The Hidden School: Return of the Peaceful Warrior

by Dan Millman

The Hidden School reveals a book within a book, a quest within a quest, and a bridge between worlds—a “must-read journey of transformation. Few other books so skillfully combine story and substance than this peaceful warrior adventure,” raves #1 New York Times bestselling author, Tony Robbins.In the long-awaited conclusion to the international bestselling Peaceful Warrior saga, Dan Millman takes us on an epic spiritual quest across the world as he searches for the link between everyday life and transcendent possibility. Continuing his journey from Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan moves from Honolulu to the Mojave Desert, and from a bustling Asian city to a secluded forest, until he uncovers the mystery of The Hidden School. While traversing continents, he uncovers lessons of life hidden in plain sight—insights pointing the way to an inspired life in the eternal present. Along the way, you’ll encounter remarkable characters and brushes with mortality as you explore the nature of reality, the self, death, and finally, a secret as ancient as the roots of this world. Awaken to the hidden powers of paradox, humor, and change. Discover a vision that may forever change your perspectives about life’s promise and potential.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Travel, Inspirational, Adventure

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Daniel Jay Millman is an American author and lecturer in the personal development field. He is best-known for the movie Peaceful Warrior, which is based on his own life and taken from one of his books.

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a slight deviation from the previous spiritual fiction Dan wrote.

There are two main differences, one is that this book has a bit more of a Carlos Castenada feel to it.
I think this is a bit of a superficial comparison and mostly due to the attitude of one of the characters.

The other difference is that the structure of this book gives the author the chance to add useful advice that is hard to fit into a storyline. By this I mean that since the author describes some of his writing in the book he is able to add advice when he shares what he wrote.

The advice in this book seems less useful than in his previous books. It could be because I've come further along the path or that I am not ready to pick up on some of the deeper things he's communicating.

All in all this book is definitely worth reading, but if you haven't read the other peaceful warrior books I'd start with those.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I did not read Dan's previous books and in full disclosure I work for Dan's new publisher. That said, I read this manuscript in one sitting and loved it and became one of the biggest advocates for North Star Way to publish the book. This is a spiritual travelogue and a mysterious adventure based on Dan's own experiences. Filled with wisdom, guidance, humor and insight, this is the missing link in the journey he first brought us all into with The Way of The Peaceful Warrior. If you were a fan of that book, do not miss this one. If you've yet to discover Dan and his work, you can read this as a stand-alone, as I did, and enjoy the journey of The Hidden School.

[Martin Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I’m friends with Dan, yet this review nevertheless stands on its own: I thoroughly recommend The Hidden School. I read an early draft of The Hidden School and thoroughly appreciated the wisdom that shines through Dan’s newest book. In The Hidden School, Dan, as usual, conveys “spiritual” teachings in a down-to-earth manner (with a good dose of humor thrown in). This time, however, The Hidden School embarks on a radical departure from Dan’s previous work in that it contains never-before published teachings on the illusory nature of the self, and the seeming paradox of free will. And, as with the other books that are part of the Peaceful Warrior Saga (Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior, and Journeys of Socrates), the teachings are cushioned in a lovely story that’s enjoyable to read. As soon as the book comes out in hardcover, I plan to read it again, to let the insights deepen into my awareness. Can’t wait!

[David Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one twice so far and love it! There's so much I would like to say, but I'll keep it short and sweet so as not to cause spoilers. I will just say that it was great to jump back into Dan Millman's story again! Spring boarding from the stories we know, this one brings back all the great qualities of those that came earlier, while introducing new characters and offering even deeper insights into what it means to live as a Peaceful Warrior...
Enjoy it. I sure did!
:-)
~ Dave

[Lisa Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for several reasons. I read his first book 20 years ago and jumping back in after that time was captivating. But more so, it got me to go back and re-read The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. And that helped me reconnect with insights I'd gained the first time around. For one thing, I love Dan's willingness to share his own process, especially his confrontations with his own ego and how he got passed it each time (though sometimes kicking and screaming). At times, I was mad at him for his arrogance when he would feel his success and his head would start to swell, but then he would acknowledge the same things I was recognizing and I would love him all over again. That happened all the way through the first book and those same challenges were there in this one. The key take away for me, and that Dan allowed readers to see, is that self-reflection and recalibration, once it becomes a habit, maybe won't keep us from slipping into situations with blinders on, but will allow us to step back and keep true to the principles on the path of the peaceful warrior. So glad I read this and grateful for the many messages and wisdom shared along the way.

