International martial arts superstar and humanitarian Jet Li officially unveiled the title of his upcoming book, Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom, which is scheduled for a global release in May.
The legendary actor, known for iconic roles in films like Once Upon a Time in China and Lethal Weapon 4, revealed that the memoir will detail his internal shift from chasing material success to seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Li, who previously authored a book in Chinese, explained that this new English-language work is intended to help his friends and fans worldwide understand the life lessons he has gathered over six decades.
The protagonist of the global action cinema scene shared that his perspective on life changed drastically after facing multiple near-death experiences in his 40s.
Li reflected on his early years of extreme poverty in Beijing, where he lived with four siblings raised by a single mother, and his subsequent rise as a national Wushu (a traditional Chinese martial art) champion.
He noted that while his early fame and a monthly salary of just 100 dollars once brought him immense joy, he eventually realized that material possessions and external validation were fleeting sources of happiness.
Li described his transition from being a “servant to material things” to founding the One Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on disaster relief and philanthropy.
The actor, who has appeared in over 110 film titles and amassed millions of followers globally, explained that even his initial forays into charity felt like a struggle for numbers rather than true peace.
He credited several “great masters” for showing him a path toward being “free beyond the free,” a state he continues to learn and practice daily.
The upcoming book launch follows a period of relative privacy for the actor, who has recently focused on Taiji Zen (a lifestyle company promoting meditation and martial arts) and his recovery from hyperthyroidism.
Li, now 62, remains one of the most influential figures in the creator economy for martial arts and wellness, using his massive digital footprint to advocate for mental and physical health.
His new book, Beyond Life and Death, aims to provide a roadmap for others to find meaning in life beyond professional accolades and financial gain.
