We read and we read, and then, we encounter, well, A Separate Reality.

Much depends on how we read. If we're too immersed in the story, we miss the More. If we're too concerned with artificial criteria of evaluation, we miss the Value. If we're too bubbled in our cocoon-of-self, we miss the Usefulness.

Within the distinct realism of A Separate Reality, we find an overwhelm of potency. If we're not prepared to actually change our world, it will pass us by.

To read this powerful and transformative work, we have to DO much. Such as set aside our habits, including the habit of reading. Here, we're required to stop, absorb, hear, imbibe, incorporate, assimilate, Apply, integrate, and actually Change. Not only who we are, but our entire conception of ourselves and which world we live in.

We have to set aside our continuity, a difficult challenge for many. Unhook from our conformity, our cosiness and indulgences. Discarding our habits-of-perception and our assumptions of focus is another. We have to perceive past the obvious and pay close Attention to that which requires no faith or belief, no external agents to implement. In these pages, we can find such power.

There's much to gain if we make that effort to determine Value, Usefulness and Applicability for ourselves, with an open being.

Too many get lost in the indulgence of connecting to the drug-story lure, which is immaterial to the magic of this book. Or they unnecessarily sideline themselves by needlessly debating whether Don Juan is real or not. What does it matter where a self-evident Value comes from? If you need someone to be real to determine whether an utterance or communication has Value or validity, well, then you're lost before you begin. Only you have that particular power, since you and you alone, are the Final-Arbiter-of-Truth.

When we discern the wisdom and conceptualising genius so abundant in A Separate Reality, we encounter a treasure trove of Life-Change.

The inordinate Gift of A Separate reality is exactly that, a separate Reality-of-Being. Such a potential is gifted us in this monumental work if we can see past the tests-of-self which are part of this challenge-of-being. We have to look at the real power, which is the presentation of new conceptions of what it means to BE. Ways-of-Being which are distinct, new, foreign, even alien, yet attainable. Simple but complex, such as relinquishing the seduction of self-importance.

I feel many make the mistake of identifying with the fool Carlos, because yes, of course we too are similar nincompoops. But, the real Gift I believe lies in stretching ourselves to identify with the *possibility* of being as much like Don Juan as we can. Once we grasp this as an actual potential actuality, we begin a Path where his Way-of-Being becomes our model, or standard, our code, our sensibility, and default measure for our Impeccability.

If we simply ask ourselves how Don Juan would behave in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, we have a fantastic self-leverage which is powerful and transformative. If we connect to Don Juan not for his magical powers, but to his essential Character-of-Self, we connect to his ethics, his integrity, his Joy-of-Being and all the other marvellous examples of a self we can move toward being. If we read this book in this way, well, it becomes much more than reading. Such is the nature of this mind-bloom.

But, to connect to this power of the book, we have to read past the story, past the character interactions, and truly listen, truly hear what's conveyed. Our read-perception has to include identifying what we *don't* want, what's irrelevant and immaterial, and in that simple selectivity, we come to see what's truly of issue and important to our Deep-Self. We are thus required to read and connect to the implications of what's imparted, to look past the tests-of-self such as the rituals and the indulgences of Carlos and look at the Way-of-Living and Deep Sobriety Don Juan Shares so incredibly. Doing so connects us to what he's really offering, which is of course, a Gift of Power.

Of all the thousands of books I've read, which include a substantial selection of classics from around the world, this incredible book stands out, and is a definite must-read and multiple-read. (Along with its extension, A Journey to Ixtlan.) To be sure, one can find all the conceptions and ideas elsewhere, however, not so compacted and cohesive, not presented as an example in practice, and also not in the excellent resonating language of Don Juan. When we read to hear him, feel him, know him, imbibe him, and connect to this paragon of possibility who is Don Juan, especially if we don't over-mythologise him, and read not to remember what he said, but to BE what he Shares, then we shift into our journey toward living in a reality which more and more becomes A Magic Reality of actuality.

