Carlos Casteneda?

[Tayesin]

Hi Folks.

Carlos' books moved me in a strange way.  I had many experinces before reading his works, and then found a lot of my own stuff was being affirmed in the what I was reading.  So I had a lot of what I call "yeah's" while reading the series, as well as a lot of 'huh', "um, wot the's" and outright "don't knows".

Once I found my way through the cultural perspectives that are so alien to a modern westerner, I was rewarded with many wonderful responses and insights.

It is all very interesting reading, especially the many exacting words of Don Juan, who was very obviously a shaman.  From time to time when I visit the library, a book will glow a little brighter than the others, and for a while, the shiny one's were Carlos' books.  So, I like them immensely, and have no doubts as to Carlos' or Don Juan's reality.  Hay, we each have our own reality anyway!

Love always.

[Jonas K strand]

it was the other way round to me. i read the books before the experiences. i was new and i couldnt stop reading those books. over and over.

now more and more of the techniques is getting true to me. mostly basic stuff about quieting the mind and his tips for developing dreaming. not the "holy herb"-thing and i havent met any spirits yet. maby im just not there, but no, im not expecting it to be true. i just belive it is. on a so naive level. i dont care to much now though.

jonas

[Albert]

On the right edge we find endless visions of physical activity, violence, killing, sensuality. On the left edge we find spirituality, religion, God. Genrao and I walked your assemblage point to both edges, so as to give you a complete view of that human junk pile." "He assured me that even if I was able to see, I was bound to make the same misjudgement that mystics have made. Anyone who sees the mold of man automatically assumes that it is God." "[the mold of man is] a pattern of energy that serves to stamp the qualities of humanness on an amorphous blob of biological matter." "Mystics, throughout the centuries, have given us moving accounts of their experiences. But these accounts, however beautiful, are flawed by the gross and despairing mistake of believing the mold of man to be an omnipotent, omniscient creator; and so is the interpretation of the old seeres, who called the mold of man a friendly spirit, a protector of man." Don Juan/Carlos Castaneda, The Fire from Within

I'm surprised Mr. Bruce commented on Esmeralda Arana's book, as it deals mostly with sorcery and not really spirituality. What can you make of the above quote?

[Nagual]

I just wanted to advise people interrested in reading Castaneda's books to at least read up to the fourth book!  If you start, don't stop before finishing the 4th one!!!  Some very important things are revealed at the end...

Personaly, I loved the first 4 books.  The following ones have a different mood that I don't really like... but still interresting.

[zahra]

i really cant realize ur problem. send me back to ur topik and i`ll get it all clear! 1 second.

[PATxKUSH]

"Power of Silence" is a splendid read, in my opinion.

I find Castaneda's writings to be highly insightful and a way to discover what he calls the "Nagual".... Don't make the mistake of taking in everything he says as the correct truth. His books are fun journeys and offer a key to open up perception of the abstract, the unspeakable, the "nagual".... Each of us has a unique way of perceiving eternity and castaneda's books allow you to unlock your unique perception. Again, do not make the mistake of perceiving the same way Carlos did- do not allow his persuasive method of writing to inspire you to be exactly like he was. Take in his words as symbols and inspirations for your own personal unique change.

[goingslow]

I haven't heard much about Carlos Castenedas (sp?) books on this forum.  why is that?  when im at the bookstore I see a bunch of his books.  Anyone here read his stuff?  Is it worth buying?  Its hard for me to just pick up a book i haven't heard anything about.