The Buddhist Cleanse: The 1-Day Spiritual Detox

by Nick Keomahavong

"Detox Your Life Like a Monk in 24 Hours"As a Buddhist monk and psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, Nick Keomahavong has packaged ancient wisdom into a simple, relatable, and—above all—practical guide to shift your life in 24 hours. Whether you are looking to deepen your existing spiritual practice, break out of the monotony of a stale, daily routine, or undergo a full-on life-reset, the Buddhist Cleanse will help you instigate the change you seek. Flush your old patterns. Slow down for 24 hours. Discover balance. Make space for the life you want to live but can’t find time for. Based on a Buddhist framework that remains as relevant and effective today as it was when it was first practiced 2,500+ years ago, the 1-Day Spiritual Detox will walk you through the steps to jumpstart the process of change in your life. But don't take our word for it, come try it and see for yourself.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality, Buddhism, Self Help, Nonfiction

106 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2021

Reviews

[Thurm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I occasionally watch Nick's YouTube videos, and received his book as a gift this year. I find his journey from California-based psychotherapist to Buddhist monk living in Thailand to be quite interesting. I thought this book might be a bit gimmicky (1-Day detox sounds way too good to be true), but I was actually quite impressed with how intense some of the items here are. I think that this could probably (and may have been) adapted into a 20 minute video instead of a book, but it is good information nonetheless. Definitely in need of some editing, however. A few grammatical and punctuation errors that were distracting. I think that, come warmer weather, I will give this detox a try.

[Emma Willems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het is meer een soort handleiding dan echt een boek. Je kunt in een dag zowel het boek lezen als beoefenen. De hoofdwaarden van Boeddhistische monniken worden goed toegelicht en ook wordt benoemd dat je dit niet elke dag ook hoeft te beoefenen, maar juist wat het voordeel is van eens in de zoveel tijd met de waarden te leven. Het boek had wel iets uitgebreider mogen zijn.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the structure of a one day reset. I had mental clarity and a super productive day. I will be doing these regularly in the future.

[Charlotte Nesbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible book for new Buddhists. It covers a lot of ground without overly theorising the buddhist way, which I appreciated when I was beginning to learn.

[Caerol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to start the new year right. I’ve been watching the author on his YouTube channel and wanted to learn more about buddhism and meditation. His morning and evening routine has guided me to make my own routine that is aligned with my work schedule and routine.

If you haven’t watched his videos about buddhism, minimalism, and, simple living you might think that the detox challenge is a bit too much.

For an all-or-nothing person like me, doing a 24-hour detox would be the best choice. The book is a quick read and easy to understand. The ideas are simple but not easy.

I had a hard time not singing at my place. When I’m not listening to music, I like to sing though I’m not good at it.

I successfully finished the 24-hour detox. And would like to cut back on the hours in workdays.

The list of the activities that I could do in the book makes me productive. I was able to read more. Finish my tax (to be filled in 3rd week of February), plan for vacation in April and so much more.

I bought the paperback version and I’m glad I did. Next is his book about meditation. I’m thinking of buying the paperback version or ebook. I don’t want to accumulate more physical book but love flipping through the pages and rereading whenever I please.

Read it. That is if you have the desire to change. To have more control of your time, energy, and attention.

[Artur Jegesi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple overview to changing up your lifestyle for a day with 8 Buddhist Monk principles.

3 most impactful ideas from this book:

1. Killing any living being, no matter how small clouds your mind and the essence of your consciousness. This is a subtle effect that I believe takes place in the subconscious mind. This book and other Buddhist teaching drew my attention to this idea and I thoroughly resonated with it.

2. Not eating in the afternoon is a powerful technique to clear the mind and give the body time to recover without the pressure to digest. Also improves sleep.

3. Similarly to killing living beings, being dishonest and speaking foul language subconsciously clouds the purity of the mind.

[Mert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in one of the hostels I stayed in Laos. I have been following the first five precepts (protective shields) for a year but still had some doubts about interpreting some of them. Was pirating e-books for my Kindle stealing? Did Ayahuascha count as an intoxicant? I don't imagine that the whole Buddhist community has a consensus on exactly how to interpret the precepts. However, the fact that this book appeared out of nowhere while I was haunted by questions about the precepts helped me gain clarity on the application of some of the insights.

My gratitude to the writer and every being who contributed to the conditions so that I got to read this book. May this review contribute to the benefit of some other being.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are new to Buddhism this book is probably quite interesting, but it’s pretty basic in its teachings. And yes I know the best things come out of simplicity, but I was expecting a cleanse to go a bit deeper. As an example, it talks about refraining from meat and alcohol for the day. Well, I already don’t consume those and anyone who has done even a preliminary amount of research into Buddhism would know these core concepts.

So in summary, it might be ok as a starter guide but wasn’t right for me.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro demasiado breve y conciso. Definitivamente no esperaba que estuviera orientado al tema que trata pero algo que me gusta mucho de Nick es que es totalmente empático con las personas que no practicamos el budismo como religión y explica cómo podemos adaptar prácticas diarias para lograr un mejor resultado y eso sin duda hace que el libro sea muy fácil de leer. Estoy muy emocionada por probar el 1-Day-Detox y conocer más de estas maravillosas prácticas.

[Blaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsuccessful first attempt today. Killed a fair few mosquitos and ants. They were disrupting my peace whilst meditating.

Basically the concepts mirror 8 precepts of Buddhism but are recognised as the protective shields.

I will have to re-evaluate my view after future attempts, but I find it hard to believe in the success of a detox for one day. It’s a stepping stone I suppose.

Gtg meditate :)

[Jojo Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's very interesting to hear how buddhism can really be applied to society for healing others and ourselves. Eastern philosophy shared by Nick has helped me find myself again. The book is inexpensive and highly readable.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro to sīla for beginners and non-buddhists.

[Elin :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was an easy step into the world of buddhist ways and beliefs & i might actually try a spiritual detox like this when i’m ready for it :)