Who is the real Jet Li Lianjie? That is a question being asked not by journalists and his fans, but by the martial arts film legend himself.In his new book Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom, Li says he has always been searching for his true self, and finally found it through practising Tibetan Buddhism. He wrote the book to share the spiritual benefits of these practices.Martial artists have, in history and legend, always been entwined with Buddhism, although not typically of the more ritualistic Tibetan variety. For instance, the martial artists of the legendary Shaolin Monastery – a staple story ingredient of kung fu films – were real-life Buddhist monks who used their martial skills to discipline their minds and protect their temple.But Li’s own journey was more personal than theoretical; in Beyond Life and Death, he relates his spiritual development to events in his life, such as his debilitating illness – hyperthyroidism – and the early death of his father.Fans seeking the real Li will find many answers inside its covers, along with reams of philosophical meditations. Here are some nuggets gleaned from Li’s reminiscences in the book.Why I Wrote This Book1. He has a lot of different namesA film career and his immersion in Buddhism have led to Li acquiring an unusual number of names. His given name is Li Lianjie, with Li being the family name, Lian being the generational name and Jie being the personal name.