[David Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one twice so far and love it! There's so much I would like to say, but I'll keep it short and sweet so as not to cause spoilers. I will just say that it was great to jump back into Dan Millman's story again! Spring boarding from the stories we know, this one brings back all the great qualities of those that came earlier, while introducing new characters and offering even deeper insights into what it means to live as a Peaceful Warrior...
Enjoy it. I sure did!
:-)
~ Dave

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book - received early from the publisher. All I can say is wow. Loved it. I am a fan of Way of the Peaceful Warrior and this book was just as good. It was great getting to read about Dan and his adventures again. Will be telling my friends about it.

[Karel Baloun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new or especially insightful here, and way way too many words. I wonder if I could ever reinterpret a one year meandering road trip as a metaphysical adventure, no matter how much fiction I inserted. Millman has a fascination for the East, but I sincerely doubt how deeply he understands any of it.... in his easiest books I felt glimpses that he does, but perhaps that was my projection.

The platitudes in defense of faith on page 201 I found specifically distasteful. Topics can remain mysterious and unknown without justifying faith in any specific interpretation of them, and rather, we should be comfortable with unknown mystery.

[Bonnie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreaads Giveaway.
I loved the story. I kept wanting to go back and reread details from the notebook. I really enjoyed the journey and will tell everyone about the book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great read! I did receive as a Goodreads giveaway winner and enjoyed every page! I admit that I did not read the previous books... but am going to now. Thought provoking.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and compelling journey of one man's search for "immortality". What an adventure.

[Colin Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read and nice story. Highly recommended leisure read after the original book.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior was one of the first books I read word for word, cover to cover, no skipping. Turns out when I found the book, the movie was on its way to the theaters. Ever since, Dan Millman, has been an author I try to follow. I finally read this book, got it from the library and it is an excellent follow up from his time with Doc, then Mama Chia in the second follow up and now a host of great characters on his journey through the Southwest to the Far East! Anyone who reads this will learn so much!

[Haris Wahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing sequel which had more depth. But you know how sometimes in stories the first book somehow just has this magic of a new adventure? :D So this book had more depth but the first book is more magical and my favourite.

[Kim Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 really, but like many other reviews stated, this book was more preachy than the rest

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden School is a beautiful journey that reflects our current needs - faith, courage, authenticity, acceptance, surrender and trust in the flow of Divine guidance...Our hearts carry wisdom and knowledge that our minds are unable to conceive.

The book has already found its way into the hands of one of my friends.

[Brooke Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stayed up all night to finish this one. I have waited a long time for the sequel to the Way of the Peaceful Warrior (which hit me at the right time and way). This one had a lot to share, including a useful reflection on paradoxes, many of which I felt alive to. An interesting journey across the globe and of an unbelievable yet somehow real story.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Millman takes readers on another odyssey with the Sacred Warrior as he travels through the desert Southwest and on to China and Japan in search of a journal written by his mentor Socrates. This quest is one in search of an understanding of the gateway to eternal life.

This review is based on a proof copy of the book provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Consequently, some quotations may not appear in the final copy of the book. Because this book was read in the Kindle format, page numbers were not available for citing material.

There is a telling quote before Dan's story begins by Edmund Wilson. "No two persons ever read the same book." This is so true of Dan Millman's writing because readers are all at different stages of their own sacred journeys.

"The Hidden School: Return of the Peaceful Warrior" is book three of a trilogy. Book one, "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" was published in 1980. "Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior" was released in 1991.

Here are a few quotations that open the door to the content and demonstrate Dan Millman's writing style.

