Don't think of what you left behind. And don't think too far ahead. For how can one leave something to which one is tied? And how can one feel accomplishment in something never attained? One should set a destination that is within one's reach. As one reaches that point another slightly higher goal can be set - and so on, as one travels up the path. In this way the mountain can be climbed in increments. Look not at the vast mountain as a whole. Rather look minutely and scrutinize each individual step. There will thus be no discouragement, for every step is a success.

"Zen Foot-Notes: Upon the Unknown Passage" is the journal of an expedition's ascent of the highest mountain in the world - not Everest, as everyone assumes, but Pochen Point - the fabled summit of the nether world. The expedition to climb the highest mountain in the nether world is a symbol for mankind's journey through life. The summit is different for each member of the expedition. And yet, because it also symbolizes death, it is essentially the same. The expedition members discover that what matters is not the goal, but merely the path. And some realize that it is not even the path that matters, but rather the passage - the pathless path.

Wayne Omura lives and writes in Denver, Colorado. He is the author of "Movies and the Meaning of Life: The Most Profound Films in Cinematic History."

Cultures of noble warrior protectors are found throughout all ages of humankind in countless civilizations across the globe. A few brave men and women choose to put the welfare and security of their neighbors ahead of their own, and take to the battlefield to stop any invaders who would violate their community.

For the aware warrior, many clashes bring much insight. Through facing death we find deeper truths about life. After enduring much heartbreaking bloodshed, we are moved to build a powerful peace where all families' children may grow up in health and happiness.

Wayne Omura writes of his insights into the ages-old struggle of the warrior who puts others ahead of self on dangerous battlefronts. Enjoy his words, wrestle with his observations, and see what realizations come to your mind after all the campaigns of your life.

Stephen K. Hayes

Black Belt Hall of Fame

Founder, To-Shin Do Ninja Heritage Martial Arts

StephenKHayes.com

I highly recommend "Warriors of Life" for all martial artists. Omura deals with the wisdom and meaning of the martial arts as it applies to everyday life. The sayings and philosophy can be approached and interpreted in various individual ways. This book can be used to hone anyone's path to perfection.

Heinz Schlue

5th Dan Nippon Kan Aikido

5th Dan Shin Go Ju Ryu Karate

3rd Dan Yawara Jutsu

Wayne Omura lives and writes in Denver, Colorado. He is the author of "Movies and the Meaning of Life: The Most Profound Films in Cinematic History" and "Zen Foot-Notes: Upon the Unknown Passage."

In this introductory guidebook, Omura puts some very interesting films together in a meaningful order. As we consider these films with him, we are encouraged to relate them to deep questions about life.

Bruce Kaurin, author of "Mindscreen" and "How Movies Work"

Wayne Omura's book provides succinct descriptions of the films he considers to be the most evocative of the human condition. A useful guide for all film lovers and those who wish to discover the enigma of living life through the movies.

Suranjan Ganguly, Associate Professor of Film Studies, University of Colorado

The movie is a vicarious experience. It is a substitute for so-called "real" life. And yet, this illusion can move one's soul. It can place one on the beaches of Normandy with shells exploding and bullets whizzing through the air. It can place one on another planet facing alien forms of intelligent life. The movie is a fantasy, a distilled form of imagination. We know where we are physically in reality. But if a movie is good, our mind is somewhere else. And if a movie is excellent, our spirit has also been released. On some occasions a movie can be incredible. In such an instance our soul can he transformed. These incredibly transformative movies form the core of this book: movies that convey visions of the meaning of life. They are the most profound films in cinematic history.

From the "Introduction"