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Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom
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 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,
life is movement;the secret to self-defense;separate the suffering from the pain;be a grandson to the world; andlearn 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.
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 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,
life is movement;the secret to self-defense;separate the suffering from the pain;be a grandson to the world; andlearn 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.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2023
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August 5, 2026
An enjoyable read. Much of this memoir, Jet Li talks about Buddhism & how it helped his personal & professional life. I usually don’t like it when an author of an autobiography gets too preachy or offer too much advice on living life. However, the way Jet Li talked about philosophy & religion, I really didn’t mind. In fact, reading his memoir made me more interested in Buddhism & how it could alleviate suffering… One of the best autobiography I read so far this year.
May 4, 2026
It’s a rainy Friday evening on May 1st in Austin, TX. I’ve been assigned to Group F to meet Jet Li at the wonderful independent bookstore BookPeople in bustling downtown for the signing of his new book “Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom”.
I’m following a winding trail of blue arrows taped to the floor like a labyrinth maze through the tomes and tomes of human knowledge and experience, imagined or not, crammed all into little rectangles of wood pulp and ink pigment. I’m passing by clear superfans; noting a “Romeo Must Die” t-shirt. I start to feel a bit of imposter syndrome knowing I’ve only seen about 15% of Jet Li’s filmography (thanks Letterboxd!) and a read over of his Wikipedia page.
I step into a room with photographers, body guards, and a mysterious man in all dark blue denim sitting at a long wooden table. A denim hat obscuring the visage of someone who is probably exhausted going on how many hours of signing with Groups A through E before me? How many cities before this? After this?
I had previously joked with a friend that Mr Li, being a martial artist, would be absolutely within the right to merely ink up his fist, punch the cover page, and send me on my merry way.
Since nobody was in front of me, I had no idea where to stand or what to do. Pass your book to this person. Pass your phone to that person if you want photos (BookPeople are LEGIT with how they run their signings!).
And suddenly the denim hat turns up to reveal Mr Li wearing round glasses and the largest smile on his face. After finishing his book this weekend, I’m glad the photographer caught this moment for me. Even being a public persona, it is wonderful to just be alive and happy.
I got a short three sentences in (gotta keep that line moving!); talking about the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of his decades in film, but more importantly, reading about the work he did in setting up the One Foundation and connecting with him on also working in a non-profit to which he coo’d: “Keep doing the good work!” “You do the same! Thank you for coming to Austin!”
To say the least, it felt almost surreal.
I’ll preface this review with a note that I love movies. I’ve watched nearly 5,500 unique films at the time of writing this review. Film, to me, is being able to live hundreds of different (mostly imagined) lives at a distance and experience the entire human condition both wonderful and horrific. The best films expand empathy and compassion, knowing no language or country barriers. I watch a lot of movies in the theater as it’s an introvert’s way to step outside of the shell and be in the world. Something that feels very relatable in Li’s experience.
Reading “Beyond Life and Death” was like observing the multiple lives of Jet Li unfolding as though a series of movies. The underdog story, the family drama, the action film, the documentary, and the film you don’t want anyone to experience in their lifetime, the disaster film.
For those looking for deeper insights into the actor Jet Li’s films, this is not going to be the book for you. It is a deeply personal and touching view of giving away as much as one has taken in with life. If you are coming at this book from a film perspective, what you will get from it is how similar an experience the amazing athletes, performers, and actors like Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Michelle Yeoh, Donnie Yen, Yuen Biao, and yes, Jet Li all had in sacrificing of their body to entertain for going on 5 decades.
But what you will get out of this book is much deeper than that. This is about being a wonderful yet flawed (as we all are) human being, trying to make their way best through this unknown and constantly unfurling existence. Li captures the many demands in life and identities to wear; be a caring father, a good provider, a wise religious follower, a protecting husband, a strong worker…
He writes some very hard chapters, especially toward the end, that really bring you back to the beginning of it all “Who am I, really?” and are very brave to share.
Making art and being vulnerable is never easy. It’s all too simple to say, “Well, I tried!” but to make things that resonate with as much quiet profundity is sometimes nothing short of miraculous and a gift. And Li did that with this book. I absolutely loved it and finished it in one weekend.
And what’s a BOOK review to end with besides MOVIE recommendations?!?
If you like Jet Li’s films but haven’t seen “Hero” (2002) and “Once Upon a Time In China” (1991), you have got to get on those ASAP. If you are a jaded cinephile that has seen it all and want a more obscure one, try to track down “Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words” (1996).
If you like action films, Jackie Chan’s “Police Story” (1985), Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” (1973), “Monkey Kung Fu” (1979), and King Hu’s “Dragon Inn” (1967).
And of course, if you want a meditative Buddhist tale, look no further than “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring” (2003). And throw in “After Life” (1998) and “Perfect Days” (2023) for good measure!
I’m following a winding trail of blue arrows taped to the floor like a labyrinth maze through the tomes and tomes of human knowledge and experience, imagined or not, crammed all into little rectangles of wood pulp and ink pigment. I’m passing by clear superfans; noting a “Romeo Must Die” t-shirt. I start to feel a bit of imposter syndrome knowing I’ve only seen about 15% of Jet Li’s filmography (thanks Letterboxd!) and a read over of his Wikipedia page.
I step into a room with photographers, body guards, and a mysterious man in all dark blue denim sitting at a long wooden table. A denim hat obscuring the visage of someone who is probably exhausted going on how many hours of signing with Groups A through E before me? How many cities before this? After this?
I had previously joked with a friend that Mr Li, being a martial artist, would be absolutely within the right to merely ink up his fist, punch the cover page, and send me on my merry way.
Since nobody was in front of me, I had no idea where to stand or what to do. Pass your book to this person. Pass your phone to that person if you want photos (BookPeople are LEGIT with how they run their signings!).
And suddenly the denim hat turns up to reveal Mr Li wearing round glasses and the largest smile on his face. After finishing his book this weekend, I’m glad the photographer caught this moment for me. Even being a public persona, it is wonderful to just be alive and happy.
I got a short three sentences in (gotta keep that line moving!); talking about the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of his decades in film, but more importantly, reading about the work he did in setting up the One Foundation and connecting with him on also working in a non-profit to which he coo’d: “Keep doing the good work!” “You do the same! Thank you for coming to Austin!”
To say the least, it felt almost surreal.
I’ll preface this review with a note that I love movies. I’ve watched nearly 5,500 unique films at the time of writing this review. Film, to me, is being able to live hundreds of different (mostly imagined) lives at a distance and experience the entire human condition both wonderful and horrific. The best films expand empathy and compassion, knowing no language or country barriers. I watch a lot of movies in the theater as it’s an introvert’s way to step outside of the shell and be in the world. Something that feels very relatable in Li’s experience.
Reading “Beyond Life and Death” was like observing the multiple lives of Jet Li unfolding as though a series of movies. The underdog story, the family drama, the action film, the documentary, and the film you don’t want anyone to experience in their lifetime, the disaster film.
For those looking for deeper insights into the actor Jet Li’s films, this is not going to be the book for you. It is a deeply personal and touching view of giving away as much as one has taken in with life. If you are coming at this book from a film perspective, what you will get from it is how similar an experience the amazing athletes, performers, and actors like Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Michelle Yeoh, Donnie Yen, Yuen Biao, and yes, Jet Li all had in sacrificing of their body to entertain for going on 5 decades.
But what you will get out of this book is much deeper than that. This is about being a wonderful yet flawed (as we all are) human being, trying to make their way best through this unknown and constantly unfurling existence. Li captures the many demands in life and identities to wear; be a caring father, a good provider, a wise religious follower, a protecting husband, a strong worker…
He writes some very hard chapters, especially toward the end, that really bring you back to the beginning of it all “Who am I, really?” and are very brave to share.
Making art and being vulnerable is never easy. It’s all too simple to say, “Well, I tried!” but to make things that resonate with as much quiet profundity is sometimes nothing short of miraculous and a gift. And Li did that with this book. I absolutely loved it and finished it in one weekend.
And what’s a BOOK review to end with besides MOVIE recommendations?!?
If you like Jet Li’s films but haven’t seen “Hero” (2002) and “Once Upon a Time In China” (1991), you have got to get on those ASAP. If you are a jaded cinephile that has seen it all and want a more obscure one, try to track down “Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words” (1996).
If you like action films, Jackie Chan’s “Police Story” (1985), Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” (1973), “Monkey Kung Fu” (1979), and King Hu’s “Dragon Inn” (1967).
And of course, if you want a meditative Buddhist tale, look no further than “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring” (2003). And throw in “After Life” (1998) and “Perfect Days” (2023) for good measure!
May 12, 2026
I was expecting a book tracing the path a high level martial art practitioner, and many fun anecdotes about one of the coolest actors ever. It was quite disappointing in this regard, but it was still interesting (and entertaining!) as a reminder that no matter what we achieve or possess in this life, we're still humans, for the best and the worse, and quite similar to each other.
July 15, 2026
I was expecting a memoir of an action film star but I got a wonderful lesson in self discovery. A wonderful and very honest book.
May 8, 2026
I had been a fan of his talent and skill in martial arts since I was very young. I never expected him to be deep and insightful of his life. But he is. The book is honest and raw. True to what he said in his interviews, Jet Li wrote this book to share his journey so that he could open up about his lived experiences of racism, tragedy, natural disaster, among others. Each chapter ends and pulls us back and challenges us to an inward reflection. A great experience! Thank you Jet Li! If you can visit our Taichi and Kungfu school in the Bay Area (maybe for book signing as well), a lot of kids and adults will be inspired. Wishing for the universe to make this happen.
Read
February 26, 2024This was the first book I picked up and read all the way through in one sitting. Technically, it's not a difficult read but conceptually it's rich and engaging. burrito craft
Read
July 12, 2026shoutout jada
July 31, 2026
Thank you baby for the amazing book! I enjoyed it so much 💙
June 2, 2026
I never knew about Jet Li's childhood story...and this book really encompassed a lot of great Buddhist teachings.
Notable lines:
"But when impermanence is accepted, we recognize that it is the source of the beauty in our lives. Moments are important and deserve our attention by the very fact that they are brief. Impermanence gives us our opportunity to meet life and see the preciousness in its rare and fleeting duration."
" '. . . the secret to self-defense '. . . a smile. The smile is emblematic of the third state of martial arts, over a three-stage process: If you consistently meet aggression and anger with softness and kindness, it will be difficult for anyone to stay mad at you. It is a simple but difficult discipline to maintain a smile and respond with kindness, even when others are coming at you with swords in their hands and swords in their hearts."
"Ultimately, there is no enemy outside me. If the opponent does not exist, who am I competing with? It was my own mind that caused me to draw my sword. In life, it is my own hatred and fear that causes me to see others as my enemies, separate and different from me."
