A spiritual journey from monkhood to self-help stardom challenged by controversies.
Jay Shetty is a British motivational speaker, storyteller, podcaster, and former monk whose work has gained substantial recognition and following around the globe. Born on September 6, 1987, in London, England, Shetty’s insights into personal development, mindfulness, and purpose have touched millions of lives through various platforms including social media, his podcast “On Purpose,” and his bestselling book “Think Like a Monk.”
Early Life and Education
Jay Shetty grew up in a British-Indian family in London. His early life was marked by the typical challenges and experiences of a second-generation immigrant navigating a multicultural environment. He excelled academically and attended Queen Mary University of London, where he studied Behavioral Science. It was during his time in college that Shetty’s path took an unexpected turn. After attending a lecture by a monk, he became deeply interested in spirituality and the monastic lifestyle, which eventually led him to travel to India after graduating to live as a Vedic monk.
Shetty claims to have spent three years living as a monk across India and Europe. During this period, he says he dedicated his life to meditation, self-discipline, and service, rising at 4 a.m., practicing meditation for hours, and helping build sustainable communities.
Career as a Motivational Speaker and Author
After leaving the monastery, Jay Shetty moved back to London, facing the challenge of reintegrating into society and finding his career path. He eventually decided to share the lessons he learned as a monk with a wider audience. Utilizing social media, Shetty began creating videos and content focused on mindfulness, motivation, and wisdom distilled from his monastic life. His content quickly went viral, leading to millions of followers across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Shetty’s approach combines ancient wisdom with practical insights applicable to modern life challenges, making spirituality and self-improvement accessible to a broad audience. His storytelling ability, accentuated by his calm demeanor and clear communication, has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader on topics such as mental health, relationships, and purpose.
In 2019, Jay Shetty published “Think Like a Monk,” where he shares his insights on how to overcome negative thoughts, access the hidden power of purpose, and live a more peaceful and meaningful life. Shetty also hosts the “On Purpose” podcast, where he interviews thought leaders, celebrities, and health and wellness experts. The podcast has become one of the most successful in its category, with millions of downloads and a wide range of topics covering personal growth, success, and well-being. He has also been involved in numerous charitable initiatives and campaigns focused on mental health, education, and poverty alleviation.
While Jay Shetty has amassed a large following, much of his work has also drawn criticism. Some critics have accused him of plagiarism, alleging that he has appropriated wisdom and quotes from ancient texts and other thinkers without proper attribution, thereby not giving credit where it is due. This controversy gained traction on social media platforms, where users and observers have pointed out similarities between Shetty’s content and pre-existing works. Furthermore, there have been debates about the authenticity of his experiences and the depth of his understanding of the complex traditions he draws from. Critics argue that his simplified presentations of complex spiritual concepts might contribute to a superficial understanding of deep and nuanced philosophies. Allegations have also emerged challenging the authenticity of his monkhood journey, suggesting that much of his spiritual education occurred not in India, as often claimed, but in Watford, near London, within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which he rarely acknowledges publicly, possibly due to ISKCON’s controversial history. Furthermore, his life-coaching business, the Jay Shetty Certification School, has faced criticism for its high tuition fees, questionable accreditation claims, and the lack of clear benefits for its graduates.
Shetty has responded to some of these criticisms by emphasizing his intent to make wisdom accessible and to inspire positive change, rather than claim originality of ancient wisdom. Despite these controversies, his work continues to resonate with a vast audience seeking guidance and inspiration for personal growth and mindfulness.
image via Wikimedia Commons
