People who were intrigued by the television show ‘Kung Fu’ and inspired by the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ have found real substance in the books of Dan Millman. ‘The Way of the Peaceful Warrior’, ‘The Journeys of Socrates’, and ‘The Life You Were Born to Live’ inspired millions of readers in 29 languages, and Millman also offers seminars and training sessions by themselves and in conjunction with healing and holistic health workshops and cruises. Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor; his ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior’ is being released in April as a major motion picture starring Nick Nolte. For those who haven't read the book, it describes the lessons and adventures Millman experienced with an ageless old man he met in a Texaco station during his student days at Stanford, when he was striving – successfully – to become a world champion gymnast. His teacher, whom he dubbed Socrates, got his attention by disappearing from the interior of the station and reappearing on the roof. But that was only the beginning and the bait for a course of discipline that changed Millman’s life profoundly, an experience he has passed along to others whom he may never know personally. The enormous challenges he had to undergo as an athlete were dwarfed by Socrates’ requirements. In work that evokes memories of the Shao Lin teachings, Millman was taught to change the chemistry of his body, channel his mind, meditate deeply and conquer the perception and fear of death. Now he gives lectures on the fundamentals of health and well being, drawn from his years of physical and spiritual experience. Readers of ‘The Way’ are familiar with Millman’s teacher’s insistence on a purifying, cleansing diet involving fasting and vegetarianism. However, what he recommends for health purposes is a regimen anyone can achieve: a balanced diet, regular, moderate exercise that can be deep breathing, stretching, strength work, etc., and sufficient rest. “A pure vegetarian diet doesn't work for everyone,” he says, “but many people in long-lived, vital cultures tend to eat little or no meat. People can explore vegetarianism, pay attention and trust their instincts, experiment with fasting and (eat) more raw foods.” Millman doesn’t see himself as an instructor of content. He says, “One of the greatest challenges in life is to turn what we know into what we do. The problem isn't not knowing. The latest research, latest findings, are published everywhere.” In his second book, ‘Everyday Enlightenment’ – written ten years after ‘The Way’, which itself was ten years in the making – he talks about how to reclaim your will, which impacts your diet, exercise, relationships, and sexuality. “All I can do is remind people of what they already know,” he adds. “Motivation comes and goes: What remains is will.” A quote from ‘Everyday Enlightenment’ provides a kernel of Millman’s approach: “To progress toward your goals, please choose one of the following methods: (1) You can find a way to quiet your mind, create empowering beliefs and positive self-talk, find your focus and affirm your power to free your emotions and visualize positive outcomes so that you can develop the confidence to generate the courage to find the determination to make the commitment to feel sufficiently motivated to do whatever it is you need to do. (2) Or you can just do it.” Millman is fully aware of the struggles to ‘just do it’. In ‘The Way of the Peaceful Warrior’ he recounts his attempts to follow his teacher’s instructions regarding food, to find that he was choosing between enlightenment and a hamburger. And he notes that will is not the same as striving, citing the story of a young man who asked his martial arts master how long it would take him to achieve a black belt. “Probably about four years,” the master answered. “What if I try very, very hard?” the student asked. “Eight years, at least,” the master said. Millman once thought that people pursued happiness, only to find that it is achieved regardless of situation, material wealth, advantages, even health. “What people are really looking for is meaning and purpose,” he says. “Stress release is a huge part of today's needs. We have an information overload.” De-stressing is about leading a simpler life, but he doesn't necessarily mean about changing external circumstances such as giving up your job or moving into the country. “It's about bringing back the present moment in its fullness.” He gives seminars helping people find their way to that place. It is only reasonable that, because he had remarkable teachers, people approach Millman to become their teacher. While he advises seekers to listen to their instincts, he is not opposed to teachers. In ‘Living on Purpose’ he cautions, “Practicing in isolation may breed illusions. We come to know ourselves best in relationship to others. While we can learn much from books, a personal teacher can tailor guidance to our individual temperament and needs. So Buddhism and other traditions recommend the trinity of a teacher, a teaching, and a community of practitioners as the ideal learning environment.” However, he adds, “It's a minefield out there: even genuine teachers are sometimes corrupted by the adulation of their devotees. So be wary and wise; keep your eyes as wide open as your heart. Teachers need to earn their students’ trust over time. Avoid any who demand complete devotion from the beginning. Pay attention less to what teachers say than to what they do. And notice: Do their students live a life to which you aspire? Are they kind, compassionate, balanced, healthy, honest, open, respectful? Do they show a sense of humor? If not, look elsewhere.” Millman traces the approach to teachers as a parallel to three stages of life: childhood, adolescence and adulthood. He notes that children thrive as followers with a teacher who acts as parent and advises and protects them. Adolescents reject authority and have a skeptical view of most teachers. Adults apply their intelligence and “ … learn what they can, where they can, whether teachings appear in the form of fools or sages, friends or adversaries, animals, infants, or elders.” He adds, “We also learn through experience and circumstance, hardship and insight.” Rather than looking for teachers who provide ultimate truth (if we could comprehend it), in ‘Living on Purpose’ Millman says, “Moment to moment, our teachers reveal all we need to know. The question is, ‘Are we paying attention?’ When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Everywhere.” For Millman’s own upcoming appearances, go to www.danmillman.com or the following: Thurs March 16 WALNUT CREEK, CA Institute of Noetic Science – Keynote presentation. For info/registration: 925-930-8026 bobbieheyman@yahoo.com Sat-Sun March 18-19 DENVER, CO Celebration Metaphysical Fair – Special Seminar each day with Dan. For info: 719-634-1810 fair@celebrationfair.com Sun-Mon March 19-20 ASPEN, CO Sun eve & Mon morn. Two special events. For info: 970-920-5770 Email: karols@groups.mac.com Web: www.wheeleroperahouse.com Fri – Wed April 21-26 ALBUQUERQUE, NM The Message Company International Conference on Science and Consciousness – Keynote and workshop presentations (on Mon the 24th). For info/registration: 505-474-0998 / 7604 Email: message@bizspirit.com Web: www.bizspirit.com Sat May 6 MILL VALLEY, CA Community Institute for Psychotherapy Gala Event – Dan will speak about "Mentors, Masters and The Journeys of Socrates" For info/registration: 415-459-5999 x101 Email: rjberensoncp@aol.com Web: www.counselingcip.org Fri-Sun May 26-28 LENOX, MA Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health – Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit Weekend with Dan Millman. For info/registration: 800 -741-7353 Email: reserve@kripalu.org Web: www.kripalu.org