“So suffering is pain plus bitterness . . . But the bitterness is all the mental processing about the pain . . . If we try to fight our pain or outsmart it or destroy it, we’re adding bitterness to pain, and the inevitable result is suffering. And if it goes untreated, the bitterness of suffering can follow us everywhere, no matter that our injury was healed long ago.”
“If I can cure my physical pain, great. But even if I can’t, I feel less bitterness about my pain, so I suffer less. I’ve learned to observe my bitterness and recognize it as the creation of my own mind.”
"If someone sprinkles even a little dirt into the bowl, the water will be dirty. In the same way, when our mind is untrained and something happens that we don't like, we start to suffer immediately and get angry, demanding, Why did that happen? Whose fault is it?"
"Again, though, I'd fallen into the same trap of assuming that external circumstances-wealth, education, leisure-could bring happiness, while disregarding the impact of the mind."
"This was the sobering reminder: time humbles us all."
Notable lines:
"But when impermanence is accepted, we recognize that it is the source of the beauty in our lives. Moments are important and deserve our attention by the very fact that they are brief. Impermanence gives us our opportunity to meet life and see the preciousness in its rare and fleeting duration."
" '. . . the secret to self-defense '. . . a smile. The smile is emblematic of the third state of martial arts, over a three-stage process: If you consistently meet aggression and anger with softness and kindness, it will be difficult for anyone to stay mad at you. It is a simple but difficult discipline to maintain a smile and respond with kindness, even when others are coming at you with swords in their hands and swords in their hearts."
"Ultimately, there is no enemy outside me. If the opponent does not exist, who am I competing with? It was my own mind that caused me to draw my sword. In life, it is my own hatred and fear that causes me to see others as my enemies, separate and different from me."
“So suffering is pain plus bitterness . . . But the bitterness is all the mental processing about the pain . . . If we try to fight our pain or outsmart it or destroy it, we’re adding bitterness to pain, and the inevitable result is suffering. And if it goes untreated, the bitterness of suffering can follow us everywhere, no matter that our injury was healed long ago.”
“If I can cure my physical pain, great. But even if I can’t, I feel less bitterness about my pain, so I suffer less. I’ve learned to observe my bitterness and recognize it as the creation of my own mind.”
"If someone sprinkles even a little dirt into the bowl, the water will be dirty. In the same way, when our mind is untrained and something happens that we don't like, we start to suffer immediately and get angry, demanding, Why did that happen? Whose fault is it?"
"Again, though, I'd fallen into the same trap of assuming that external circumstances-wealth, education, leisure-could bring happiness, while disregarding the impact of the mind."
"This was the sobering reminder: time humbles us all."
May 11, 2026
Such an entertaining book
June 10, 2026
pretentious and performative but self aware
December 7, 2023
一开始阅读，我就被开篇宗萨钦哲仁波切的推荐语所吸引。这篇荐语体现出他高深的文化水平，破除了出生汉地和共和国的我对所谓上师以及藏传佛教的一些怀疑。他的语言冷静而克制，其风格不同于常见的现代汉语表达。我很喜欢，也想学习这样的文风。
整本书是李连杰分享毕生求佛法的经历、思考和分享。书的前半部分他强烈的执着于快速修佛，超越生死。我不禁怀疑，这就是他的境界吗，如此强烈的目的心可以到达高的境界吗？书的后半部分解答了我的疑惑，他虽似苦苦追寻，但已将修行融入生命的每时每刻。
李连杰将不断变化的心绪比作“疯猴子”，这个比喻极为贴切。我们心中纷杂的念头确实像疯猴子，让我们常被杂乱的思维所左右，无法集中精神，从而引发烦恼。
读这本书时我也在读最新的马斯克传。在欣赏且在学习佛学的我看来个，李连杰追求的度己度人的慈悲佛法似境界更高。然而执着于个人伟大愿景（让人类成为多星球生物），常常处于极端压力，过着永不满足人生的马斯克毫无疑问创造了伟大的事业。这两种截然不同的人生追求和结果我意识到，即使经历或者选择痛苦也并不就是错。没有对错，只是由缘分和道路选择构成。佛法也教导我们不要对立。
一位上师对李连杰说，最深奥的修行秘诀就是不断精进。每一刻都在修行。这与Atomic Habits《原子习惯》的核心思想呼应：把修行培养成习惯。这也对当下的我启示，把修行真正从理论融入到我的工作和社交中。
书中提到的《西藏生死书》给我种下了相信轮回的种子。以前我并不相信轮回，但现在我认为，即使相信轮回，也似乎无妨，因为它教人向善。
我也更了解了壹基金，他的理念是每人捐一块钱，全社会一起做好事。李连杰有了最初构想后，是马云帮他分析了具体可行的发展方案。看完本书我就去壹基金的官网看如何捐款。讽刺的是，因为国内管制（必须要手机注册），sim卡不好用（因为诈骗多，国内运营商不经提醒关闭了我国内sim卡在海外的access）的我无法捐款。
在书中李连杰分享了一路走来众多的仁波切。读到最后我发现自己特别喜欢宗萨钦哲仁波切，并对明就仁波切很感兴趣。我已决定即刻开始读明就仁波切Joy of Living《开心禅》。我也要去看宗萨钦哲仁波切在YouTube上分享的很多视频，他看起来是一个真正无私的上师。
最后，分享一个对仁波切的翻译。「活佛」是中國等漢地的人對一些轉世的喇嘛或修行人所用的冠稱，其實「活佛」這樣的稱呼在藏傳佛教中是沒有的，藏語對轉世再來的師父稱為Tsul gu（祖古），其意思是「化身」、「變化身」。而且因為這些乘願再來的人像珍寶一般，所以.尊稱他們為「仁波切」。
