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Path Notes of an American Ninja Master
Using a lively style and the languages of transpersonal psychology, meditation, esoteric magic, and kundalini, Glenn Morris recounts his amazing adventures and hair-raising close calls while training and then practicing as a master of martial arts. Following in the tradition of the legendary Togakure Ryu of Japan, whose fighting techniques and lore inspired the fascination of westerners with Ninja warriors, he offers guidelines on how to tell sham from authenticity, how to keep friends while developing power, how to voyage safely into the inner landscape, and how to deal with dark forces-incarnate and disincarnate. At the same time, he provides exercises, tests, and adventures for the courageous-as well as spiritual and ethical compass.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 30, 2011
Hokey title -- heavy s**t. I read _Martial Arts Madness_ and _Shadow Strategies_ years ago, but it took me quite a while to track this one down. When I finally did, I wasn’t disappointed. I never met Dr. Morris in person, but I exchanged a few emails with him during the late ‘90s. He was candid, brilliant, iconoclastic, and downright scary in many respects. Although his approach is sometimes irritatingly similar to Aleister Crowley’s, he is/was (I heard a rumor that he’d passed away) the best English-language writer on the "woo-woo" side of the martial arts I’ve ever encountered. Approach with caution – for all that there’s a sh**load of good stuff here.
December 25, 2011
I found this book extremely frustrating to read. I've been a Zen practitioner for many years, but have never seriously studied any martial arts, so it's possible Morris and I just speak different languages. My biggest grievance with him is his approach to "enlightenment". The enlightenment that Morris speaks of is way outside of everything I've even learned in my Zen practice. He makes the statement that enlightenment can be achieved in three to eight years of meditation practice, then later he speaks of all the otherworldly skills one gains by being enlightened. D.T. Suzuki in Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind goes to great length to dispel the importance of the enlightenment experience. To a Zen practitioner, the point of the practice is not to achieve a goal, the point is the practice itself.
Another problem I had with the book is it's overall tone. I found Morris' writing to be pompous and self-serving throughout almost the entire book. The whole thing felt a bit like an effort to inflate his own ego. Again, in my own experience with Zen, I've found that the wisest teachers impress you not with all their credentials, but by very ordinary they are. They act as a mirror for the student, guiding when necessary, but never feeling the need to espouse on their own brilliance.
This book has a very definite "new-age" flair to it, delving into everything from seeing auras to charging crystals. And while I don't have a problem with that on principle (I'll be the first to concede there are plenty of things in this world outside the realm of my understanding), it's the fact that the author attempts to be an authority on all of them that unnerves me. One gets the impression from reading this book that Morris' powers and abilities are nothing short of god-like.
Chapter Nineteen, titled "Strategies for a New Age" is perhaps the book's one redeeming section. The author displays a very uncharacteristic humility as he describes his nine "words of wisdom", all of which I found refreshingly sound given the rest of his writing.
All in all, Path Notes is mishmash of ideas and principles that have been drawn from more sources than I can count, many of which feel as though they were taken out of context. It lacks focus, and may be very misleading to those unfamiliar with Eastern spiritual practice. For a westerner interested in cracking into Eastern thought, I would highly suggest The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living instead.
Another problem I had with the book is it's overall tone. I found Morris' writing to be pompous and self-serving throughout almost the entire book. The whole thing felt a bit like an effort to inflate his own ego. Again, in my own experience with Zen, I've found that the wisest teachers impress you not with all their credentials, but by very ordinary they are. They act as a mirror for the student, guiding when necessary, but never feeling the need to espouse on their own brilliance.
This book has a very definite "new-age" flair to it, delving into everything from seeing auras to charging crystals. And while I don't have a problem with that on principle (I'll be the first to concede there are plenty of things in this world outside the realm of my understanding), it's the fact that the author attempts to be an authority on all of them that unnerves me. One gets the impression from reading this book that Morris' powers and abilities are nothing short of god-like.
