Beyond Life and Death

The Way of True Freedom

De: Jet Li

Martial arts legend and international movie star Jet Li distills ten powerful insights from his iconic career, his personal life and philosophies, and his thirty-year Buddhist practice

Jet Li’s story defies legend. Born into extreme hardship, he fought his way to become the youngest national martial arts champion in Chinese history at twelve years old, dominating opponents twice his size. He then became one of the first internationally renowned movie stars from China with films including Once Upon a Time in China, Hero, and Fearless. These films redefined martial arts for the modern world, making him a household name alongside Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

But behind the glory lay a deeper battle: a search for meaning beyond fame, fortune, and physical skill. After a near-death encounter in the 2004 tsunami, Li turned inward, deepening his study of Tibetan Buddhism and dedicating his life to philanthropy, though he was at the height of his Hollywood career.

For the very first time, Li shares the ten insights that have guided his life, in which anyone can find wisdom, guidance, and power, including:

• life is movement;
• the secret to self-defense;
• separate the suffering from the pain;
• be a grandson to the world; and
• learn from everyone.

Li invites readers to share his interior life, to hear untold stories from his martial arts and film career, and to meditate with him on the nature of spiritual awakening. If you look deeply, you can see Li’s life philosophy in many of his movies, and in Beyond Life and Death he fully links his own story and spiritual journey with ten actionable insights that anyone can apply to live a healthy and happy life.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This is the Jet Li the world rarely sees: vulnerable, questioning, and deeply awake. By sharing his journey with such honesty, he reveals not only his own path but also invites each of us to awaken the warrior within—not through strength alone, but through wisdom, courage, and an open heart.”
—Michelle Yeoh

"Jet Li has done extensive work to uncover and recognize the true nature of his own mind. This magnificent book contains his remarkable personal journey as well as his unique view of practice and inner wellbeing. It has something for those who are new to meditation and those who have spent decades on the path."
—Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, author of The Joy of Living and In Love with the World

“In this fascinating memoir, Jet Li illuminates a personal path to true meaning that can inspire us all to move beyond the modern message of individualism toward a kinder way of living with an expanded, more connected identity. The hard earned lessons from our guide’s life of fame, physical pain, and aging are interwoven with his commitment to family, philanthropy, and Buddhist philosophy and practice, providing an affirming story of what really matters in life.”
—Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Aware and Brainstorm

"Jet Li has dared to look at life beyond what is merely observable and tangible. Beyond Life and Death points to the power of the profound inner world."
—Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, author of What Makes You Not a Buddhist

"A rare and intimate book—one that looks beyond strength, fame, and victory to the deeper freedom born of awakening awareness."
—Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance

"Jet Li’s insightful and engaging storytelling paints a compelling picture of the power of compassion and the inexhaustible well of strength available through dedicating ourselves to the path of awakening."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness