
From Punk to Monk
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Ray Raghunath Cappo
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, narrated by the author himself.
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, this heartfelt memoir chronicles Ray’s emotional and spiritual journey from punk to monk and beyond.
HISTORICAL: Offers a unique glimpse into the punk and hardcore scene of the Lower East Side during the 80s and the birth of the straight-edge movement.
SPIRITUAL: Asks (and answers) deep questions about our relationship to the world around us and the living beings that populate it.
PERSONAL: Chronicles Ray’s spiritual journey in his own words, with warmth, candor, and humor.
©2024 Mandala Publishing (P)2024 Mandala PublishingListeners also enjoyed...




















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Whether you are familiar with Raghunath or not, you will find his journey to be both captivating and insightful.
But as a huge fan of Wisdom of the Sages myself, this was just absolutely delightful.
Thank you, and Hare Krishna <3
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
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Super inspired
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This is the story of a 80s punk rock kid who found his way to straight edge, vegetarianism and fame. Then gave it all up to go to India, find Krishna, live life as a monk and then come back, not only to the harsh realities of the “real world” but also the fickle world of the music industry. He shares his triumphs and failures, successes and humiliations with a raw honesty that one doesn’t always find among spiritual autobiographies. But the most beautiful part of the story was seeing how Krishna kept him safe, protected and on track even when the cold, callous, material world came calling. Do not skip out on this book.
I am forever grateful for this man’s words and bravery not to mention his music. Shelter changed my life.
When you are done with the book and ready for more check out his amazing podcast Wisdom Of the Sages. Here you will find him and Kaustubha bringing with beautiful teachings of Krishna to life in a practical sense that makes this the most beautiful spiritual practice to be a part of.
I am already excited for the next book he is still writing.
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