The
Way of the Peaceful Warrior
by Dan Millman
210 pages
Published by H J Kramer
Publication date: October 1, 1985
ISBN: 0915811006
Reviews:
Anna, September 9, 2001, Very Inspireing
I'm only 13 years old and this book has really put in perspective what is important in life, and how you act your everyday self. To me there will never be as inspiring book as this one, so I suggest you get a copy and read it! If not you're definately missing out!
A peaceful warrior, 6/13/99 Truly Inspirational. I've now worked it out
Without a doubt the best book I have read.
Kathy Gibbas , 10/16/98
A book that clearly defines what equal rights are. A book for all races and all religions.
Tomas from Harnosand, Sweden ,
04/08/98, Straightened up my way of living...
This is a guide-book in one of all ways to live your life and feel
good about it. After I read it, it didn't take long before I started
to enjoy every moment in life in a way I hadn't before. I didn't at
once realize that it was my way of seing things that made me feel
better. I thougt it was my new job or my wonderful girlfriend or our
new house we'd just moved into...but it wasn't! Later it hit me that
these kind of changings wasn't new to me. I'd been through bigger and
more powerful things before without feeling any better. It was my way
of SEING my life as an "All Time Happening" with no moment like the
moment before. Sometimes I feel afraid of what is going to happen if
I lose my way of "seing", my "strength", my way to guide myself
through hard moments in my daily life, but for each time I get this
worried it takes less time to get my personal "strength" back. If
anyone would have told me 10 years ago that I, with all my heart and
with love all around, should be leading projects and managing complex
computer-networks I hadn't believed them...but my way of taking care
of "The everyday enlightments" ...I don't know what to say...it
really works, thats all! Sometimes I'd like to send my thanks to Soc,
Mama Chia and Dan(the character) but I know that it is not important.
What's important is to share this wonderful way of seeing to others,
so they can start to live their life in their own way. I mean, this
is not a school of how to live. It's a school of: HOW TO FIND YOUR
OWN WAY OF TAKING CARE OF EVERY MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE, EVERYDAY! There
isn't any "The only way". There¥s a thousand of ways and you can
choose any of them, as long as you choose it and live it with your
heart. I love you all, and that's for sure...
A reader from SF Bay ,
04/01/98, I found this book disappointingly uninspiring
Based on the rave reviews and recommendations of friends, my
expectation were high for this book. Unfortunately, Mr. Millman's
ego-infused wonder at himself reminded me of Jerry Seinfeld's
self-centered smirks at his own jokes.
OoWARIORo0 from here ,
03/26/98,This is the book that changed my life
This is a life changing book. if you take these lessons he teaches to
heart you will understand life better and never have to wake up and
realize you have wasted your life. the sooner you read this book the
sooner you can start truly living.
R. D. from Athens, Georgia
, 03/24/98, rating=10
I've owned about 5 copies of this book, and each time I buy one for
myself, I find myself giving it to someone else. but i think this is
a book for that sort of thing. i remember reading it those years ago
and it was magic to me. and i've come to know this deep appreciation
for living since that time.
A Reader from Missouri ,
03/17/98, his book withholds the SECRETS of life
I have a hard time beliving that one book can contain so much divine
knowledge.
A reader from The Woodlands,
Texas , 02/11/98, ... another tool to help us find
fulfilment in our life!
The joys of living in this world are so much more fulfilling when we
learn to give of ourselves "unconditionally" to others (no games)!
When we are willing to give our Best, it's funny how positive things
happen around us. And then, it's more like a gift, instead of an
expectation. What could be better than that? OWDO
A Reader from New Mexico ,
01/28/98, You will only understand the message if your ready.
This is not a book written by some literary genius, however, it is
not meant to be that type of book. It does not scare off the
Highschool student or Janitor, it opens its doors to all types of
people by telling a story. The meaning in this book goes far deeper
than the words on the page. Some who read this book will read a
story. Millman is writing beyond the story, and those who are so
bothered after reading this book that they can't look at a tree the
same way, were truly ready for its lesson. I lived with the notion
that I understood far more than I ever wanted to at a young age, I
always felt I got"it" the "it" that nobody else did. This book gave
me direction in realizing what that "it" was and how to accept what I
knew. The main feeling I walked away with, good or bad, was that I
could no longer pretend I did not know the answers.
A Reader from SEATTLE, WA,
AMERICA , 01/14/98, A story that opens eys
This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. It is very
spiritual and philosophical. After I read it I wanted to get up and
change my life and thats exactly what I did. I very much recommend
this book to any one who is going through a hard time in their life
and to people who like to read good books.
A. from Olympia, Washington
, 12/28/97, I anticipated a good read, but was let
down.
I was encouraged by the reviews, as well as a
college-athlete-roommate, to pick up this book. But my expectations
were not met at all, probably because I'm just not in tune with all
this new-age stuff going around these days. I certainly won't pick up
'The Celestine Prophecy' now! I read the amazon.com interview w/Dan
Millman, and noted that a favorite of his is Hesse's 'Siddhartha',
which strikes a cord, because that's a favorite of mine as well.
