Work Like a Monk: A Buddhist Guide to Embracing What Matters

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 Western businessperson and a temple priest, this far-ranging exploration covers everything from embracing simplicity and communicating with clarity to the importance of daily rituals, insights on avoiding burnout, and even what it means to be a good ancestor. 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.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Henry]

Siddhartha Gautama would be an awesome PM

[Ags · Rating 3 out of 5]

Educational, disjointed read in a kind little bookie.

I especially appreciated Matsumoto's reflections on greetings as an intentional way to start shared time together, samu (even if I'm probably not going to be cleaning anything anytime soon), sudden vs gradual awakenings (which is a cool broader commentary on philosophy vs. religion, across religions), the middle way in leadership, sorrowful empathy (oh, how sorrowful enlarges the heart!), and small desires vs. great aspirations. Per usual, Buddhism's emphasis on interbeing and mindful listening is inspiring and so life-giving.

The flow of this often didn't make sense to me, and the advice for corporate life/business leadership came in what felt like random, not quite connected spurts. This includes some very light (and I thought, confusing) background on different kinds of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, Nen), which has inspired me to learn more. I especially enjoyed being introduced to Peoples' Buddhism, Nen Buddhism, and the intention/hope of "We become Buddha."

Glad I read!! Read in the library in one sitting, my favorite place/way to read lil bookies.

[Kaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Clean. Better yet, clean with co-workers. Enjoy different seasons of life. Embrace imperfections and frustrations in life and at work. Practice mindfulness.

There were other lessons in there as well. I really enjoyed this book as a reminder of things we should do, stemming from various forms of Buddhism.

[Chan Britton · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best part of this book was the afterward where I finally understood what was going on. I didn't resonate this book and found this to be super circular and not at all profound or meaningful. I would say 30 percent of the book was related to the title, the rest seemed like a convincing to become a Buddhist.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work Like a Monk: A Buddhist Guide to Embracing What Matters by Shoukei Matsumoto. A slow start, but it really grew on me. I found its style somewhat akin to Plato's Socratic dialogues, and I suspect it will reveal even more depth and understanding on subsequent readings.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice and quiet little peaceful read ; ]

[Desten Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book