Different than 'Travels with Don Juan', yet equally as good, Castaneda's books are not easy to come by, but they are truly well worth reading. This is especially the case if you were a part of the 1960s counter-culture. I have read this book for the second time, with the first time being 45 years ago. It is still interesting, although the progress of the apprentice seems a lot slower than I remembered. It helps if you were either a part of or around the drug culture of the late 60s and the early to mid 70s. I would rate it at 3.57, but I'll upgrade it to 4 stars for old times' sake.

The unique perspective that Castaneda presents in his books offers a fascinating look into a world that was so different from the mainstream at that time. His writing style is engaging and draws the reader in, making it a captivating read. Despite the passage of time, the themes and ideas explored in the book still hold some relevance today. Whether you are a fan of the counter-culture or simply interested in exploring different perspectives, Castaneda's books are definitely worth checking out.

Just picked it up.

It was a small, unassuming object lying on the ground. At first glance, it didn't seem to be anything special. But as I bent down to pick it up, I felt a strange sense of curiosity.

I turned it over in my hands, examining it closely. It had a smooth surface, and its color was a dull gray. There were no markings or indentations that would give any indication of what it was or where it came from.

Despite its lack of obvious features, I couldn't help but be drawn to it. I slipped it into my pocket and continued on my way, but my mind kept coming back to the mysterious object.

Later that day, when I had a moment to myself, I took it out and looked at it again. I wondered if it held some hidden significance, if it was a clue to something greater.

As I sat there, turning it over and over, I knew that I had to find out more about this object that I had just picked up.

Castaneda was a graduate student majoring in Anthropology.

He was conducting research for his thesis on Mexican Shaman and their utilization of regional plants and herbs to produce psychotropic effects with the intention of curing people of diverse illnesses.

Initially, Castaneda adopted a scientific perspective and was a skeptic. However, what transpired to him later left him astounded and became his lifelong pursuit.

If you intend to read these books, it is advisable to commence with "The Yaqui Way of Life", which is the first book.

Be prepared to be completely engrossed in Don Juan's teachings.

This journey through Castaneda's works offers a fascinating exploration into the world of shamanism and the power of plants and herbs.

It challenges our preconceived notions and invites us to open our minds to new possibilities.

Whether you are interested in anthropology, spirituality, or simply a good read, Castaneda's books are sure to captivate and inspire you.

The experience was really fun, yet it was also kinda weird. In fact, it might have been spookier than the first one. There were moments when I felt a shiver down my spine for no apparent reason. The atmosphere was filled with an air of mystery and anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next. It was like being in a different world, a world that was both exciting and a little bit terrifying. The strange sounds and shadows added to the overall spookiness. But despite the spookiness, there was also a sense of adventure and thrill. It was an experience that I will never forget, a mix of fun and fear that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Reading this book never managed to persuade me to travel to the South, seek out the peyote ritual, and envision man as a luminous egg. In fact, it would have taken only the slightest amount of persuasion to achieve that. However, despite the author's attempts to paint a vivid and enticing picture, something within me remained resistant. Perhaps it was my own preconceived notions or a lack of understanding. But whatever the reason, the idea of embarking on such a journey simply did not resonate with me.

I found myself unable to fully immerse myself in the world that the book described. The concept of the peyote ritual, while undoubtedly fascinating to some, seemed foreign and perhaps even a bit daunting to me. And the idea of seeing man as a luminous egg was just too abstract and difficult for me to grasp.

Maybe with more time and a different mindset, I might have been able to see the appeal. But for now, this book has left me feeling somewhat indifferent. #fail

Carlos's idiocy and his refusal to accept Don Juan's way of the world were truly tiring.

Don Juan's approach of using the mind to do things differently appeared simple, and following his instructions gave me the sense that I too could see and live like a warrior.