"Over the next few days I packed up my apartment, visited the bookstore, and wandered through the city one last time. But the landmarks that absorbed me were internal ones. Pages of memory turning one by one."

In speaking of his blindness, Papa Joe tells Dan, ". . . my eyesight took flight in childhood. It turned inward, and has been soaring ever since."

Papa Joe shares riddles such as "What is greater than God and worse than the devil? The rich want it, the poor have it, and if you eat it, you die?" (Read the book to discover the answer..)

Dan describes how he ". . . watched thoughts and ideas congeal like planets formed from stardust."

"Entering the thicket, I found no small house beyond, but an altogether different landscape: Cedar and pine trees grew thick as grass. Twisted vines hung like huge snakes from massive trunks. Branches seemed to reach out and block my way every few steps, as if they resented my intrusion. A path appeared, then disappeared, like a flickering illusion as I pushed onward through the labyrinth."

Dan Millman uses the lyrics from the children's tune "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" to teach his students the deeper truths of life.

Dan is eventually faced with the challenge of interpreting the contents of the notes in Socrates' journal. These are the chapters that require contemplation. Those on a spiritual path will want to purchase the book rather than borrow it from a friend or library in order to immerse themselves in the content for a better understanding. This is where readers gain insight into bridging the gaps between conventional and transcendental awareness.

Readers will find that it was worth the thirty-seven year wait for the release of the third book in this trilogy. Dan Millman is an amazing writer and he has outdone himself again with "The Hidden School."

[Mike B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Regardless of whether this novel was 37 or 26 years in the making it was a sore disappointment. I have to be blunt, it seems that Dan Millman has squandered the years after Peaceful Warrior became a hit. It is obvious he never attempted to hone/polish/tighten his writing style. His life story was something that he NEEDED to tell and other than his sophomoric newbie writing style (completely forgivable in his first outing with Way of the Peaceful Warrior) it was an engrossing story. Sacred journey was edited better but not a page turner (obviously only written to pay the light bill). In my opinion this let down was, again, only a way to keep the lights on not a life story wrapped in an engrossing fictitious tale. Twenty six years ago the series was unfinished but forgivable and there was always the hope that the NEXT Millman book would be something more. This was the Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy “talk” all rolled into one. The plot was stiff and unengaging, the hooks written into the story to make you care about the characters seem to be afterthoughts that weren’t up to the task. It’s a shame that Dan didn’t have someone ghost write this closing chapter or at least leave out the mystical angle if he couldn’t make it really fit (which it did not). Dan is not a novelist he either lacks the desire to hone the skill he initially hinted at in 1980, or the natural talent. I don’t know if I’m more disappointed in the story or the fact that after almost 3 decades everyone in Dan’s immediate circle agreed with him that this was the best it was going to get. I’m sad that it’s over but glad I don’t have to look for a trilogy conclusion every time I’m at the book store. I will always recommend Way of the Peaceful Warrior to people but THAT book wrapped up all the loose ends and it should have been allowed to stand on its own merits.

[David Jurasek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of The Peaceful Warrior from my early 20's setting me off on my own spiritual quest, meeting many mentors and going through a warrior's adventure.

I've also read many of Dan's books over the years and they've made deep impressions on my at different stages of my life.

Reading "The Hidden School" now as I rest into my 40's with a family and established career, and "living on purpose" as he would say, I am delighted and have cherished this one.

The pacing and plotting changes over the span of the book -- at certain times restless and searching, at others settling into a deeper understanding and then in the last leg of the journey, really keeping me on my toes and genuinely surprised when the mood and focus shifts abruptly. I came to appreciate this quality though in a few places in the middle, I was wanting more. In the end it delivers. The reality of life and death comes crashing in and tests the theories and hopes placed in the story earlier.

I would highly recommend this one to any Millman fans, but also to those of us either in the wilderness of adulthood in our 20's and 30's, looking for more adventure, more depth and more wisdom or those of us entering into midlife having taken risks and gone far and deep, looking to re-calibrate and integrate where we are now...

[Finley Arnesne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a four star rating. I gave it this rating because the author does a good job explaining and articulating his feelings, thought process. I took a star off because he addresses complex topics and can get confusing quickly.