-That was a book that brought about much reflection and insight- but
for some reason, 'The Way of the Peaceful Warrior' fails to evoke
these responses. Maybe I let the excessive melodrama of Dan's
character get to me. Or maybe it was the writing style in general. I
mean, what do you think of this??: "But Joy, you know I want you to
be with me always. I want to have children with you and keep you warm
at night. Our life could be so fine together." "Danny," she said,
"there's something else I should have told you before. I know I look
and act-well, the age you might expect me to be. But I'm only 15
years old." I stared at her, my jaw slack. "That means that for
months I've had an awful lot of illegal fantasies." All three of us
laughed, but my laughter was hollow. A piece of my life had fallen
and broken. "Joy, I'll wait. There's still a chance." (p.177) ---I
mean, this kind of writing wears on ya after a while. But I finished
the book, and feel humbled in the respect that I ask, "Can some-one
explain to me what that was all about??" There are principles in the
book that I agree with and practice myself, but the thought of this
book being an eye-opener, or dispensing wisdom beyond the basics of
Buddhism, does not pan out. I'll stick with 'Siddhartha' or 'Zen
& The Art Of Motorcycle Maintainence'.
S. from Willimantic,CT/Mystic
Ct. , 12/08/97, This book makes you see and feel life
in it's full Beuty
I loved this book Never have I read,not since the bible, a book that
can open your eyes and make you see what life has to offer, I can
honostly say that it made me want to change my lifestyle.
J.D. from Sherburne,
Vermont , 11/28/97, The way of the peaceful warrior
Some 5 years back I was introduced to this book that was the key to a
door that I had been examining for a long time. From there I entered
my own wonderful journey into the world of the spirit. Our lives are
just journies in the vast universe, a ride that is bumpy and full of
beautiful vistas. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior is an excellent
book for any soul at any level on their journey to love and peace. I
highly recommend this book. Your life will never be the same
again....!
A reader from Blacksburg,
VA , 10/22/97, Better than most, by far.
I read this book a few years ago, during a troublesome time in my
life, in which I was struggling for spirtual meaning to a life
seemingly devoid of anything higher than chance and randomness. I
approached the book with mixed emotions, hoping to find something
worthwhile and poignant, but at the same time skeptical of its "New
Age" undertones. I was completely, totally, pleasantly surprised.
Instead of rambling on for pages with pseudoscience I found a
refreshingly upbeat and spiritual worldview that did not try to
dethrone modern empirical thought. It did not speak of some
ambiguous, omnipresent yet hidden God or Father or Babysitter, nor
did it appeal exclusively to humanity's desire for something loftier
than human existence. In fact, the only thing it really seemed to
say, though the book expressed this in a wonderfully laid out
parable, is that nothing is so real or so important as to last
forever. "Lighten up," is basically the moral of this story. And when
compared to current popular works of philosophy/fiction such as the
abhorrent Celestine Prophecy, which are rife with New Age psychobable
and faulty logic, The Way of the Peaceful Warior is a pleasant change
of pace. As an added bonus, the story, while a bit choppy at times,
is actually quite good as fiction goes.
A reader from columbus, oh
, 10/21/97, Okay
The writing is a bit sloppy, Millman dabbles in misogyny(toothpaste
Susie!?), and we once again run into the problem(also posed by
Castaneda and Redfield) of presenting fiction as philosophical
half-truth(or is it the other way around?).
That said, this is a good book which made me feel a bit less alone in my feelings about man's potential for growth within the confines of American society. Millman does well to suggest the possibility of living in a state of "no-mind," though he falters when assuming that this is achievable only through athletics(he was a gymnast. Hmmm....).
I can honestly say that I've experienced much the same phenomenon when writing or reading, or throwing the occasional jump shot. Nitpicking? Of course(somebody had to give this sucker less than 10 stars, for God's sake). Overall, I'd recommend it, though deeper thinkers may become bored very quickly.
A reader from Erie, PA ,USA
, 10/17/97, My husband loved this book
This was my husband Seth's favorite book. He died at 38, and I had
such horrible pain when his parents asked me what to put on his
tombstone. Nothing I could think of was adequate to express how much
I loved him, how beautiful and brilliant he was, how passionate, and
brave, how kind. No words could portray a man I remember as colors
and sounds and passions. Then I remembered his favorite book. On his
stone now, it says "Peaceful Warrior." And it is perfect.
A reader from Conway, Arkansas
USA , 10/12/97
To recommend this book is to give a gift. To read this book is to be
given a gift. The peaceful warrior is not far from each one of us,
however, he/she is ofen hidden by the mind. By way of this book, one
is able to cut through the clutter of the mind and find the purity of
the spirit. Life is full of milestones, and each one is a learning
experience. Pain is not a blessing, but it is a reality. This book
helps provide the coping resources necessary to overcome and learn
from pain. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior allows the reader to see
the simpicity and wonder that is life.
A Reader from England ,
10/10/97, rating=10
The way of the peaceful warrior is more than a book it is life
itself. the lessons that it conveys is simplicity and logic. No words
will truly justify the beauty of the book. Because it is a beautiful
book, I wish I had written it.