Chapter Nineteen, titled "Strategies for a New Age" is perhaps the book's one redeeming section. The author displays a very uncharacteristic humility as he describes his nine "words of wisdom", all of which I found refreshingly sound given the rest of his writing.
All in all, Path Notes is mishmash of ideas and principles that have been drawn from more sources than I can count, many of which feel as though they were taken out of context. It lacks focus, and may be very misleading to those unfamiliar with Eastern spiritual practice. For a westerner interested in cracking into Eastern thought, I would highly suggest The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living instead.
June 21, 2018
This is one of two books that had a huge impact on my life. (The other was Autobiography of Yogi, by Paramahamsa Yogananda which was even more impactful).
I'm writing this review quite a few years after the fact, since I'm new to Goodreads. I read this when I was a teenager. I came across it in a bookstore with my mom, and literally refused to leave the store unless she bought that book for me. ;-)
Although there's a lot of Ninjutsu in this book, it's actually more about Kundalini and Glenn's spiritual awakening than that. He's put his energy into the book. When you read it, you'll feel it. This is also very true of Yogananda, especially his first edition. I think that's part of why both of those books were so powerful for me. There are more than just words in those pages, and I'm not just being floofy when I say that.
If you're on a spiritual path, and have it in you to meditate and learn esoteric techniques about running energy through your body, you should read this book. I'm not sure if it's still in print or not, but you can still find it on the internet, or through Glenn's KAP program, which continues after his passing under two of his very talented students.
I'm writing this review quite a few years after the fact, since I'm new to Goodreads. I read this when I was a teenager. I came across it in a bookstore with my mom, and literally refused to leave the store unless she bought that book for me. ;-)
Although there's a lot of Ninjutsu in this book, it's actually more about Kundalini and Glenn's spiritual awakening than that. He's put his energy into the book. When you read it, you'll feel it. This is also very true of Yogananda, especially his first edition. I think that's part of why both of those books were so powerful for me. There are more than just words in those pages, and I'm not just being floofy when I say that.
If you're on a spiritual path, and have it in you to meditate and learn esoteric techniques about running energy through your body, you should read this book. I'm not sure if it's still in print or not, but you can still find it on the internet, or through Glenn's KAP program, which continues after his passing under two of his very talented students.
July 11, 2021
Interesting, if a bit kooky, read. Glenn stepped on a rainbow a few years back which is too bad. He'd have had an interesting blog or podcast if he were still around.
March 14, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it contains some good bits and pieces of practical advice, interesting anecdotes, and some good pointers to subjects for further study, and suggested reading - that I am sure was even “better” back in the early 1990’ies when the book was first released, than it is today.
By that, I mean that it was probably a bit ahead of its time, and I acknowledge and respect that. It needs to be said.
On the other hand, I really had problems buckling up for this author, who's often so “cringe” and over the top - that I had to put the book down quite a few times. This is simply because I am easily upset by people absolutely full of themselves, and who shamelessly lie and go on about how great they are.
I will try to be rather kind here, since I have bad feelings about flaming someone who's passed away, and that otherwise seemed quite a friendly and helpful person.
He's open (too open, frankly) about having “grown up christian”, and that this gave him a skewed idea of sexuality, and describes his earlier “adult movie” addiction, and a certain obsessive compulsory behavior, that usually goes along with it. This is really more information than anyone could possibly ask for. This combined with frequently praising “the superiority of women” in a very dishonest and creepy way - is frankly rather eerie, and speaks volumes.
Yes, I know this type - who typically blame their uncontrolled sexuality on “a high vital force” and what not, trying to make it something positive. What it's really about, is what I usually call an “Anima Psychosis” - which usually is the result of growing up with harmful/suppressive dogmas on sexuality, combined with lack of self-restraint. There's just no way around it. It however doesn't necessarily make you a bad person.
Furthermore and finally: I do also generally look down on and distrust people who openly proclaim that they have had a “Kundalini awakening”, that they have reached “enlightenment”, and who brag about their sexual prowess etc.