The book is very well articulated and Dan Millman is very good at painting a picture in my mind or opening my eyes, in a way. In this book Millman talks about life in a way the reader may not have thought of. He talks about the 4 paradoxes of life and explains that life may be eternal but we have to live like it is not and that our actions may be already laid out for us but we have to live like they are not. These explanations changed my views on life even when I thought they would not. In this part he writes “From a transcendent perspective, your choices and actions emerge as a natural and inevitable consequence of all the historic, genetic, and environmental forces that have shaped you,”(206) and later writes “You may grasp this insight now, then you may forget, then remember. In those moments of remembering, when this transcendent truth penetrates your heart, you realize who you truly are—and you attain eternal life,”(209). These pieces of knowledge help the reader understand what Millman believes and convinces many to believe the same.


In the book he also encounters and experiences things that change his perspective on life to lead him to the point of transcendence. This helps the reader understand how everyones’ life journey is different and that understanding this is necessary to have a full life. Understanding that everyone has different values, experiences, and beliefs is key to unlocking true understanding and internal peace. Trusting your inner self is another big part of this book. Millman is walking up a path trying to find Socrates’ journal when he hits a choice, a split in the path. “Then I remember Socrates telling me, ‘Your analytical skills are useful. So is your intuitive sense of trusting your inner knower. Use both analysis and intuition—but not at the same time,’”(86). Dan Millman uses his intuition to choose the path and ends up being correct. This is an exaggerated example of how you should learn how to use your intuition to your benefit but the point still stands.
This book teaches the reader many life skills, lessons, and outlooks. The author never forces anything upon the reader but instead guides us to an outlook which we may or may not believe. As he finds Socrates’ journal in a cave he recounts some moments and feelings. “I allowed myself to savor a few moments of elation, of fulfillment. I knew that such moments do not last. ‘Emotions pass like the weather,’ Soc had once reminded me. That sense of pure joy persisted for about ten seconds,”(93). This conveys that we should choose to live in the happy moments when they come because they go “‘Like the weather,’”.

A star is missing because the complex topics can sometimes be lost like when Millman recalls Socrates’ words. “‘Consciousness is not in the body, Dan: the body is in consciousness. And you are that consciousness,’”(291). Ths quote can take a few times to read to undertsnad what Dan is trying to say. It took me several times of reading this and the context to know how to apply this to my own views.


My favorite quote is when Millman is talking to a man named Papa Joe. “It’s good to hear that you have feelings, nieto. That’s how you know you’re alive and that you care about something. But feelings must not run your life or mine. I no longer care for the dramas of this world. I’ve seen them played out in many forms. Now I await my death when I shall see once again as I do in my dreams,’”(34). This is my favorite quote because it explores another point of view. The point of view of someone very different from me. Sometimes my feelings overwhelm me and control behaviors I wish they did not. I believe everyone struggles with this one way or another, whether that's mourning a loss or anger. This advice Papa Joe gives Dan is easily applied to mine and many others' lives. I like the quote because again it does not force a belief onto the reader but merely presents it as a valid option.


In the book Dan Millman has come back from his journey in Hawaii and finds a note in his bag. The note is from his mentor Socrates and tells Dan of a journal hidden in the desert. It tells how Socrates had a fever and wrote the secrets of life, death and rebirth. He tells Dan to find it and expand on his thoughts, and study at some hidden school. Dan goes to Nevada where he finds someone named Papa Joe and then Ama. Ama tells Dan of Soc’s visit to her fathers infirmary. She gives him information that Socrates said in his feverish state. Little of this helps until he finds a tour guide named pajro. Pajro and Dan spend little time together when Pajro leaves unexpectedly. Dan then goes on a hike near Los Vegas, there he finds a cave opening on the side of a cliff. After using his acrobatic experience to maneuver his way in he finally finds the journal. With the journal in hand Dan barely escapes the cave when he sees Pajro. Pajro threatens Dan he takes what he believes to be the journal and runs. Later Dan is in China where he finds a woman named Hua Chi who sent him off to a martial arts school in the woods, the hidden school. Here he studies martial arts and teaches gymnastics. After a while of teaching, learning and writing he is finally ready to return to the outside world. Leaving the farm he goes to find Socrates and share the work he’s completed, and study martial arts.

