Work Like A Monk: How to Connect, Lead and Grow in a Noisy World

by Shoukei Matsumoto

An engaging exploration of what makes work meaningful, by a popular Buddhist monk and cultural commentator
 
In our hectic days filled with long hours, endless emails, and tedious virtual meetings, it’s hard to stay connected to the higher purpose of work – to see past the grind and embrace what we’re really trying to achieve.
 
In this engaging and illuminating book, Japanese Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto offers a fresh take on what it means to find satisfaction at work. Presented in the form of an imagined conversation between a businessperson and a temple priest, this far-ranging exploration covers everything from embracing simplicity and communicating with clarity to insights on avoiding burnout and the importance of daily rituals. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient wisdom and contemporary ideas – all thoughtfully presented in the context of modern daily life.
 
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this meaningful guide offers a fresh perspective, and more intentional way forward.

Genres: Buddhism

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[Pressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a sweet and gentle topic, but too repetitive and simple (yes! even for the subject at hand!).
Perhaps simply not the right book for me.

[Gideon Yutzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insights for staying centered and also for seeing ourselves as part of the larger labyrinth of our world. It also dovetails nicely with my recent interest in the idea of religion as a means of reframing reality (rightbrained knowing). Listening, sitting, and uttering chants are all things he promotes. Also the intriguing idea that in some languages there has been a verb form that is between passive and active. Unfortunately, it did little to assuage some of the stereotypes about Buddhism, in that it is presented as slightly anodyne and almost too inoffensive, if that makes sense, and there is no mention of transcendent reality. Intriguing discussion of chants and something that those of us from a non-Buddhist background could experiment with and implement.