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The Teachings of Don Juan #12

The Active Side of Infinity

carlos castaneda

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"Ordinarily, events that change our path are impersonal affairs, and yet extremely personal. My teacher, don Juan Matus, said this is guiding me as his apprentice to collect what I considered to be the memorable events of my life…. Don Juan described the total goal of the shamanistic knowledge that he handled as the preparation for facing the definitive journey: the journey that every human being has to take at the end of his life. He said that what modern man referred to vaguely as life after death was, for those shamans, a concrete region filled to capacity with practical affairs of a different order than the practical affairs of daily life, yet bearing a similar functional practicality. Don Juan considered that to collect the memorable in their lives was, for shamans, the preparation for their entrance into that concrete region, which they called the active side of infinity."


In this book written immediately before his death, anthropologist and shaman Carlos Castaneda gives us his most autobiographical and intimately revealing work ever, the fruit of a lifetime of experience and perhaps the most moving volume in his oeuvre.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1998
Series
The Teachings of Don Juan

This edition

Format
288 pages, Paperback
Published
December 22, 1999 by Harper Perennial
ISBN
9780060929602
ASIN
006092960X
Language
English

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About the author

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carlos castaneda

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Carlos Castaneda was an Latin-American author.
Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group whose lineage descended from the Toltecs.
The books, narrated in the first person, relate his experiences under the tutelage of a man that Castaneda claimed was a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named don Juan Matus. His 12 books have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages.
Critics have suggested that they are works of fiction; supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
32(32%)
4 stars
46(46%)
3 stars
21(21%)
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99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Chrissolita
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What a thrilling ride it has been!

I have truly enjoyed every single page of this book. It was so captivating that it was extremely hard to put down every time I had to.

Interestingly, it has a lot of parallels with some other writers I've been reading, such as Gurdjieff.

Regarding the whole fake or not thing, I'm still a bit undecided. On one hand, I don't think much trace of Don Juan would be found, but I haven't delved deep into it yet.

Nonetheless, it is definitely worth the read! It is a truly gripping book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good adventure or is interested in exploring different spiritual and philosophical ideas.

Overall, it has been a great reading experience and I'm looking forward to seeing what else the author has in store for us.
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zaharat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Awsome! This single word holds so much potential. It can describe something truly remarkable, something that leaves us in awe and wonder.

When we encounter something awsome, it has the power to inspire us, to make our hearts race and our minds fill with excitement. It could be a breathtaking natural景观, like a majestic mountain range or a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

Or perhaps it's a great achievement, like a talented athlete breaking a world record or a brilliant artist creating a masterpiece. Awsome things have the ability to touch our souls and make us believe that anything is possible.

They remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world around us, and they encourage us to pursue our own dreams and strive for greatness. So let's keep our eyes open for the awsome things in life and embrace the inspiration they bring.
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vVoltage
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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3.5 stars

This rating indicates that the product or service being evaluated has some positive aspects but also has areas that could be improved.

It might have good features, but perhaps there are a few glitches or不足之处.

The overall experience is above average, but not quite excellent.

It could be a great option for those who are looking for something that is decent and functional, but not necessarily the best of the best.

However, it's important to note that a 3.5-star rating can still vary depending on the specific criteria and expectations of the reviewer.

Some might consider it a very good rating, while others might be more critical.

In any case, it's a useful indication of the quality and performance of the product or service.

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ErnieE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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To me, many aspects of Castaneda's mysterious and desperately confusing journey were revealed.

His exploration seemed to take him to the very edges of human perception and understanding. The encounters he had with strange beings and the experiences that defied explanation were both fascinating and disorienting.

As I delved deeper into his accounts, I found myself drawn into a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blurred. The teachings he received from his mentors, Don Juan and others, challenged my own beliefs and preconceptions.

Castaneda's journey was not only a physical one but also a spiritual and psychological one. It forced him to confront his own fears, desires, and limitations. And in doing so, he discovered a side of himself that he never knew existed.

Overall, his story is a testament to the power of human curiosity and the willingness to venture into the unknown. It makes me wonder what other mysteries lie waiting to be uncovered if we are brave enough to look.
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Enju_Uoya
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This has been my introduction to Carlos Castaneda's "world". I find that my favorite types of books are those that lead me to question more and more aspects of life. Without a doubt, this particular one has opened the gates to a world of intrigue.

Castaneda's works are like a mysterious labyrinth, inviting readers to explore and discover the hidden truths within. His words have the power to challenge our preconceived notions and make us look at the world from a different perspective.

"There are ups and downs of daily living. You win, you lose and you don't know when you win or when you lose. This is the price one pays for living under the rule of self-reflection." ~CC

This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of our existence. Life is a constant cycle of victories and defeats, and often, we are unaware of which is which. It is through self-reflection that we begin to understand the true nature of our experiences and learn from them.

Carlos Castaneda's "world" is a captivating and thought-provoking place, one that I am eager to continue exploring. His books have taught me that there is always more to discover and question, and that the journey of self-discovery is an endless one.
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L-_-Lo_oL-_-l
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Sranje is a place that has its own unique charm.

It is a town that is rich in history and culture. The architecture here reflects the different eras that have passed through.

The streets are lined with old buildings that tell stories of the past.

The people of Sranje are warm and friendly, always ready to welcome visitors.

There are also many beautiful natural landscapes in and around Sranje.

The mountains and forests provide a peaceful and serene environment for those who love nature.

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Sranje has something to offer.

It is a place that you will surely enjoy visiting and exploring.

So, if you are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider Sranje.

You will not be disappointed.
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LuisLetacio
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Superb! From the first volume to the last volume, this series has truly been an outstanding journey.

Each volume is filled with captivating stories, rich characters, and engaging plots that keep readers hooked from start to finish.

The author's writing style is masterful, painting vivid pictures in the minds of the readers and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

The attention to detail is remarkable, ensuring that every aspect of the narrative is well-developed and believable.

Whether it's the thrilling action scenes, the touching moments of romance, or the thought-provoking themes, this series has something for everyone.

It is a must-read for any fan of literature, and one that will be cherished for years to come.

Overall, the superb quality of this series from the first volume to the last is a testament to the author's talent and dedication, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who read it.
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ASHGARY
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Absolut verrücktes Buch über Schamanismus. Es ist wirklich schwer vorzustellen, was in Castanedas Leben passiert sein mag. Doch gerade dadurch ist es umso schöner, dass er es in einem Buch geteilt hat. Dieses Buch bietet eine faszinierende Einblicke in die Welt des Schamanismus. Man kann sich vorstellen, wie aufregend und abenteuerlich die Erfahrungen gewesen sein müssen. Allerdings sollte man sich dafür interessieren, ansonsten wird es sicherlich nicht so spannend sein. Wer schon immer daran gedacht hat, mehr über die verborgenen Kräfte der Natur und die Geheimnisse des Schamanismus zu erfahren, sollte dieses Buch unbedingt lesen. Es wird Ihnen sicherlich viele Fragen aufwerfen und Ihnen helfen, Ihre eigene Sicht auf die Welt zu erweitern.

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