“Ragunath’s transformation shows how one person’s choice to evolve can change the lives of so
many. This book is real funny and inspirational.” —Jay Shetty The heartfelt memoir of Ray
Raghunath Cappo a legendary hardcore punk musician-turned-monk—and pioneer of the
straight-edge movement—told with warmth candor and humor. Ray Cappo was a hardcore punk
singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement living on the Lower East Side of New York City
in the ’80s where his band Youth of Today played to packed clubs and touched thousands of
people across the globe. But despite the accolades from fans the popularity of his records
and the positivity he’d brought to the punk music scene none of this success gave Ray joy. He
felt stagnant and he yearned for something more. This along with his father’s untimely
death led him to abruptly quit the band and buy a one-way ticket to India in pursuit of the
answers to life’s great mysteries. Living as a monk in the sacred city of Vrindavan and
traveling across the country on a series of train trips Ray embraced the rich spiritual
culture he discovered there. As his unusual adventure unfolded he encountered extraordinary
characters witnessed deep acts of devotion and experienced profound moments of divine
connection leading to a radical transformation that was ego-crushing and blissful all at once.
Inspired to write music again Ray returned to the US where he and other monks founded Shelter
a band dedicated to spreading a message of faith hope and love. Told with warmth candor
and humor—and featuring a foreword by globally renowned musician Moby—this heartfelt memoir
chronicles Ray’s emotional and spiritual journey from punk to monk and beyond.