整本书是李连杰分享毕生求佛法的经历、思考和分享。书的前半部分他强烈的执着于快速修佛，超越生死。我不禁怀疑，这就是他的境界吗，如此强烈的目的心可以到达高的境界吗？书的后半部分解答了我的疑惑，他虽似苦苦追寻，但已将修行融入生命的每时每刻。
李连杰将不断变化的心绪比作“疯猴子”，这个比喻极为贴切。我们心中纷杂的念头确实像疯猴子，让我们常被杂乱的思维所左右，无法集中精神，从而引发烦恼。
读这本书时我也在读最新的马斯克传。在欣赏且在学习佛学的我看来个，李连杰追求的度己度人的慈悲佛法似境界更高。然而执着于个人伟大愿景（让人类成为多星球生物），常常处于极端压力，过着永不满足人生的马斯克毫无疑问创造了伟大的事业。这两种截然不同的人生追求和结果我意识到，即使经历或者选择痛苦也并不就是错。没有对错，只是由缘分和道路选择构成。佛法也教导我们不要对立。
一位上师对李连杰说，最深奥的修行秘诀就是不断精进。每一刻都在修行。这与Atomic Habits《原子习惯》的核心思想呼应：把修行培养成习惯。这也对当下的我启示，把修行真正从理论融入到我的工作和社交中。
书中提到的《西藏生死书》给我种下了相信轮回的种子。以前我并不相信轮回，但现在我认为，即使相信轮回，也似乎无妨，因为它教人向善。
我也更了解了壹基金，他的理念是每人捐一块钱，全社会一起做好事。李连杰有了最初构想后，是马云帮他分析了具体可行的发展方案。看完本书我就去壹基金的官网看如何捐款。讽刺的是，因为国内管制（必须要手机注册），sim卡不好用（因为诈骗多，国内运营商不经提醒关闭了我国内sim卡在海外的access）的我无法捐款。
在书中李连杰分享了一路走来众多的仁波切。读到最后我发现自己特别喜欢宗萨钦哲仁波切，并对明就仁波切很感兴趣。我已决定即刻开始读明就仁波切Joy of Living《开心禅》。我也要去看宗萨钦哲仁波切在YouTube上分享的很多视频，他看起来是一个真正无私的上师。
最后，分享一个对仁波切的翻译。「活佛」是中國等漢地的人對一些轉世的喇嘛或修行人所用的冠稱，其實「活佛」這樣的稱呼在藏傳佛教中是沒有的，藏語對轉世再來的師父稱為Tsul gu（祖古），其意思是「化身」、「變化身」。而且因為這些乘願再來的人像珍寶一般，所以.尊稱他們為「仁波切」。
March 5, 2024
坦诚的学佛之路，读来智慧收获不多，但颇为有趣。
August 11, 2026
This is one of the most unique memoirs I’ve ever read and I was completely engrossed.
I’ve been a fan of Jet Li for such a long time. What drew me to this book was the hope that it would delve into his martial arts on an impressive and revealing level. I love Jet Li as an action star (and I believe him to be a truly great actor beyond that), but I wanted to know 1) about the legend of the teenager who once swept the floor (so to speak) of all the other Wushu competitors at the age of 12. 2) Who IS this man that has with such arresting presence made such a stunning contribution to cinema? What makes him tick? Because it sure as hell ain’t anything Western in thought or intent. Jet Li gives us such a detailed history of one incredibly life, but delves into so many expected narratives and influences along the way.
This could have easily been just another memoir of yet another iconic actor who steers us through the beginnings and hard work of an eventual great ascent to stardom. Sure, that’s always fun, but this was so much more. This is the story of a man deeply connected to something larger. It’s the recollections of a journey that is so perfectly situated in Eastern philosophies and classic ‘search for truth’ type experiences. It’s a wonderful read on this level.
Jet Li is indeed a movie star and he can demand millions, and as far as I’m concerned he’s earned it. His work on screen is nothing short of iconic and I’ve always felt him to be far more compelling than other martial artists/action stars of his age and ilk. My interest in the man was completely satiated with the book. He is indeed a Buddhist of such an accomplished order, but he remains (as part of the struggle of his journey reveals to us) now completely rooted in the world and dedicated to larger pictures beyond shallow notions of success. He’s a ‘Marital Ethicist’ as much as martial artist and although he reveals with stunning vulnerability his flaws, his often dictatorial ego or arrogance (as his daughters revealed), he is a man of community and of a larger sense of ‘self’ and purpose. Jet Li is a total journey man and my admiration for him only deepened with this read.
There’s a mystique to Jet Li. He’d reject this completely of course, given his Buddhist and Taoist ways, but regardless… there is. It’s his style on screen, the calm beauty and control of everything he exacts. He’s measured, razor sharp and deeply considered in all active choices. Beyond his screen presence and practice I deeply admire his dedication to personal and ancient doctrines, spiritual commitments and the balancing of these things with the capitalist Hollywood backdrop. The balancing in itself has been his trek and often his turmoil.
Jet Li is the man I hoped he would be - a virtuous pioneer, a loving father, a perfectly flawed human being who has set out to wrangle and make peace with the human condition while acknowledging his short-comings and taking up the inevitable challenges and life curve-balls. He’s masterfully negotiated love, family, spirituality and success and has faced failure with a warrior’s stance. Moreover… he remains one of the most freakishly cool martial artists we’re ever likely to encounter! Let’s NOT forget that.
