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Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives Paperback – April 13, 2006
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An International Bestseller — Rediscover Life’s Larger Meaning and Purpose
The 20th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword and Revisions by Dan Millman.
A book that could change your life: When Dan Millman was a young man, he expected that hard work would eventually bring a life of comfort, wisdom, and happiness. Yet, despite his many successes, he was haunted by the feeling that something was missing. Awakened by dark dreams one night, Dan found himself at a gas station with an old man named Socrates, and his world was changed forever. Guided by this eccentric old warrior, and inspired by a young woman named Joy, Dan began a spiritual odyssey into realms of light and shadow, romance and mystery, toward a final confrontation that would deliver or destroy him.
Inspirational and spiritual saga: This autobiographical novel is one of the most beloved spiritual sagas of our time. For decades, friends and families around the world have shared the book that teaches the way of the peaceful warrior. Life as a peaceful warrior is a life of meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.
Help in these tumultuous times: In this 20th anniversary edition, the author offers an updated afterword for a new generation of readers looking for grounding in tumultuous times. Way of the Peaceful Warrior is the iconic first book from Dan Millman. His other guides to peaceful warrior life include The Life You Were Born to Live and The Hidden School.
If you loved The Heart of the Shaman, The Magic Mala, and The Celestine Prophecy, you’ll be moved by the inspiration and spirituality of Way of the Peaceful Warrior.
- Print length217 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHJ Kramer
- Publication dateApril 13, 2006
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-101932073205
- ISBN-13978-1932073201
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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- “Meditation consists of two simultaneous processes: One is insight — paying attention to what is arising. The other is surrender — letting go of attachment to arising thoughts. This is how you cut free of the mind.”Highlighted by 5,395 Kindle readers
- “Life is not suffering; it’s just that you will suffer it, rather than enjoy it, until you let go of your mind’s attachments and just go for the ride freely, no matter what happens.”Highlighted by 5,350 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
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Editorial Reviews
From the Author
Way of the Peaceful Warrior serves as an introduction to the way, detailed in the numerous books that have followed over the years. Each of these books -- including titles like No Ordinary Moments, The Laws of Spirit, and The Four Purposes of Life -- presents another facet of the peaceful warrior's way -- an approach to living that I teach worldwide.
After my first book was finished, I didn't write another one for ten years -- until the intervention and influence of other mentors and life experiences provoked new writings that followed over the years.
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : HJ Kramer; Revised edition (April 13, 2006)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 217 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1932073205
- ISBN-13 : 978-1932073201
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #14,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #94 in Meditation (Books)
- #125 in Inspirational Spirituality (Books)
- #494 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author
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Most people who've read Way of the Peaceful Warrior (or seen the movie) already know a few aspects of my life. And you may have seen the following bio at my website:
"Dan Millman, a former world champion athlete, gymnastics coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor, is author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior (adapted to film in 2006), and 16 other books read by millions of people in 29 languages. Dan teaches worldwide and has influenced people from all walks of life. The author and his wife, Joy, live in Brooklyn, NY. His most recent work includes The Hidden School, completing the 'peaceful warrior saga,' as well as an audio program, "The Complete Peaceful Warrior's Way," available through Audible.com.
Dan's website - peacefulwarrior.com - features his books, events, online courses, and life purpose guidance.
Personal note:
In my youth I focused on self-improvement, taking memory courses, speed reading; practicing martial arts and gymnastics. Then one day I realized that no matter how much I improved myself, only one person benefited — but if I could influence other people in a positive way, that made my life more meaningful and exciting.
I began teaching gymnastics, and elements from the martial arts — that soon shifted into the larger arena of personal growth. Today my work centers around writing and speaking. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to intersect with many lives around the world.
Joy and I have been married for more than four decades and we continue to grow closer as we gain perspective and cultivate a sense of humor (about ourselves and one another). The years have gifted us with three daughters and four grandchildren.
I believe you'd find me a good (but not perfect) example of what I teach. I continue to practice, to learn, to serve as well as I can. I do my best to keep my head in the clouds but feet on the ground.
For more info about my work, visit www.peacefulwarrior.com — join my eList, follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or just search for peaceful warrior.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and inspirational. They describe the writing style as simple and approachable. Many find the content helpful for cultivating inner peace and relaxation. However, opinions differ on the writing quality, entertainment value, and realism.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and relatable. They appreciate the author's storytelling style and life lessons. The book is described as a good read with an accessible story.
