| About Dan's Books |
THE JOURNEYS OF SOCRATES - I devoted four years of my life to writing Socrates' story, to finally answer the many questions I've received over the years about where he came from, whether he was married or had children, and how he became a warrior and found wisdom and peace. I set out to meet the challenge of writing a novel with depth and character and heart, and believe I've succeeded. It is different from Way of the Peaceful Warrior -- I had no desire to try to clone my first book. It may contain fewer didactic teachings, but has a far deeper story. I hope my readers will agree. WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR is a novel, based on a true story, but with fictional elements as well. For the new 20th Anniversary edition, I made 200-300 edits - revisions and clarifications - and added a new Afterword that tells the story of the book's early life, death, and rebirth. I wrote it to inspire, uplift, and to remind readers of life's bigger picture and higher promise - but not as a practical guide for life. For such guidance, I found it necessary to write a series of non-fiction books. SACRED JOURNEY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR - my other novel - is not a sequel - it does not begin where my first book ends (and this has confused some people). Rather, it takes place within the first story (when Socrates sends me away on my travels). In fact, one good way to read these two books is to read Way of the Peaceful Warrior until Soc sends Dan away to travel around the world - then read Sacred Journey - and then finish Way of the Peaceful Warrior. This way it makes more sense. Sacred Journey is a work of fiction to convey lessons. I did not actually leave my wife and daughter for many months or years in order to "find myself." (I did travel to Hawaii and around the world, but was away less than three months.) After these first two books, people wrote to say, "I found your books inspiring - but how do you apply some of these ideas to everyday life?" In response, I began writing an array of non-fiction works, beginning with NO ORDINARY MOMENTS, which summarized, as clearly as possible, all I had to share at that time. Then came my two children's books: SECRET OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR and QUEST FOR THE CRYSTAL CASTLE. I read early drafts of these books to my (then-young) daughters' classes for their feedback before the final draft. These make wonderful children's gifts for kids 4-10 or so; they will want to hear (or read) them again and again. THE LIFE YOU WERE BORN TO LIVE: In 1984 I was trained by an unusual man in an amazingly accurate, piercing method of insight into one's life purpose that surpassed any I had ever seen. I had only taken 20 pages of notes before working with this system, doing "spiritual law alignment" readings for people all over the world. After a decade of working with this material, my intuitive sight had expanded considerably. I started teaching psychotherapists and others the method; and finally, I wrote The Life You Were Born to Live. For those readers who "aren't into numerology" or who have healthy skepticism about how adding up the numbers of your date of birth could give valid, reliable, accurate information about your life purpose, I challenge you to read page 4, which shows how to find your life path - one of 37 for those born in the 1900's - then read the material specific to your life. You may find it surprising. I wrote The Life You Were Born to Live to generate greater more compassion for yourself and for others - and to create a quantum leap in insight and self-knowledge. The most important part of this book is the section on spiritual laws - the laws that help to overcome the hurdles on each life path. THE LAWS OF SPIRIT: This "Tale of Transformation" presents a parable about an ageless woman sage I meet in the mountains near my home. There, using the forces of nature, she teaches me twelve laws that change lives. Readers learn each law with me as we journey through the mountains. This little book is not as well known as some of my others, but readers often select it as one their favorites. EVERYDAY ENLIGHTENMENT: The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth. This book provides the most comprehensive statement of the "peaceful warrior's way," organized around 12 universal challenges of everyday life. In a sense, it is a map of our human journey through life. If life is a school, it highlights the 12 courses we need to pass in order to graduate. It redefines the meaning of success, enlightenment, and spirituality. I believe it is destined to become a classic in the field of personal and spiritual growth. BODY MIND MASTERY: Creating Success in Sport and Life, has an unusual history. It was born from my years spent training as a world-class athlete, Stanford coach, and Oberlin College professor. In the original manuscript of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, two chapters didn't fit. I pulled them out, whereupon they quickly expanded into my first published book, titled "Whole Body Fitness." Later, it was published under a new title: "The Warrior Athlete" - then as "The Inner Athlete." Body Mind Mastery is the fourth, final, and revised edition. Most readers find it one of the very best books of its kind, written for anyone engaged in physical training, including athletes and sports people, martial artists, dancers, jugglers, musicians, actors, singers, etc. It reminds us not to dedicate our life to our training, but rather, to dedicate our training to our life. LIVING ON PURPOSE: Straight Answers to Life's Tough Questions, is probably my most reader-friendly book. Structured around 25 "House Rules," it contains provocative answers to commonly-asked questions about life. no matter what someone's views or beliefs, Living on Purpose provides reminders and refreshing perspectives about living well. This book is especially close to my heart because it enables me to answer questions on so many important topics, and a chance to apply universal wisdom directly to everyday dilemmas. Living on Purpose, probably my last non-fiction book, represents a shift in my own method of teaching. In it, you will find humorous and touching stories, quotations, and parables to send key points and principles straight to your heart. You will find this book an enjoyable and illuminating read.
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