It is in the nature of things, that those who are true in these matters, don't talk about it to just about anyone. Neither the ladies nor the Divine appreciate when they find you bragging, and when you kiss and tell. I know that much.
I could say a lot more on these things, but that will suffice. This should be a review of the book itself, but it's hard to not mention these things - as the author makes his persona very central to this book. I had to choose between not writing a review at all, or declaring these things. And as I'm still glad I read the book, I decided to go with the latter.
A lot of this book revolves around two individuals, namely Stephen K. Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi. Back when the book was written, these were no doubt the foremost authority figures in the world of Ninjutsu.
Later, the authenticity of the lineage of Hatsumi (and thus Hayes) has been questioned, and it seems that he at the very least can't really prove his claims of any continuity of (t)his tradition. I won't say much more about this, because I have no clue here.
This doesn't really bother nor interest me that much, as it's still obvious that both of these men have a lot of knowledge and experience of genuine spiritual and martial traditions - and that they are both knowledgeable, creative, skilled and very helpful and thoughtful individuals.
Without these two, this book would probably never have been written, and it more or less stands or falls with their legitimacy.
I also need to emphasize that I don't believe or claim that everything he writes about them (or others) is really true. A fair bit might be his own embellishments, but it reflects his admiration for them.
The contents of the book itself deals a lot with the subject of Kundalini, and its role in eastern traditions - and to my knowledge, he is true to the matter at hand.
He deals with an array of matters such as Chi Kung, meditation, the energetic body/auras, healing, divinatory practices and medicine. As far as I can tell, he is largely on the right track on these topics, and I picked up a few good bits and pieces here and there.
On the matters of medicine and alcohol however, I would advise anyone reading this, to make their own research before adhering to any of his words. A fair bit of this may be outdated information, and suggesting anyone to overdose on anything - would probably put you in serious trouble today, at least if you are an American. “Trust me bro”, is simply not good enough anymore.
A section where this book really shines, is in his “Annotated Bibliography for the Inner Adventurer”. Here Glenn steps in from the beyond, to prove he's not as bad as I maybe make him seem. I'm familiar with some of the mentioned authors and their works, and I can attest to the value of these. I am indeed going to investigate some of the rest further, and I thank him “posthumously” for this list.
The accompanying audio material for this book (which is of fairly low quality - just because of its age, no doubt), is also very good, and it's heartwarming just to become familiar with his own voice. I am glad I took the time to go through with it, and I do recommend it to others.
So. To sum this review up: If you are able to “separate the art from the artist”, and if you keep in mind that it's a fairly old book, you should give this book a chance.
If you, like me, are out there “chasing Siddhis”, you might pick up a good trail or two here. I have next to zero interest in any martial aspects of Ninjutsu, but the more spiritual, “magical” and esoteric aspects are very dear to me, and this is what this book is largely about.
I am giving this book a three star rating, as an overall judgement. Had the author known the meaning of the word humility, and known not to “spill his beans” (as Thomas Wake puts it in the story “The Lighthouse”), I would have given it four stars. Without the audio material, perhaps two stars.
I also want to apologize to Glenn Morris for some of my harsh words; maybe you'll have the chance to beat some manners into me some day, somewhere.
By that, I mean that it was probably a bit ahead of its time, and I acknowledge and respect that. It needs to be said.
On the other hand, I really had problems buckling up for this author, who's often so “cringe” and over the top - that I had to put the book down quite a few times. This is simply because I am easily upset by people absolutely full of themselves, and who shamelessly lie and go on about how great they are.
I will try to be rather kind here, since I have bad feelings about flaming someone who's passed away, and that otherwise seemed quite a friendly and helpful person.
He's open (too open, frankly) about having “grown up christian”, and that this gave him a skewed idea of sexuality, and describes his earlier “adult movie” addiction, and a certain obsessive compulsory behavior, that usually goes along with it. This is really more information than anyone could possibly ask for. This combined with frequently praising “the superiority of women” in a very dishonest and creepy way - is frankly rather eerie, and speaks volumes.