"...then I know I have found a GREAT book worthy of typing up the important points that are in colorful highlighting...." Read more
"this book truly changed my life. i have read it twice now and it has become my bible...." Read more
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a powerful and transformative read that combines storytelling with deep life lessons...." Read more
"...The story is interesting and, as a reader, sometimes you really doubt that all that is mentioned really happened..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and thought-provoking. They say it helps open their minds and provide a different perspective on life. The narrative helps the analytical mind digest information and indirect teachings.
"...you do, so your action is free, spontaneous, without ambition, inhibition or fear. The master dedicates his training to life...." Read more
"this book truly changed my life. i have read it twice now and it has become my bible...." Read more
"...The wisdom shared through the character Socrates is thought-provoking and has stayed with me, prompting me to reflect on my own life and choices." Read more
"I liked the book. It is full of information, and I believe one must take time to actually implement everything that's in the book..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the simple yet thought-provoking style, great messages, and lessons. The book provides insights and guidance, making it accessible for everyone.
"...Sitting serves as a ceremony, a time to practice balance, ease, and divine detachment...." Read more
"...The book is challenging because it actually challenges everything we kmow about what the world is and how it functions...." Read more
"...This book is a super simple and quick read giving the illusion that it isn't filled with wisdom that will resonate with you for years to come...." Read more
"...Decently written, the book's first-person approach and gentle humor keeps this book from being heavy-handed and preach-y. This is a book that's..." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for finding inner peace and relaxation. They say it's an excellent way to become a peaceful warrior. The book keeps them emotionally engaged throughout, helping them understand that love is greater than hatred and bitterness.
"...rest in the present moment, when the body is alert, sensitive, relaxed and the emotions are open and free...." Read more
"...takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and inner peace, weaving spiritual insights into an engaging narrative...." Read more
"...A sincere try from Socrates - a real warrior, sage and probably more than that. I have completed the book in two days, just couldn't stop reading...." Read more
"...read with intention has all that you need to move through life with peace, passion, greatness, and overall happiness...." Read more
Customers have different views on the writing quality. Some find it decently written, with a narrative style that makes it more compelling and comforting. Others feel it's poorly written, amateurish, and poorly edited.
"...Catholic university, the existentialistic, winding manner of the writing was oddly comforting...." Read more
"...If you can look past the poor writing, the messages within are worth the effort." Read more
"...Nothing could be further from the truth. Beautifully written in a way that almost anyone can relate to, the book does an excellent job of opening..." Read more
"..."the way." It is a Zen/ spiritual journey and the writer, writes very well. It is like you are on this "journey" also...." Read more
Customers have differing views on the book's entertainment value. Some find it amusing and fun with gentle humor. Others find it boring, repetitive, and a waste of time. The writing seems basic and repetitive, with discontinuities that interrupt the flow of thought.
"Standard Spoiler Alert Did not like. Did not teach me much...." Read more
"...Decently written, the book's first-person approach and gentle humor keeps this book from being heavy-handed and preach-y. This is a book that's..." Read more
"It is a good book, not excellent or a wonderful read." Read more
"...For me , the remaining 90% was repetitive, poorly written and more suited to grades 3-7 than a critically thinking adult...." Read more
Customers have different views on the realism of the book. Some find it captures concepts and helps them look at life events differently. Others feel it's too magical and metaphysical, with some events being too unbelievable.
"...A sincere try from Socrates - a real warrior, sage and probably more than that. I have completed the book in two days, just couldn't stop reading...." Read more
"...Mind - an illusory reflection of cerebral fidgeting. It is all the random, uncontrolled thoughts that bubble into awareness from the subconscious...." Read more
"...I love the mythical, and set times seemed this way I this book...." Read more
"This novel is loosely based on true events that happened to the author. It demonstrates the principles of Taoism without ever using the word...." Read more
Reviews with images
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A starting point for me
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2012I can always tell when I have found a good book because either I finish the book in 24 hours of reading time OR my hand develops a mind of its own and begins systematically highlighting the important contents of the book.
When I encounter a book that I do BOTH . . . then I know I have found a GREAT book worthy of typing up the important points that are in colorful highlighting. Since I see most people are giving positive reviews and I'm one to read the 5 and 1 star reviews to assist in making my choices, I have decided to paste the points that I highlighted in the book and those of you who find the information interesting and would like to read it in full context can buy the book.
Terms and Reminders from "Way of the Peaceful Warrior"
Body Wisdom - Everything you'll ever need to know is within you; the secrets of the universe are imprinted on the cells of your body.
Understanding - the one-dimensional comprehension of the intellect. It leads to knowledge.
Realization - the three-dimensional, simultaneous comprehension of head, heart and instinct; comes from direct experience.
Life requires more than knowledge; it requires intense feeling and constant energy. Life demand right action if knowledge is to come alive.
You have to cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant beliefs and open your heart to loving-kindness.
