The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny

The lighthouse in Yogi Raman’s fable symbolizes that the point of life is to live with purpose. Accomplishing goals that help us fulfill our purpose in life “is the secret to kindling the inner fire that lurks within you” (75). Yogi Raman taught Julian about Dharma, which means life’s purpose and comes from the ancient idea that we all have missions to accomplish while on Earth.

Julian explains that cultivating discipline is the key to fulfilling one’s purpose. Writing down one’s goals is important because it focuses the mind on fulfilling one’s purpose and reduces wasted effort. John talks about his passion for art before the legal professional distracted him from this creative outlet, and Julian provides John with the sages’ five-step plan for reaching our objectives and fulfilling our purpose.

First, create a vivid mental picture of the desired outcome. Second, apply helpful pressure on yourself, such as declaring a public promise to fulfill your goal. Third, always attach a timeline for accomplishing the goal. The fourth step is what Yogi Raman calls “the Magic Rule of 21” (87), meaning that creating a habit requires performing a task consistently 21 days in a row. The fifth and final step is to have fun with the process: Live joyfully, stay curious, and be of service to others. The sages emphasize the importance of passion for a fulfilled life, and Julian laments the loss of passion in the way Westerners live their lives.