Way of the Peaceful Warrior, 20th Anniversary Edition: A Book That Changes Lives

Rating:
Summary: How Socrates Touched My Life
Review: I got to know the character Socrates over a dozen years ago, when an oddball friend of mine lent me his copy of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. At the time, I was a gung ho entrepreneur with no interest in spirituality. Socrates' teachings, such as "all your answers lie within," "there are no accidents," and, my favorite, "we all make our own sandwiches," coincided with a series of cataclysmic events that completely uprooted my belief system.

Once I realized that reality was nothing like I had been led to believe, I began studying various spiritual disciplines. I describe the new worldview that emerged in Mystic Warrior: A Novel Beyond Time and Space. I thank Socrates for contributing to my transformation.
--Edwin Harkness Spina, author of Mystic Warrior: A Novel Beyond Time and Space

Rating:
Summary: A true eye opener
Review: I love Dan Millman's books and this one is surely a classic. Books like this are true treasures to keep. Much like the Celestine Prophecy and Illusions, other great books in the same genre.

Through reading this book I could relate every step of the way. I finished this book in 3 sittings, I just could not put it down. I have felt this way (as Dan did in the book) for many years and have had those times when I felt that there was just something more going on. Having mentors like Socrates make me believe that we are here for much greater things than we may always understand.

I would hope that this book finds much value to all those that read it. It definitely did it for me.

Rating:
Summary: A place to start from
Review: A borrowed this book from a friend of mine back in 2002. Since then, I have bought about 6 copies. Each time, I gave a copy to a friend that I thought needs a place to start from.

This is a great way to begin an interesting journey into spirituality. That book got me started reading about spirituality. I recommend it to everyone.

Good luck

Rating:
Summary: Book That Changes Lives in Unexpected Ways
Review: I have bought this book some 10 years ago and share it with a lot of people since then. My boyfriend, who is more insterested in martial arts than in spirituality, shared this book in turn with some of his friends from the martial arts (Muay Thai) club, specially those who felt stuck at a crossroads. One of them had a dream to fight in Thailand, but was immediately discouraged by his Thai instructor and told that, as a black man, he would never make it in Thailand. After reading this book, this fighter packed his bags and left for Thailand anyway. Not only did he succeed there, he became a world champion fighter and is still winning fights in Thailand. And then, another one read the book and packed his bags and went on fighting in Thailand for a year.

All that I can say is that the book has helped many people I know, who have read this book, break through limitations and courageously embark to follow their hearts and their dreams.

Rating:
Summary: 'Peacefull Warrior' really does change lives
Review: I was eleven when I first read this amazing book. Out of boredom while waiting for my dad in the truck, I picked it up off the seat. immediatle I was transfixed. I couldn't put it down. After turning the final page and reading the last words in this tremendous book, I felt that I was a different person. It gave me a whole new outlook on life. I was only sad that I was done reading it. Since then I've read it twice and nomatter how many times I read it it sems I've learned something new!

Rating:
Summary: this is my favorite book
Review: this book really does change lives...i've had a whole new outlook on life since i've read the book, which was two years ago

Rating:
Summary: WORTHLESS FANTASY
Review: I didn't buy this book hoping to read a good novel, I bought it to read about an inspiring TRUE experience. The writing is horrible, but I didn't care since I didn't buy it for good writing - I wanted to read about a REAL experience. What a let down to find out it is all made up. I know, he says the old man is real, but so what? Just because you knew an old man doesn't make the story you make up any better. I knew a janitor that would talk about life, but I didn't make up a goofy story about him flying around on a mop!!!

It occured to me when I got to the part about him flying around the universe and then BECOMING the universe that this really sounded like an acid trip - not very inspiring. And what was the point about the old man jumping on and off the roof? He doesn't even explain why he made that part up!!!

This book is poorly written, totally made up, goofy, pointless and totally worthless.

I really don't want to sound negative about this book, but I feel totally ripped off. I thought it was a true story, but it isn't. I could make up a story and say that it is true because "This one day I did eat a hamburger, so it makes the whole story I just made up true!!!!!!" What a scam.

Rating:
Summary: What is a peaceful warrior, anyway?
Review: I was in a state of flux when I picked up the book the first time quite a few years ago. I was young and didn't know who or what I wanted to be and I can honestly say without a doubt that I am one of the lives that was changed by "Way". It's true, as some other reviewers have pointed out, that the concepts and spirituality here are nothing new, but why try to reinvent the wheel? Dan Millman embraces ideals from a variety of places that fit together to form a framework for one of the best written stories I've ever read.

The book takes spirituality to a new level by taking the core values of several faiths & religions and illustrating them through a very colourful and enjoyable story that allows the reader to cast him or herself into the lead role without feeling "preached to".

Rating:
Summary: changes lives?
Review: This book is enjoyable to read. The principles that the author expounds are sound, solid and valid. There is nothing original here. The few ideas presented are basically taken from zen buddhism, daoism and maybe a hint of Confucianism. The ideas are presented in an elementary almost child-like way. I think the claim that this book "changes lives" is a bit overstated and somewhat wishful thinking. Why is it that when someone learns a little about themselves and about life that they feel a need to write a book about it? I think the author's main problem is one of an enlarged sense of self-importance. The story in the book, while presented as a "basically true" story, is actually just a collection of dreams and a vivid imaginations. It really insults the intelligence as he mentally toys with the reader regarding the authenticity of the characters and storyline. Like I said before, he is really full of himself. If someone has mastered themselves then they should write a book or teach if they choose. But, why write a book or teach when you are still in the process of testing the options? The author has in no real way mastered himself at all, he only has exposed himself truthfully in his search to quench an inflated ego. The question is: can the reader learn anything from this book? Maybe so... maybe not. I guess it depends upon your level of self-awareness. This would be a great book for a person who is just beginning to open himself up to the possibilities. But, not a good book for someone who has been travelling the path of self-improvement for any decent amount of time. Of course, the author plans to make a movie from the book. Why am I not surprised. I think if someone truly masters themself in the disciplines mentioned in this book they would feel no need to be famous, prove themselves, become rich, etc. One more complaint I have with this book is that the author seems to have little concern for the principle of responsibility towards family, keeping a job, paying bills, etc. In other words: REALITY. If one cannot blend the abstract ideals of buddhism, zen, daoism and Confucianism into normal regular life then what good is it? Most true masters, teachers and sages realize this very point and present their teachings in such a way as to promote the student to remain "IN" life, and not to seek a cave to live in. Buy this book if you enjoy cute stories with a little bit of wisdom for the beginner. But I would pass on it if you are more advanced in your journey.

Rating:
Summary: Timeless Treasure
Review: I came across this treasure in college - enjoyed absorbing the lessons each page had to teach me. Every year I reread "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" so that I can be reminded of the powerful insights. A must read.