Jet Li is just freakin’ wonderful. I love him, and his book is an absolute winner. It’s an authentic offering and invitation to us all, to live our best possible lives and to search high and low for our true purpose. It’s a fully-invested experience.
I’ve been a fan of Jet Li for such a long time. What drew me to this book was the hope that it would delve into his martial arts on an impressive and revealing level. I love Jet Li as an action star (and I believe him to be a truly great actor beyond that), but I wanted to know 1) about the legend of the teenager who once swept the floor (so to speak) of all the other Wushu competitors at the age of 12. 2) Who IS this man that has with such arresting presence made such a stunning contribution to cinema? What makes him tick? Because it sure as hell ain’t anything Western in thought or intent. Jet Li gives us such a detailed history of one incredibly life, but delves into so many expected narratives and influences along the way.
This could have easily been just another memoir of yet another iconic actor who steers us through the beginnings and hard work of an eventual great ascent to stardom. Sure, that’s always fun, but this was so much more. This is the story of a man deeply connected to something larger. It’s the recollections of a journey that is so perfectly situated in Eastern philosophies and classic ‘search for truth’ type experiences. It’s a wonderful read on this level.
Jet Li is indeed a movie star and he can demand millions, and as far as I’m concerned he’s earned it. His work on screen is nothing short of iconic and I’ve always felt him to be far more compelling than other martial artists/action stars of his age and ilk. My interest in the man was completely satiated with the book. He is indeed a Buddhist of such an accomplished order, but he remains (as part of the struggle of his journey reveals to us) now completely rooted in the world and dedicated to larger pictures beyond shallow notions of success. He’s a ‘Marital Ethicist’ as much as martial artist and although he reveals with stunning vulnerability his flaws, his often dictatorial ego or arrogance (as his daughters revealed), he is a man of community and of a larger sense of ‘self’ and purpose. Jet Li is a total journey man and my admiration for him only deepened with this read.
There’s a mystique to Jet Li. He’d reject this completely of course, given his Buddhist and Taoist ways, but regardless… there is. It’s his style on screen, the calm beauty and control of everything he exacts. He’s measured, razor sharp and deeply considered in all active choices. Beyond his screen presence and practice I deeply admire his dedication to personal and ancient doctrines, spiritual commitments and the balancing of these things with the capitalist Hollywood backdrop. The balancing in itself has been his trek and often his turmoil.
Jet Li is the man I hoped he would be - a virtuous pioneer, a loving father, a perfectly flawed human being who has set out to wrangle and make peace with the human condition while acknowledging his short-comings and taking up the inevitable challenges and life curve-balls. He’s masterfully negotiated love, family, spirituality and success and has faced failure with a warrior’s stance. Moreover… he remains one of the most freakishly cool martial artists we’re ever likely to encounter! Let’s NOT forget that.
Jet Li is just freakin’ wonderful. I love him, and his book is an absolute winner. It’s an authentic offering and invitation to us all, to live our best possible lives and to search high and low for our true purpose. It’s a fully-invested experience.
May 18, 2026
I'm old enough to remember when Jet Li was in several hit movies from the late 90s into the early 2010's in the US, so I was excited to see that he had written a book. I knew he had kind of stopped being in such high profile works in the US so I was curious to learn ore about him. Thought this was a memoir (and it is) but it's also about his philosophy and approach to life.
Li talks about his life and career, from his father dying when he was only 2 to competing in martial arts and then eventually transitioning into film after a severe injury left him perhaps unable to walk (it didn't help at the time that physical therapy and other "standard" recovery procedures were not readily available to him). There is not a lot about the moviemaking (either in China or in the US) and eventually Li moves back to Asia and engages in more philanthropic work, especially after surviving a major disaster.
This was okay. I definitely found his memoir more interesting, even if he didn't go into the movies so much (so don't bother looking for gossip because I don't think there is much, if any) rather than his thoughts on Buddhism and wanting to pursue a more spiritual path. Nothing wrong with that at all (and it gives some insight to perhaps why he's not as prominent anymore, aside from his leg injury) but it just was not something that really interested me.
Overall I am glad to have read it to see what he's been up to (there was some gossip a few years back about how he disappeared/he was severely ill, etc.) now that he appears to be mostly retired from acting/movies, etc. If you have a general curiosity about him or maybe you're a hardcore fan this would be a good read. But if you're looking for specific stuff like more about his martial arts career or gossip about the various people he's worked with in Hollywood, etc. this isn't the book.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Li talks about his life and career, from his father dying when he was only 2 to competing in martial arts and then eventually transitioning into film after a severe injury left him perhaps unable to walk (it didn't help at the time that physical therapy and other "standard" recovery procedures were not readily available to him). There is not a lot about the moviemaking (either in China or in the US) and eventually Li moves back to Asia and engages in more philanthropic work, especially after surviving a major disaster.
This was okay. I definitely found his memoir more interesting, even if he didn't go into the movies so much (so don't bother looking for gossip because I don't think there is much, if any) rather than his thoughts on Buddhism and wanting to pursue a more spiritual path. Nothing wrong with that at all (and it gives some insight to perhaps why he's not as prominent anymore, aside from his leg injury) but it just was not something that really interested me.