Yes, I know this type - who typically blame their uncontrolled sexuality on “a high vital force” and what not, trying to make it something positive. What it's really about, is what I usually call an “Anima Psychosis” - which usually is the result of growing up with harmful/suppressive dogmas on sexuality, combined with lack of self-restraint. There's just no way around it. It however doesn't necessarily make you a bad person.
Furthermore and finally: I do also generally look down on and distrust people who openly proclaim that they have had a “Kundalini awakening”, that they have reached “enlightenment”, and who brag about their sexual prowess etc.
It is in the nature of things, that those who are true in these matters, don't talk about it to just about anyone. Neither the ladies nor the Divine appreciate when they find you bragging, and when you kiss and tell. I know that much.
I could say a lot more on these things, but that will suffice. This should be a review of the book itself, but it's hard to not mention these things - as the author makes his persona very central to this book. I had to choose between not writing a review at all, or declaring these things. And as I'm still glad I read the book, I decided to go with the latter.
A lot of this book revolves around two individuals, namely Stephen K. Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi. Back when the book was written, these were no doubt the foremost authority figures in the world of Ninjutsu.
Later, the authenticity of the lineage of Hatsumi (and thus Hayes) has been questioned, and it seems that he at the very least can't really prove his claims of any continuity of (t)his tradition. I won't say much more about this, because I have no clue here.
This doesn't really bother nor interest me that much, as it's still obvious that both of these men have a lot of knowledge and experience of genuine spiritual and martial traditions - and that they are both knowledgeable, creative, skilled and very helpful and thoughtful individuals.
Without these two, this book would probably never have been written, and it more or less stands or falls with their legitimacy.
I also need to emphasize that I don't believe or claim that everything he writes about them (or others) is really true. A fair bit might be his own embellishments, but it reflects his admiration for them.
The contents of the book itself deals a lot with the subject of Kundalini, and its role in eastern traditions - and to my knowledge, he is true to the matter at hand.
He deals with an array of matters such as Chi Kung, meditation, the energetic body/auras, healing, divinatory practices and medicine. As far as I can tell, he is largely on the right track on these topics, and I picked up a few good bits and pieces here and there.
On the matters of medicine and alcohol however, I would advise anyone reading this, to make their own research before adhering to any of his words. A fair bit of this may be outdated information, and suggesting anyone to overdose on anything - would probably put you in serious trouble today, at least if you are an American. “Trust me bro”, is simply not good enough anymore.
A section where this book really shines, is in his “Annotated Bibliography for the Inner Adventurer”. Here Glenn steps in from the beyond, to prove he's not as bad as I maybe make him seem. I'm familiar with some of the mentioned authors and their works, and I can attest to the value of these. I am indeed going to investigate some of the rest further, and I thank him “posthumously” for this list.
The accompanying audio material for this book (which is of fairly low quality - just because of its age, no doubt), is also very good, and it's heartwarming just to become familiar with his own voice. I am glad I took the time to go through with it, and I do recommend it to others.
So. To sum this review up: If you are able to “separate the art from the artist”, and if you keep in mind that it's a fairly old book, you should give this book a chance.
If you, like me, are out there “chasing Siddhis”, you might pick up a good trail or two here. I have next to zero interest in any martial aspects of Ninjutsu, but the more spiritual, “magical” and esoteric aspects are very dear to me, and this is what this book is largely about.
I am giving this book a three star rating, as an overall judgement. Had the author known the meaning of the word humility, and known not to “spill his beans” (as Thomas Wake puts it in the story “The Lighthouse”), I would have given it four stars. Without the audio material, perhaps two stars.
I also want to apologize to Glenn Morris for some of my harsh words; maybe you'll have the chance to beat some manners into me some day, somewhere.
October 14, 2008
Interesting account of the spiritual side of martial arts, especially with regard to energy-sex-tantric-channelling etc.
Some fascinating stories, made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
I'd love to pick up a martial art properly and really work at it...
