The Buddha and the Badass Book Summary - The Buddha and the Badass Book explained in key points
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The Buddha and the Badass summary

Vishen Lakhiani

The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work

4.4 (426 ratings)
29 mins

Brief summary

The Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani is a personal development book that combines ancient teachings with modern techniques to help readers transform their lives and businesses.

Table of Contents

    The Buddha and the Badass
    Summary of 9 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 9

    Knowing your foundational values brings clear direction and meaning.

    Most of us know that every person has a unique fingerprint. Well, the author suggests that we also have unique soulprints.

    While fingerprints form before we’re born, soulprints are created by our early life experiences. Everything we go through, the good, the bad, and the ugly, leaves an impression. The result of this soulprint is a set of foundational values that guide decisions and behavior, mostly on an unconscious level. Becoming aware of these foundational values is the first step to connecting to our inner selves and unlocking the Buddha.

    The key message here is: Knowing your foundational values brings clear direction and meaning.

    Foundational values are instilled during childhood and adolescence. They remain quite stable throughout adulthood as well, changing only in the wake of life-altering experiences such as trauma. Think of these values like a constitution, amended only rarely and for critically important reasons.

    Once we’re aware of our foundational values, we can connect with what we truly desire and need. This makes it easier to know what impact we want to have on the world, as well as the actions and roles that will resonate with us. If we don’t know what our foundational values are, we might end up pursuing a career that makes us miserable.

    So the question is: How do you uncover your foundational values?

    The author recommends an origin story exercise. This involves careful reflection on your life to identify important experiences. Such events deeply inform your values because you never want to forget them – or hope never to go through them again. And this influences your future behavior.

    Having singled out these experiences, the next step is to write them out in as much detail as possible. This should include what happened, who was present, and how you felt. Finally, think about what lessons and beliefs emerged from each experience, and what values they represent. For example, when the author reflected on encountering bullying and racism, he realized that these moments had instilled the values of compassion and diversity in him.

    Once you’re conscious of your foundational values, you can use them to inform your decisions, the goals you set, and the projects you take on.

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    What is The Buddha and the Badass about?

    The Buddha and the Badass (2020) breaks down how to master work and life by drawing on a deep awareness of self and learning how to make an impact. These blinks provide practical steps for bringing real meaning to your work, accomplishing bold missions alongside others, and designing and living your ideal life.

    The Buddha and the Badass Review

    The Buddha and the Badass (2020) by Vishen Lakhiani explores the concept of merging spirituality and work to create a fulfilling and successful career. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a fresh perspective on integrating personal growth and professional achievement, providing practical strategies to combine passion and purpose.
    • Through compelling case studies and personal stories, the book demonstrates how embracing spirituality can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and fulfillment in the workplace.
    • With its engaging writing style and thought-provoking ideas, the book manages to make the topic of spirituality in business intriguing and relevant.

    Best quote from The Buddha and the Badass

    You dont have to save the world. Just dont mess it up for the next generation.

    —Vishen Lakhiani
    example alt text

    Who should read The Buddha and the Badass?

    • People who want their work to have meaning and impact
    • Leaders who want to inspire their teams
    • Anyone who wants to transform their personal and professional life

    About the Author

    Vishen Lakhiani is an author, speaker, and the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, an award-winning personal growth platform with over two million students. He’s also the brain behind A-Fest, an annual event that brings together thousands of people from around the world to learn from leading experts, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and more. Lakhiani’s first book, The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, is a New York Times best seller.

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    The Buddha and the Badass FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Buddha and the Badass?

    The main message of The Buddha and the Badass is that we can combine spirituality and work to create a more fulfilling and successful life.

    How long does it take to read The Buddha and the Badass?

    The reading time for The Buddha and the Badass varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Buddha and the Badass a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Buddha and the Badass is worth reading because it provides practical guidance on finding purpose and success, blending spirituality and work.

    Who is the author of The Buddha and the Badass?

    Vishen Lakhiani is the author of The Buddha and the Badass.

    What to read after The Buddha and the Badass?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Buddha and the Badass, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza
    • The Best Place to Work by Ron Friedman
    • Long-Term Thinking for a Short-Sighted World by Jim Brumm
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