The best performers have the quietest minds during their moment of truth.
Dis-illusion - is literally a `freeing from illusion'.
In your habitual quest for achievement and entertainment, you avoid the fundamental source of your suffering.
Your mind is your predicament. It wants to be free change, free of pain, free of the obligations of life and death. But change is a law, and no amount of pretending will alter that reality.
Life is not suffering; it's just that you will suffer it, rather than enjoy it, until you let go of your mind's attachments and just go for the ride freely, no matter what happens.
Brain - directs the body, stores information and plays with that information. The brain's abstract processes are `the intellect'.
Brain and Mind are not the same. The brain is real, the mind is not.
Mind - an illusory reflection of cerebral fidgeting. It is all the random, uncontrolled thoughts that bubble into awareness from the subconscious. An obstruction; an aggravation; a kind of an evolutionary mistake in the human being; a primal weakness in the human experiment. I have no use for the mind.
Consciousness is not mind; awareness is not mind; attention is not mind.
When you can't stop thinking of that math problem or phone number, or when troubling thoughts and memories arise without your intent, it's not your brain working, but your mind wandering.
Your mind - not other people or your surroundings - is the source of your moods.
Observing how you become angry when you notice that another is not the least bit upset.
Stressful thoughts reflect a conflict with reality. Stress happens when the mind resists what is.
The thoughts that assail you are actually created by you.
Stop taking yourself so seriously.
When you are in trouble, let go of your thoughts to see through your mind.
Silence is the warrior's art - and meditation is his sword.
The highest purpose of the human body is to become a clear channel for this light - so that its brightness can dissolve all obstructions, all knots, all resistance.
Attention - the intentional channeling of awareness.
Real Meditation - to expand awareness; to direct attention; to ultimately surrender to the light of consciousness.
Meditation consists of two simultaneous processes:
1. Insight - paying attention to what is arising.
2. Surrender - letting go of attachment to arising thoughts.
This is how you cut free of the mind.
Relax and stop acting so serious! (Do you see a pattern here?)
You still believe that you are your thoughts and defend them as if they were treasures. Your stubborn illusions are a sinking ship. Let them go while there's still time.
Consciousness is not in the body; the body is in Consciousness. You are that Consciousness.
Body - is Consciousness; never born; never dies; only changes.
Mind - your ego, personal beliefs, history and identity - is all that ends at death.
Sitting meditation is the beginner's practice. Eventually, you will learn to meditate in every action. Sitting serves as a ceremony, a time to practice balance, ease, and divine detachment. Master the ritual before you expand the same insight and surrender fully into daily life.
Emotions are not the problem. The key is to transform the energy of emotion into constructive action.
Food:
First, give your complete attention to what you are making.
Second, love is one of the primary ingredients in everything you make.
Purifying, regenerative practices are essential.
You'll need to refine every human function - moving, sleeping, breathing, thinking, feeling - and eating. Of all the human activities, eating is one of the most important to stabilize first.
That means your good habits must become so strong that they dissolve those which are not useful.
Eat only what is wholesome and eat only as much as you need.
The pleasure from eating is more than the taste of the food and the feeling of a full belly. Learn to enjoy the entire process - the hunger beforehand, the careful preparation, setting an attractive table, chewing, breathing, smelling, tasting, swallowing, and the feeling of lightness and energy after the meal. When you pay attention to all elements of the process, you'll begin to appreciate simple meals.
Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, refined flour and meat as well as coffee, alcohol, tobacco, or any other drugs.
Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Breakfast: fresh fruit meal with occasional yogurt.
Lunch: your main meal should be a raw salad, baked or steamed potato and wholegrain bread or cooked grains.
Dinner: should be a raw salad and, on occasion, lightly steamed vegetables. Make good use of raw, unsalted seeds and nuts at every meal.
Find your thrills in fresh air, fresh food, fresh water, fresh awareness and sunshine.
Let feelings flow; then let them go.
Any unconscious, compulsive ritual is a problem. But specific activities are both bad and good; every action has its price, and its pleasures. Recognize both sides; then you can make the warrior's free and conscious choice - to do or not to do. Responsibility means recognizing both pleasure and price, action and consequence, then making a choice.
My actions are conscious, spontaneous, intentional and complete.
There are no ordinary moments! Treat every moment as special, worthy of your full attention.
Satori - a Zen concept; occurs when attention rest in the present moment, when the body is alert, sensitive, relaxed and the emotions are open and free.
Your task is to expand this clarity into your daily life. Satori must become your everyday reality. Satori is your key to the gate.
Meditating an action is different from doing it. To do, there is a doer, a self-conscious `someone' performing. When you meditate an action, you've already released attachment to the outcomes. There's no `you' left to do it. You become what you do, so your action is free, spontaneous, without ambition, inhibition or fear.
