three years as a monk, studying the Vedas--ancient Hindu scriptures-- helped him understand the stages and processes of intentional love. Shetty draws from the four Vedic ashrams or classrooms: preparing for love; practicing love; protecting love; and perfecting love. He then breaks these down into the eight cumulative rules intended to help people approach love. The author does so in a way that helps readers understand how they need to be loved and how their partner needs to be loved, helping them to unlearn what fairy tales and stereotypes tell us that love should be and how to navigate the imperfections of real love and relationships. VERDICT Shetty's many Instagram fans will be eager to get their hands on this book. Readers who aren't familiar with the author will be drawn in by his experiences and wisdom and his easygoing, relatable approach to love in all of its forms.

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