The way of the peaceful warrior Essay Example

again, he decided to take a walk. To his surprise, he encountered the very man from his dreams. Without a name, Dan named him Socrates. Despite their lack of familiarity, Socrates greeted Dan as if they were long-lost acquaintances. Intrigued by Dan's way of life, Socrates proposed an adventure: "I wouldn't mind having one last student, and you obviously need a teacher" (Millman 14). Naively and arrogantly, Dan questioned how Socrates could possibly be helpful to him.

In the story, Dan reluctantly views Socrates as a joke until he realizes that Socrates has secretly become his mentor. Socrates aims to guide Dan in transforming his way of life by perceiving the true nature of the world. Socrates believes that life itself is an invaluable teacher, with numerous experiences offering wisdom and fulfillment. He offers to aid Dan in learning from experience and attaining clarity, which is desperately needed by Dan at this moment. Although Dan acknowledges the truth of these words, his mind resists, as he has yet to transform knowledge into wisdom (Millman 14).

Dan acknowledges the challenges he will encounter on his hero's journey, recognizing that his most significant obstacle is his own mind and its illusions. Socrates elaborates on this predicament, describing Dan as a prisoner of his own thoughts. Socrates emphasizes that once Dan liberates himself from the hold of his mind, he will comprehend the teachings he has received. To aid in this liberation, Socrates presents meditation as a powerful tool. Describing it as a sword, Socrates highlights its ability to skillfully dismantle the mind and reveal the emptiness of thoughts.

After much practice, Dan finally achieves

a breakthrough - he surpasses all boundaries and masters the art of meditation, liberating himself from the confines of his mind, or so he believes. Motivated by this accomplishment, Dan decides to pay a visit to his parents in Los Angeles. During their conversation, Socrates informs Dan that he has embarked on a conscious process of transformation from which there is no turning back. Dan eagerly anticipates the next phase of his journey, as Socrates warns him that he will face rigorous tests ahead, requiring immense strength.

"I only hope it comes in time" (Millman 89). Not knowing what would lie ahead, Dan embarked on a journey to Los Angeles. The next step of the hero's journey is fulfillment, which Dan seeks upon his arrival by purchasing a motorcycle. However, one fateful night after leaving his parents' house, he experiences a tragic accident and breaks his leg. This moment marks Dan's descent into the belly of the whale, as described by Campbell - a dark and unfamiliar place for the hero. Despite being a gymnastic gold medal Olympian, Dan is rendered unable to use his athletic skills due to his injury.

The protagonist faces the disheartening news from the doctor that his efforts and achievements in gymnastics may have been in vain. According to Campbell, during the fulfillment stage, the protagonist will undertake a series of trials to improve himself and determine his true desires and level of dedication. Campbell states, "The trials are intended to confirm whether the aspiring hero truly possesses the necessary bravery, wisdom, and ability to fulfill his purpose" (Campbell 154).

When Dan is determined to achieve his

goals, he starts training with Socrates despite his broken leg. Socrates advises him to make certain changes, such as giving up unhealthy junk food and abstaining from sexual relations. These trials and temptations serve as tests to gauge Dan's readiness. Despite initially succumbing to the nurse Valery's advances, when she feeds him steak and wine, they eventually engage in sexual activity.

Dan recognizes that he has succumbed to the illusions and temptations of his mind. In order to surpass his desires, he sacrifices his own wants and needs. This results in an inspiring transformation not only for himself but also for his gymnastics teammates. He begins by walking, then running, and eventually performing exercises on the gym bars. Once Socrates deems Dan ready, he presents him with the ultimate challenge: slaying the dragon. This task appears to Dan as a formidable enemy that he must conquer. Upon succeeding, Dan realizes that he has undergone a profound transformation. He reflects, "While attempting to make everything work out for myself, I frequently became engrossed in my own thoughts, always focused on me, me, me."

The ego, which I have always seen myself as, can be likened to a giant. However, I managed to overcome it and achieve transformation (Millman133). This transformation is similar to what Campbell describes as leaving one state and discovering the essence of life that leads to a more fulfilled and mature state (Campbell 152). Dan, the peaceful warrior, continues his journey by sacrificing his family - his wife Linda and daughter Holly. After 8 years, Socrates finds him in the woods and takes him to a cave.

In this cave, Dan Dies

witnesses his own lifeless body sinking into the depths of the abyss, slowly dissolving into the earth as it is consumed. He comes to the realization that he now exists as the ancestor of all the living beings surrounding him, who will eventually return to the earth just as he has. This experience brings Dan a sense of ultimate contentment, something he had been yearning for extensively. "The Dan Millman of the past is now gone forever, merely a fleeting moment in time. However, through all the ages, I remain unchanged and constant. I am now my true self, the Consciousness that observes and encompasses everything. All aspects of my being will endure eternally, continuously evolving and perpetually renewed" (Millman 198).

Like the phoenix rising from ashes, Dan resurrected himself and found the gates to becoming a peaceful warrior. The final stage of the hero's journey is the return, and Dan returns to where his journey started with a new sense of purpose, style, and life. Socrates, his mentor, completes his task saying, "Well, then, it appears that my work with you is complete. My debt is paid" (Millman 200). Now that Socrates has taught Dan the ways of being a peaceful warrior, it is now Dan's turn to assume the mantle of a mentor.

Socrates describes the message of the hero's journey that Dan conveys as "you will write and you will teach. You will live an ordinary life, learning how to remain ordinary in a troubled world to which, in a sense, you no longer belong. Remain ordinary and you can be useful to others" (Millman 202). Dan's book "the way

of the peaceful warrior" has attracted students who truly comprehend the message and can transform their own lives. These students will eventually become mentors themselves.

Joseph Campbell's "The Power of Myth" and "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan both delve into the theme of heroism. Campbell examines heroes and their qualities, describing two types of heroic actions and outlining the steps required to attain heroism. Meanwhile, Dan recounts his own experiences, challenges, and sacrifices that ultimately lead him to become a warrior. These narratives intertwine as Campbell's insights on heroism resonate with Dan's personal journey towards his ultimate goal.