The master dedicates his training to life.
House Rules reveal that you can control your efforts, not outcomes. Do your best; let God handle the rest.
The birth of the mind is the death of the senses.
Jesus of Nazareth once said you must become like a little child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
The dry concepts of the mind obscure your direct perception.
You have to `lose your mind' before you can come to your senses.
There are two ways to be rich:
1) You earn, inherit, borrow, beg or steal enough money to meet all your desires; or
2) You cultivate a simple lifestyle of few desires; that way you always have enough money.
A peaceful warrior has the insight and discipline to choose the simple way - to know the difference between needs and wants.
The secret of happiness is found in developing the capacity to enjoy less.
There is the way of the peaceful warrior and the way to the peaceful warrior. As long as you tread the way, you are a warrior. The way is now; it always has been.
A fool is `happy' when his cravings are satisfied. A warrior is happy without reason. That's what makes happiness the ultimate discipline. Happiness is not just something you feel - it is who you are. Sometimes sorrow, sometimes joy. But beneath it all, remember the innate perfection of your life unfolding. That is the secret of unreasonable happiness.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025this book truly changed my life. i have read it twice now and it has become my bible. i feel happier and more grateful for every moment that i am alive. thanks dan
- Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a powerful and transformative read that combines storytelling with deep life lessons. Dan Millman takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and inner peace, weaving spiritual insights into an engaging narrative. The wisdom shared through the character Socrates is thought-provoking and has stayed with me, prompting me to reflect on my own life and choices.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2016I liked the book. It is full of information, and I believe one must take time to actually implement everything that's in the book (for example, fasting for 6 days). It is hard however to believe that everything written in the book did actually happen (such as the mountain starting to have a soft glow in the distance, plus the author's experiencing death towards the end of the book, but still continuing to live).
The book is challenging because it actually challenges everything we kmow about what the world is and how it functions. The story is interesting and, as a reader, sometimes you really doubt that all that is mentioned really happened (the mentor jumping to the roof of the gas station ?).
I was a little disappointed, because I read the book and I don't feel that it changed my life in any way. If you don't have the chance of meeting a mentor as the author had, then it is unlikely that your life will change.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024I’ve been reading more about Buddhism and spirituality lately and this book turns a lots of what I’ve read into a story format. Great book!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2016I am always on the prowl for books with a self-help theme and a philosophical approach. Most of the time these are non-fiction books; however, sometimes they can also be a fiction story, which is exactly what this book (Way of the peaceful warrior: a book that changes lives by Dan Millman) is all about. Surprisingly, this esoteric book turned out to be a unique approach to living a full and meaningful life.
The author (Dan Millman) relates a personal mystical experience and a meeting with a man who Dan calls Socrates or Soc for short. Dan is in college at the time and is also world champion gymnast athlete and one night when he could not sleep he wound up at a small all-night gas station. This is where he meets a man working the night shift who becomes his philosophical and spiritual mentor.
The unique and original approaches to learning about what is really important in life are the lessons Dan is taught in sometimes subtle and unusual ways. The numerous conversations and feedback between Dan and Socrates makes this 217 page soft cover an interesting read. I had heard about this book some time ago but did not read it until recently. There also was a movie made based upon this book.
This book is organized into three books. Book one covers “the winds of change.” Book two is about “the warrior’s training.” The final book (3) is about the final search and the gate opens. There is also information about the movie being made from the book.
Even though I enjoyed reading this book I have some disagreements with some of the esoteric approaches in this book; nevertheless, I felt it was good enough to give 5 stars.
Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Zen Poetry Moments: Haiku and Senryu for special occasions).
Top reviews from other countries
- VirajReviewed in Canada on September 25, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Best read!
Amazing book. Watched movie first and book after. Worth reading and applying to real life.
- Cliente KindleReviewed in Brazil on June 29, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Be careful - it's not for everyone
It's a book about lifestyle. It's much more about transcendence. It took 3 years to finish this book, but I feel that if I had finished it 2 years ago I would rate this as perfect, but it's not. It's just more one illusion.
-
RaúlReviewed in Mexico on January 25, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro que cambia vidas
Este libro marcó un antes y un después en mi vida por las grandes enseñanzas que comparte. Una explicación muy buena sobre cómo aprender a vivir el ahora.
- Tneal CooperReviewed in Spain on November 8, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
I needed to read the book after watching the movie and I’m loving it! Can’t wait to learn a lot and change my life.
- OdReviewed in France on September 30, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Top
So interesting book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime, sooner might be better ;). It's planting the seeds to new ways of thinking and seeing the world/life differently