8 rules of love How to find it, keep it, and let it go

Former Vedic monk Shetty follows up Think Like a Monk with a refreshing look at love as a daily practice. Drawing on wisdom from ancient Hindu scripture (the Vedas) and his own life, Shetty sets up love as a conscious effort, rather than a gift that arrives fully formed, and explains it using the four stages of life outlined by the Vedas. "Solitude" allows space for reflection that will aid in bringing self-knowledge to a relationship. This enables a more effective "compatibility" stage, in which partners assess whether their romantic expectations align. "Healing" promotes a deeper understanding of forgiveness, while "connection" captures the "highest expression of love"--namely using it to serve others. Shetty's intuitive rules ("Win or lose together"; "You don't break in a breakup") are insightful and easy to parse, and the abundant exercises reinforce key takeaways, such as identifying one's "biggest growth area." Shetty combines spiritual wisdom and down-to-earth guidance in a surprisingly seamless way, making for lessons that have real staying power. Those looking to start or strengthen relationships will find this well worth a look. (Jan.)