Overall I am glad to have read it to see what he's been up to (there was some gossip a few years back about how he disappeared/he was severely ill, etc.) now that he appears to be mostly retired from acting/movies, etc. If you have a general curiosity about him or maybe you're a hardcore fan this would be a good read. But if you're looking for specific stuff like more about his martial arts career or gossip about the various people he's worked with in Hollywood, etc. this isn't the book.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
October 4, 2026
Was intrigued when social media targeted me to tell me that Jet Li, wuxia action star extraordinare, had come out with a memoir. Something about finding out more about the stars of elementary Ashley's childhood movies just really enticed me to dig more and sit with the nostgia.
Overall, I enjoyed learning more about Jet Li's origim story and what makes him tick today. From learning that his parents debated aborting him, as they were poor and he would be their 5th child (luckily superstitious Grandma had some sort of omen that this child would bring them good luck and "forced" them to bring the baby into the world). To following him to when he forged himself into national recognition learning several martial arts styles and all the traditional Chinese weapons. To becoming a movie star. To finally his transition out of making movies as his main focus and instead trying end suffering for the most amount of people in the world as possible and establishing a charity.
My criticism of this memoir is the balance of how much we spoke of Jet Li's life progression vs. how deeply we dove into his devout, zealous passion for Buddhism. Many of the metacognition practices and meditation techniques ofc is commendably applied, especially as he became wildly famous and was introverted from the start and hated parties and interviews who asked the same questions over and over, all the while dealing with persistent bodily pain. However I think the editor needed to be more aggressive about pruning down the philosophical aspects of this book--I get it, Buddhism and ending suffering is his #1 priority in his life, but the properties of what it took up in this text made it proportions cross into the line of being preachy, imo.
Anyways, I ended the book feeling like I too wanted to learn to be a martial arts master instead of being shackled to a desk all day, be better at meditation, and think of how I too can better the world just a little bit. So I suppose his book did what he set out to do 😅
Overall, I enjoyed learning more about Jet Li's origim story and what makes him tick today. From learning that his parents debated aborting him, as they were poor and he would be their 5th child (luckily superstitious Grandma had some sort of omen that this child would bring them good luck and "forced" them to bring the baby into the world). To following him to when he forged himself into national recognition learning several martial arts styles and all the traditional Chinese weapons. To becoming a movie star. To finally his transition out of making movies as his main focus and instead trying end suffering for the most amount of people in the world as possible and establishing a charity.
My criticism of this memoir is the balance of how much we spoke of Jet Li's life progression vs. how deeply we dove into his devout, zealous passion for Buddhism. Many of the metacognition practices and meditation techniques ofc is commendably applied, especially as he became wildly famous and was introverted from the start and hated parties and interviews who asked the same questions over and over, all the while dealing with persistent bodily pain. However I think the editor needed to be more aggressive about pruning down the philosophical aspects of this book--I get it, Buddhism and ending suffering is his #1 priority in his life, but the properties of what it took up in this text made it proportions cross into the line of being preachy, imo.
Anyways, I ended the book feeling like I too wanted to learn to be a martial arts master instead of being shackled to a desk all day, be better at meditation, and think of how I too can better the world just a little bit. So I suppose his book did what he set out to do 😅
June 13, 2026
I appreciate this book so much for the questions it answers and the questions it didn't. I always looked up to Jet Li and this book didn't disappoint. He was humble and honest about his shortcomings. But you see over and over again how he choose to grow while admitting we often need to review the same lessons again. Everything from parenthood, autism awareness, anger, injury, weather disasters come up in his journey. This book was the deep therapy session that most self help books will never touch, even though this one is an autobiography. I also don't find a lot of books talking about the Taoist perspective, never mind it connecting to Buddhism, and it was a breath of fresh air reading something I could relate to in that way.
This book also came out at a personal time for me that represents a full circle moment. "Fearless" came out as I was preparing for my first Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. I watched it like crazy at the time as part of my prep. This book discussed, among many things, that "Fearless" still remains the heart of truly understanding Martial Arts. This book came out as I'm attempting my second Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo. The timing is wild for me.
I'm also attempting to find my own peace and freedom. I have concepts to explore but will still need to continue to do the work in many areas. That's the rub that's clear by the end of reading this.
I was super excited about this book and it exceeded expectations because Jet Li was simply being himself, or one of his many true selves, as always.
This book also came out at a personal time for me that represents a full circle moment. "Fearless" came out as I was preparing for my first Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. I watched it like crazy at the time as part of my prep. This book discussed, among many things, that "Fearless" still remains the heart of truly understanding Martial Arts. This book came out as I'm attempting my second Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo. The timing is wild for me.
I'm also attempting to find my own peace and freedom. I have concepts to explore but will still need to continue to do the work in many areas. That's the rub that's clear by the end of reading this.
I was super excited about this book and it exceeded expectations because Jet Li was simply being himself, or one of his many true selves, as always.
July 22, 2026
Jet Li's book was more spiritual than about his career or even facts about his life.
I did learn that he was originally going to be aborted, he was well loved and close to his grandmother, and she believed he was a blessing/going to be the one who pulled his family out of poverty. He was. So much pressure. He went into martial arts as a job for his country, and they allowed him to do some acting, but didn't want him to becomes just an actor. So, he overworked himself and allowed for injury, hoping he would be let go, but the doctor told him that not only could he not go back to tournaments for the country, he couldn't act, and would be lucky to walk again. He would go from being paid by the country for fighting to being paid as a full time disabled person. Obviously, it didn't work out that way, but he never knew what was "enough" to feel successful, which sent him on his spiritual journey. So, I guess that has become his life, really, constantly focusing on his mental growth than anything. It seems other people were expecting different of the book. I saw some critical reviews, but I think the title of his book isn't at all misleading, and is the fault of those for having expectations of him, which, unfortunately, does come most for celebrity books. Realistically, they can't win. There are always readers who want either more of their personal life, or more of their work, but there is rarely ever a celebrity memoir that won't be criticized harshly.
Anyway, thank you to @tarcherperigree for this gifted copy and thank you to Goodreads always
I did learn that he was originally going to be aborted, he was well loved and close to his grandmother, and she believed he was a blessing/going to be the one who pulled his family out of poverty. He was. So much pressure. He went into martial arts as a job for his country, and they allowed him to do some acting, but didn't want him to becomes just an actor. So, he overworked himself and allowed for injury, hoping he would be let go, but the doctor told him that not only could he not go back to tournaments for the country, he couldn't act, and would be lucky to walk again. He would go from being paid by the country for fighting to being paid as a full time disabled person. Obviously, it didn't work out that way, but he never knew what was "enough" to feel successful, which sent him on his spiritual journey. So, I guess that has become his life, really, constantly focusing on his mental growth than anything. It seems other people were expecting different of the book. I saw some critical reviews, but I think the title of his book isn't at all misleading, and is the fault of those for having expectations of him, which, unfortunately, does come most for celebrity books. Realistically, they can't win. There are always readers who want either more of their personal life, or more of their work, but there is rarely ever a celebrity memoir that won't be criticized harshly.
Anyway, thank you to @tarcherperigree for this gifted copy and thank you to Goodreads always
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
Less of a Hollywood tell-all and more of a deeply personal spiritual reflection, Jet Li’s memoir is a rewarding read if you go in with the right expectations.
I was introduced to Jet Li in the late 1990s through his Hong Kong filmography, later enjoying his U.S. debut in Lethal Weapon 4, his subsequent Hollywood releases, and standout later works like Hero, Fearless, and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate. I picked up this library copy with high anticipation, hoping for behind-the-scenes movie lore and a deeper look at the background of an exceptional martial artist.
However, given the title and its themes of existence and purpose, I also approached it with a bit of trepidation. Ultimately, a reader's expectations will likely make or break their experience with this book.
The memoir is deeply personal in key ways. Li reflects on formative childhood moments, experiences that shaped his approach to acting, and his view of fatherhood. The constant throughline across his stories is his drive to be a provider and protector for his family, alongside his ongoing spiritual journey.
He highlights this spiritual theme through stories about one of his daughters, with whom he shares a distinct spiritual kinship. Yet, he reveals very little about his relationships with his other children, wives, or siblings. Ultimately, this work serves less as a traditional celebrity autobiography and more as a detailed map of Li's spiritual path, written to encourage readers to explore their own. I found the text to be a quick and well-paced read that made me reflect on his spiritual path as well as my own experience. I felt remiss without learning more about his other relationships with his children and family and martial arts film experience. Hopefully, another book will be written about these exploits one day.
I was introduced to Jet Li in the late 1990s through his Hong Kong filmography, later enjoying his U.S. debut in Lethal Weapon 4, his subsequent Hollywood releases, and standout later works like Hero, Fearless, and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate. I picked up this library copy with high anticipation, hoping for behind-the-scenes movie lore and a deeper look at the background of an exceptional martial artist.
However, given the title and its themes of existence and purpose, I also approached it with a bit of trepidation. Ultimately, a reader's expectations will likely make or break their experience with this book.
The memoir is deeply personal in key ways. Li reflects on formative childhood moments, experiences that shaped his approach to acting, and his view of fatherhood. The constant throughline across his stories is his drive to be a provider and protector for his family, alongside his ongoing spiritual journey.
He highlights this spiritual theme through stories about one of his daughters, with whom he shares a distinct spiritual kinship. Yet, he reveals very little about his relationships with his other children, wives, or siblings. Ultimately, this work serves less as a traditional celebrity autobiography and more as a detailed map of Li's spiritual path, written to encourage readers to explore their own. I found the text to be a quick and well-paced read that made me reflect on his spiritual path as well as my own experience. I felt remiss without learning more about his other relationships with his children and family and martial arts film experience. Hopefully, another book will be written about these exploits one day.
September 18, 2026
Jet Li begleitet mich als Schauspieler und Kampfkünstler schon seit Jahren, deshalb war klar, dass ich diese Autobiografie aufsaugen würde. Und genau das ist passiert. Wer ein Best-of seiner Filmkarriere mit jeder Menge Setgeschichten erwartet, bekommt etwas anderes. Beyond Life and Death schaut tiefer.
Besonders stark fand ich den Blick auf den Menschen hinter der Kampfkunst. Aus extremer Armut zum Meister, vom Martial-Arts-Star zum internationalen Schauspieler und schließlich zu einem Menschen, der sich mit Sinn, Vergänglichkeit, innerer Ruhe und Verantwortung beschäftigt. Das wirkt ehrlich und persönlich.
Seine zehn Lektionen geben dem Buch einen klaren roten Faden. Manche Gedanken haben mich sofort gepackt, andere haben länger nachgearbeitet. Diese Mischung aus Lebensgeschichte, Kampfkunst, Film und buddhistischer Reflexion hat für mich perfekt funktioniert.
Als großer Jet-Li-Fan war für mich vieles spannend. Trotzdem ist das Buch mehr als Fanservice. Es zeigt einen Mann, der trotz Ruhm und Erfolg weiter nach Antworten sucht. Genau deshalb bleibt nach der letzten Seite nicht nur Bewunderung für den Star, sondern vor allem Respekt für den Menschen.
Besonders stark fand ich den Blick auf den Menschen hinter der Kampfkunst. Aus extremer Armut zum Meister, vom Martial-Arts-Star zum internationalen Schauspieler und schließlich zu einem Menschen, der sich mit Sinn, Vergänglichkeit, innerer Ruhe und Verantwortung beschäftigt. Das wirkt ehrlich und persönlich.
Seine zehn Lektionen geben dem Buch einen klaren roten Faden. Manche Gedanken haben mich sofort gepackt, andere haben länger nachgearbeitet. Diese Mischung aus Lebensgeschichte, Kampfkunst, Film und buddhistischer Reflexion hat für mich perfekt funktioniert.
Als großer Jet-Li-Fan war für mich vieles spannend. Trotzdem ist das Buch mehr als Fanservice. Es zeigt einen Mann, der trotz Ruhm und Erfolg weiter nach Antworten sucht. Genau deshalb bleibt nach der letzten Seite nicht nur Bewunderung für den Star, sondern vor allem Respekt für den Menschen.
August 4, 2026
Having lived with a chronic illness my entire life, I've often tried to push past my physical limitations rather than accepting what my body can and can't do. I've been on a on and off self-help journey for the last decade. Perhaps my connection to this book holds a bit of vanity, as I feel immensely validated on my journey by having resonated so deeply with this. It seems I still have much work to do!
Don't pick this up expecting a typical memoir from a celebrity. You won't find gossip about Jet Li's Hollywood career. This book offers a look at his personal journey toward inner peace and how he balances stardom with spiritual grounding. It opened up a new world for me, and I’ll definitely be re-reading it. This was an easy five-star rating for me.
Don't pick this up expecting a typical memoir from a celebrity. You won't find gossip about Jet Li's Hollywood career. This book offers a look at his personal journey toward inner peace and how he balances stardom with spiritual grounding. It opened up a new world for me, and I’ll definitely be re-reading it. This was an easy five-star rating for me.
July 25, 2026
I knew going into this book that the book was more about Buddhism than martial arts but, I was pleasantly surprised with the tidbits from his personal life and martial arts career. (My understanding is that they did tweak the content quite a bit for the English version compared to the original Mandarin version). My favorite part was his conflicts with his daughters, and his honest reflections about how he led a very sheltered life going straight from being a ward of the government to a movie star.
May 19, 2026
5 STAR READ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I love about this book is that Jet Li was really that guy in movies and in martial arts, living a peaceful life made it so easy for him and the life of Buddhism. I understand what Jet Li is coming from. Being a young boy then being a movie star and then having kids, Jet Li is one with himself. I understand Jet Li and his life story
Also a perfect read for Asian American Heritage Month 🩵🙏🏻
What I love about this book is that Jet Li was really that guy in movies and in martial arts, living a peaceful life made it so easy for him and the life of Buddhism. I understand what Jet Li is coming from. Being a young boy then being a movie star and then having kids, Jet Li is one with himself. I understand Jet Li and his life story
Also a perfect read for Asian American Heritage Month 🩵🙏🏻
Read
May 21, 2026When you read a book that is primarily about buddhism, it feels utterly silly to craft a review upon its completion. I selected this book as a big fan of Jet Li (and martial arts in general) and came away feeling a little more enlightened as a human in this world. The book is less about Li's biography and mastery of wuxia and more about what he wishes to share with the world about his lessons towards true freedom.
August 5, 2026
This book was a joy to read. Growing up Jet Li was one of my favourite actors and so my review may be biased, but reading this book made me love and admire the man more.
The honesty and humility in which he relates his failures and weaknesses is truly rare.
It is also rich with spiritual guidance and wisdom that made me reflect on my own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably read it again later.
The honesty and humility in which he relates his failures and weaknesses is truly rare.
It is also rich with spiritual guidance and wisdom that made me reflect on my own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably read it again later.
October 1, 2026
Fantastic, we all know the pursuit of freedom and happiness is an important thing to 'eventually do'. Here is a light entry into Buddhism which is the meditation and practice of obtaining long term happiness and freedom. Yet what's elegant about it is Jet Li talks about his own journey towards it and kind of gives readers a system to work towards. Like a system of thoughts and habits based on life challenges and consistently showing how his flawed thinking precedes each revelation.
May 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this book ! Part biography , part Buddhist teachings, part well being book . But also a very vulnerable book about the life and hardship of Jet li and a very honest look at his ups and downs ! I will keep this book and reread it many times !! When I need to recenter myself and find compassion towards others !! A really simple yet deep look at life and death !
May 19, 2026
Not bad, but not necessarily what I hoped to get out of the book. It focuses more on Li’s lifelong journey into Buddhism with anecdotes here and there about the film’s. But on the other hand like Li himself states as a goal, he is using his fame to spread the message and awareness so it also serves as a soft introduction to Buddhist and Taoist thoughts and practices.
May 28, 2026
Jet Li’s a legend but I was a little disappointed with this autobiography, the parts about discovering martial arts and mastering it leading to an eventual movie career in both China & America were interesting
but a little too much religion & buddhism philosophy for my taste but if that’s his life, that’s his life
but a little too much religion & buddhism philosophy for my taste but if that’s his life, that’s his life
August 1, 2026
A life of energy and ambition carved into acceptance of a different path. I selected this book on the same day I wanted to learn more about Buddhism but it so happens l am a fan of Jet Li as an actor. Although I loved reading the stories of his career and life, his journey was riveting and pertinent to my own questions about finding a different way. 5/5 film nerds would recommend
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