[Pete Ingraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply: Masterful.

Whether you've read Journeys of Socrates, Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior or not (if you haven't, you should !), you will thoroughly enjoy and profit immeasurably from The Hidden School. It's an exciting adventure, skillfully woven with deeply distilled wisdom and penetrating, illuminating insights.

This is one of those rare masterpieces that you will return to again and again. A wise investment, indeed.

[Jaslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was slow but very soulful. There were two times that I opened the book and the next sentence I read resonated in my life just seconds beforehand. This book all in all, It touched me in many ways and it was a great ending to the peaceful warrior series. Recommended Read!

[Rabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up closer to the middle, easy, fun, yet thoughtful read

[Manon Van der lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Resoneert niet helemaal op een paar mooie zinnen/inzichten na.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this novel and found it to be an easy read. I read Dan Millman's first novel, The Peaceful Warrier, so I was familiar with the characters, even though I did not have the opportunity to read the other books in this series. After reading this book, I feel inspired to read the other books in The Peaceful Warrier series. The book begins with Dan ready to leave Hawaii and finding a letter from his teacher Socrates, compelling Dan to search for Socrates' lost journal in the American southwest. Dan miraculously finds the journal with the assistance of schoolteacher Ama, the daughter of the physician who once saved Socrates' life. However, finding the journal is only the beginning, as Dan finds he must piece together Socrates' wisdom from sketchy notes. As Dan is trailed by a mysterious man also seeking the journal, he travels to China, where he meets Tai Chi instructor Hua Chi, who leads him to a Hidden School in China. While there, Dan works to decipher Socrates notes on ideas of change, paradox, and humor, and the nature of reality and even death itself. He teaches acrobatics and learns Tai Chi. When tragedy strikes the school, Dan visits Japan, his initial destination before being waylaid, and finds more answers in tragedy and within himself, finally coming full circle in a secluded Japanese garden. The novel contains many adventures and the reader must suspend rational thought to believe such miraculous coindences. However, it taught me that the answers we seek often are contained within ourselves, and the people and circumstances we encounter along the way act as our guides. I highly recommend this novel.

[Jess Macallan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Way of the Peaceful Warrior, and this book was the perfect follow-up. The title of the book is appropriate in many ways, and as a reader, I enjoyed the little gems and insights throughout the story. This is the kind of story everyone will read and experience differently. The characters kept me interested and entertained, but more importantly, this story made me reflect. I enjoy stories that teach or amuse or entertain, but I appreciate stories that open the door for reflection. The book touches on topics such as death, paradox, and change, and offers plenty of opportunities for the reader to consider them thoughtfully.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first impression had me wondering who the heck is this guy. For one he must be the luckiest man on the planet. How can someone with just a hand written letter find a journal written by a delusional man many years prior ever hope to actually find this journal in one of three states? But he does and this leads him to other remarkable adventures that involve him using a grant from a University to travel to Japan, Hong Kong and the Republic of China in the mid-1970's. I enjoyed the story but think I should have started with the first novel in this Peaceful Warrior Series.

[Rinke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Millman's previous books, and I hold Way of the Peaceful Warrior in high regard. The Hidden School however, thoroughly disappointed me.

It's just a very linear adventure story with all kinds of 'clues' as to what the protagonist has to do and which way he has to go. It reads more like a children's adventure book than anything else and I personally didn't get any new and interesting perspectives from it. The book is just so.. bland and unimaginative.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone and it doesn't fit into the series at all.

[Matt B. Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a massive fan of the saga of the Peaceful Warrior. This third installment, following "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and "Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior," holds as much power as the others. What I also love about this is how it expands upon the story set forth in Sacred Journey, and how those two books are layered within the broader scope of the first book. Brilliant work, and the stories and revelations throughout these books continue to hit close to home for me.