P.D. from Hudson, Wisconsin
, 10/07/97, Wow!...Riveting and eye-opening!...Intense!...WOW!!
THIS BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE! DAN MILLMAN IS A GENIUS! AT TIMES I DIDN'T
KNOW IF IT WAS REAL OR JUST SOME FANTASY! IT OPENED MY EYES TO A
WHOLE NEW WORLD! I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT IT! I LOVED IT, IT IS MY
FAVORITE BOOK IT'S ONE THAT I CONTINUE TO READ OVER AND OVER, EACH
TIME I FIND SOMETHING NEW, OR GET A NEW PRESPCECTIVE ON THINGS!
A Reader from Hamilton, New
Zealand , 08/18/97, Take it how you want but you won't
want to put it down!
A friend recommended this book to me and it changed my life. This is
a well written, easily read book of personal growth. Initially I set
out reading the book as a story and soon found that I became a part
of it, living and feeling the story as it unfolded. I now own a well
thumbed paper back copy.
Dan, the author and world class athlete tells his own story of spiritual growth as he meets the challenges of life helped by the sometimes obtuse council of his mentor. It's a book which once you pick it up, even on the third or fourth read you just don't want to put it down and each time you read it new gems of wisdom will become apparent in the writing. We each have our own vision and purpose in life, just remember - "there are no ordinary moments".
Jim, 07/14/97, this is a
life changing book
This is an incredible book! You will LOVE how Dan Millman portrays
difficult self-healing concepts in a way that is easily
understandable to anyone. Dan has a gift of telling a story in a way
that you can relate to and learn from and you will finish the book a
better person than when you began. I will read this book over and
over and I will learn from it each time I read it. This is truly a
life changing book! I highly recommend it to everyone!!
Jeff , 05/01/97, A gentle
wind for a"Weary Spirit",Chopra has an equal here!
An astounding book, of compelling quality ! Once opened, you will
literally be unwilling to put it down. Compelling, joyful and
possessing a depth of understanding of what being ALIVE truly means.
The story describes Dan Millman's evolution from merely "existing",
to being "sentient" & alive! Ice Cold Water for the Weary Spirit
!!!! A story that brings joy to all who read it! A book of razor
sharp clarity whispering of the boundless humor life can possess, if
we only choose to laugh!
C.W. , 04/29/97, A true gem
among books
In this life, some of us read many books and some of us read very
few. And yet, even those with the most expansive reading lists rarely
come upon a book that truly changes their lives. For me, at least,
this book was one such gem among the millions. I sat down one
Saturday afternoon, intending to read only the first chapter. I put
the book down about four hours later in a state of wonder and awe,
alive with the confidence that I could positively alter my life. What
I found was that this book solidified a lot of what I had been
thinking about for several years. After reading this, I felt like
everything made perfect sense. I felt like I could gain the strength
to meet the world on the level that I wanted to. And I still do. This
book was an inspiration for me to begin to change my life in
wonderful ways. Several months later, and after having read another
of Mr. Millman's books, "No Ordinary Moments," I have begun to bring
myself out of my self-destructive habits. I have stopped biting my
fingernails; I am no longer addicted to Coca-Cola or related
products; I am more in touch with and more capable of expressing my
emotions. Most important of all, however, is this: for the first time
since about eight years ago, I am beginning to have a positive
self-image. This may not sound like anything particularly wonderful,
but this book and its author have the power to change lives, and the
fact remains: my life IS changing. Regardless of who you are, I
recommend reading this book. Even if it doesn't bring your world into
perspective or make you effect change in your life, it will at least
give you another interesting view of the world, one with which it is
well worth your while to be familiar. Even if it doesn't change your
outlook on life, it is a wonderful and uplifting story. For anyone on
any spiritual journey, or anyone that wishes to realize the potential
of their life, this is a worthwhile read. I cannot think of a book
that I would recommend more highly.
M.G. , 03/01/97, A story
that brings a higher purpose to all who read it !
This book is an AMAZING story that changes the life of all who read
it. After seeing life with the eyes of Dan Millman you will never see
life the same again. Reading this book is like looking into a pool of
blue water. Every thing that life has been trying to tell you, if you
look at it in the light, it is very clear. There is no way around
this being a GREAT book. I would not go a day more not knowing what I
have learned about MYSELF within this book. The Way of the Peaceful
Warrior sets you on your own journey in finding your personal meaning
in life. I highly recomend this to all who seek a higer purpose in
life or all who just want to read a good story!
Z. , 06/01/96, A book that
changes lives.
Have you ever wondered whether you have reached your fullest
potential in life?
I certainly had, that is, until I read "Way of the Peaceful Warrior". I know many others whose lives have been changed forever for the better after reading this book, and I am certain that anyone can get something out of this literary masterpiece.
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" relates the tender and poignant life story of the author, Dan Millman. It recreates in vivid detail his experiences with "Socrates", a man who tells him more about life than anyone else had or ever would. The book creates many questions about life which can only be answered by the reader. Best of all, it leaves a quiet tranquility in the reader's soul, suitable for meditation.
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. I wholeheartedly reccomend it.