Some fascinating stories, made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
I'd love to pick up a martial art properly and really work at it...
February 3, 2016
Absolutely loved it the first time I read it. It’s not for everyone, but it definitely takes you on a wild ride - if you’re ready to take the jump.
Since I first read it about 7 years ago, I still occasionally pick it up to read...
Since I first read it about 7 years ago, I still occasionally pick it up to read...
May 31, 2017
Very under rated book!
August 15, 2024
Inspirational.
“Your life is your art.”
I just reread "Path Notes …" and it was such a treat. The book is primarily an autobiography of Dr. Glenn J. Morris (1944-2006) but also includes many how-to instructions and philosophical discussions on various topics.
Dr. Glenn J. Morris earned a Ph.D. in Communication and a Sci.D in psychology. He was a teacher. He has taught communication, psychology, and theater in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Also, while doing all of this Dr Morris trained in the martial arts most of his life.
Each time I read this book, there is always something new to look forward to and something new to discover. The pace of the book moves quickly, keeping the reader's mind occupied.
This is what I think about this book.
It provides a unique opportunity to look into someone's life - someone who truly lived life to the fullest. Despite facing physical and emotional challenges at times, this person persevered, grew, and savored every moment. The author doesn't preach about how people should live their lives; instead, he shows us how he lived his own.
The title of the book is foretelling.
"Path Notes" suggests to me that the author is reflecting on the different paths he took in life and where they led him. It conveys a sense of acceptance and growth that I find really appealing.
This book primarily focuses on martial arts training, its profound impact on the author's life, and, most significantly, the lasting friendships it enabled.
I highly recommend this book.
“Your life is your art.”
I just reread "Path Notes …" and it was such a treat. The book is primarily an autobiography of Dr. Glenn J. Morris (1944-2006) but also includes many how-to instructions and philosophical discussions on various topics.
Dr. Glenn J. Morris earned a Ph.D. in Communication and a Sci.D in psychology. He was a teacher. He has taught communication, psychology, and theater in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Also, while doing all of this Dr Morris trained in the martial arts most of his life.
Each time I read this book, there is always something new to look forward to and something new to discover. The pace of the book moves quickly, keeping the reader's mind occupied.
This is what I think about this book.
It provides a unique opportunity to look into someone's life - someone who truly lived life to the fullest. Despite facing physical and emotional challenges at times, this person persevered, grew, and savored every moment. The author doesn't preach about how people should live their lives; instead, he shows us how he lived his own.
The title of the book is foretelling.
"Path Notes" suggests to me that the author is reflecting on the different paths he took in life and where they led him. It conveys a sense of acceptance and growth that I find really appealing.
This book primarily focuses on martial arts training, its profound impact on the author's life, and, most significantly, the lasting friendships it enabled.
I highly recommend this book.
March 25, 2023
I love this book because it is one of the few books out there really telling you practical things about energetic work. While the outer focus of the book is on martial arts, and in particular the Togakure Ryu style, sown within the whole of it as an inner layer, is the practice of internal martial arts.
The author is very good at describing particular techniques, the use and even some of their potentially negative side effects. A wonderful book and a wealth of information for those that are willing to go deeper than outer style and discover the true source of inner power.
The author is very good at describing particular techniques, the use and even some of their potentially negative side effects. A wonderful book and a wealth of information for those that are willing to go deeper than outer style and discover the true source of inner power.
February 7, 2018
The esoteric, at times rather weird story of one man's experiences in the martial arts and life in general.
April 12, 2019
Really enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
A very interesting book detailing the path and life of Glenn Morris. Some of the topics include, consciousness in objects, kundalini, clairvoyance, and being a badass Ninja Master.
April 26, 2012
For anyone interested in self-improvement, I can't say enough about this book. Tragically, Dr. Morris passed away at a relatively young age; I would read anything this man wrote with great anticipation. A transcendental work for the open-minded.
November 26, 2012
Beware the trickster.
November 19, 2011
I really like this book. Good to hear the experiences of other practitioners.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews