Martial arts icon Jet Li, known for his prolific film career, has recently opened up about his spiritual journey, health, and surprising affinity for bulk shopping at Costco in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. The discussion coincides with the release of his new memoir, "Beyond Life and Death: The Way to True Freedom." The Wall Street Journal highlighted these varied aspects, stating in a tweet, "Martial-arts star Jet Li on destiny, ping-pong and why he loves shopping at Costco so much."
In his memoir, Li reflects on his four-decade career and the path he has forged towards true happiness and an evolving sense of purpose. He shared how his grandmother once told everyone it was his destiny to bring prosperity to his family, a theme he explores in depth. The book delves into his personal philosophy and the spiritual insights gained throughout his life.
Li also addressed his physical health, noting that old injuries from filming limit his ability to exercise vigorously. To stay active, he practices tai chi and plays ping-pong with his wife, emphasizing that their games are for movement rather than competition. "I just do a little bit of tai chi and I play ping-pong with my wife. We don’t play to win. We just play, play, play for the movement," Li explained during the interview.
A particularly relatable revelation from the interview was Li's long-standing love for Costco, which he has frequented since the 1990s. He appreciates the store for its affordability and the ability to buy items in bulk, such as toilet paper, instant coffee, and toothpaste, which can last for years. Li humorously recounted a specific purchase: "In the Chinese zodiac I am a rabbit, and during your zodiac year you need to wear red for good luck, so I had my daughter buy 30 red cotton T-shirts from Costco."
Despite his rumored net worth of $250 million, Li remains a practical shopper, demonstrating that even global celebrities appreciate value. He reportedly wears the same style of Costco shirt for years, underscoring his pragmatic approach to personal spending. This blend of spiritual introspection and everyday practicality offers fans a unique glimpse into the life of the martial arts legend.