I just wished that we didn't have Carlos as the narrator or that he would eventually see the light.

It was frustrating to have his constant resistance and inability to understand.

However, I remained hopeful that one day he would have an epiphany and embrace Don Juan's teachings.

Until then, I would continue to learn and grow under Don Juan's guidance, trying to ignore Carlos's shortcomings.

Perhaps with time and patience, he would come around and join me in this new way of seeing and living.

Only time would tell if Carlos would ever change and become a true follower of Don Juan's path.

This book was extremely hard to follow.

I constantly found myself questioning whether or not what was being read was actually taking place in reality or if it was just a part of the story.

Despite this, I still managed to enjoy it.

The book has the remarkable potential to open one's mind and allow for the exploration of different dimensions that exist outside of this world.

I truly believe that if I had participated in the peyote smoking, as perhaps some of the characters in the book did, I would have been able to capture more of the book's profound teachings.

It makes me wonder what other hidden meanings and insights I might have missed.

Nevertheless, the experience of reading this book has been a thought-provoking one, and I look forward to delving deeper into its mysteries in the future.

This is the second part of Carlos Castaneda's don Juan series.

The book tells the story of an anthropologist who uses mind-expanding drugs (mainly mescaline) under the guidance of a medicine man in Mexico.

It sounds interesting, but unfortunately, the book failed to maintain my interest for very long. The author's wandering style was tiresome, and I got tired of the medicine man's vague religious allusions.

Of course, it is also possible that my inability to find a deeper meaning in the story indicates personal shortcomings that must be dealt with before I give the book another chance.

Nevertheless, under the current circumstances, the book gets one out of five stars.

One day, a reader, a smoker, and a world

Exist simultaneously. The reader is immersed in the wonderful world of books, exploring different cultures, ideas, and emotions. Through reading, he broadens his horizons and enriches his inner self.

The smoker, on the other hand, is addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. He lights up one cigarette after another, and the smoke缭绕 around him. Although he knows that smoking is harmful to his health, he just can't quit.

And the world is constantly changing. It is full of various challenges and opportunities. People from all walks of life are working hard to create a better future. In this big world, the reader and the smoker are just two tiny individuals, but they both have their own roles and meanings.

Whether it is reading or smoking, they are all part of people's lives. We should respect everyone's choices and lifestyles, and at the same time, we should also pay attention to our own health and well-being.

Anthropology or fabrication? It doesn't really matter.

What truly counts is that there can never be too much carpe diem literature, and this piece is excellent.

I have cherished page 88 for many decades.

The idea of seizing the day is a powerful one that has resonated with people throughout the ages.

Whether it's through anthropology, which studies human behavior and culture, or through fabricated stories and literature, the message of living life to the fullest remains the same.

This particular work seems to capture that essence perfectly, and page 88 holds a special place in my heart.

It may be a passage, a description, or a character that embodies the spirit of carpe diem, and it has stayed with me all these years.

Perhaps it's the reminder that we should make the most of every moment, not worry too much about the source of inspiration, but simply embrace the beauty and wisdom that comes our way.

After all, in the end, it's the experience and the impact that matter, not the label or the origin.

I read this book during my teenage years, on the recommendation of my then boyfriend. At that time, I vividly remember that certain parts of the book were extremely interesting, captivating my attention and imagination. However, there were also other parts that simply made no sense to me. Looking back, I think it might have been due to my age and level of maturity at that time.

Over the years, I have often thought about reading the book again. I believe that with my current growth and life experiences, I might have a completely different understanding and perception of it. However, for some reason, it just never seems to reach the top of the stack on my nightstand. There are always other books that seem to take precedence, whether it's because of new releases, personal interests, or other commitments.

Nevertheless, I still hold onto the hope that one day, I will finally pick up this book and give it another chance. I am curious to see how my perspective has changed and what new insights I might gain from it. Until then, it will continue to sit on my nightstand, waiting patiently for its turn.