Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
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3 stars
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Fascinante e assustador.

This phrase perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of many things in life.

Something can be so fascinating that it draws us in, captivating our attention and curiosity.

It might be a beautiful work of art, a mysterious scientific discovery, or an exciting adventure.

Yet, at the same time, it can also be assustador, or terrifying.

The unknown can hold great fear, as can the power and potential consequences of certain phenomena.

For example, a stormy sea can be both fascinating with its powerful waves and terrifying with the danger it poses.

A haunted house can be fascinating for its spooky atmosphere, but also assustador for those who are easily scared.

In conclusion, the combination of fascinante and assustador makes life full of excitement and challenges.

It is up to us to embrace the fascinating and face the terrifying with courage and determination.
July 15,2025
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Excelent book about chammanisn in the north part of mexico. It provides in-depth insights into the teachings of Don Juan, an old chamman who possesses great knowledge of life, magic, and nature. The book is based on the author's personal experiences with peyote, which adds a unique and fascinating dimension to the narrative. The descriptions of other realities are truly captivating, making us face the aspects that we are often afraid to explore.


I have learned from this book that my ego is indeed my worst enemy. It constantly rejects any kind of spiritual knowledge or awakening because it fears its own demise. This realization has been a profound eye-opener for me, and it has made me more aware of the importance of taming my ego and opening myself up to new spiritual experiences.


The book not only offers valuable teachings but also serves as a source of inspiration for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, which is essential for personal growth and spiritual evolution.

July 15,2025
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So, for a long time I had been striving to reach a point where Carlos Castaneda's work would strike a chord within me. I had begun and then given up on many of his previous books, and it was by no means an easy task. However, I was firmly convinced that if I persisted in my efforts, I would eventually come across a book that I would truly like.

Anyway, this particular one seems to be the one in which I finally "got" it. It was an extremely good read.

Based on my experience, I would highly recommend it to other people who are attempting to understand Carlos' work. It worked for me, anyway. :)

Though, of course, this may simply be my personal experience and others may have a different reaction. But for those who are willing to put in the effort and keep an open mind, this book could potentially be a valuable addition to their exploration of Carlos Castaneda's ideas and concepts.

July 15,2025
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Eye opener.

This is truly an eye-opening experience that I would highly recommend to the researchers of the spirit.

It offers a unique perspective and a wealth of information that can significantly enhance their understanding and exploration in this field.

The insights gained from this can potentially lead to new breakthroughs and a deeper appreciation of the mysteries of the spirit.

Whether it's for academic research or personal growth, this is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Researchers will find themselves inspired and challenged,促使 them to think outside the box and push the boundaries of their knowledge.

Highly recommended indeed!
July 15,2025
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The only thing that helped me and offered me some point of contact, however minimal it was, with the academic world was the hint that Don Juan once gave me that warrior-travelers should fall in love with knowledge, in whatever form it presented itself to them.

[...] - "It doesn't matter," he told me once, "how good a reader you are and how many wonderful books you can read. What matters is that you have the self-discipline to read what you don't want to read. For the sorcerers who engage in learning, what they reject is significant, not what they agree with."

[...] - This was the first time I felt that Don Juan was a man without any physical need, without any expectation. There was no room for sentimentality or longing. It was impossible not to feel it because he was there like a disembodied, detached emotion that fascinated me.

[...] - "Is this guy your friend?" he asked me. "The only friend I have in the world," I replied, and it was the truth, if a friend is someone who can see through the varnish that covers you and understand where you really come from.
July 15,2025
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This one is truly a mind expander.

It compels you to gaze at the universe and your part within it from an entirely distinct perspective.

Since I'm highly unlikely to ever undertake sorcerer training, I suppose I'll have to make do with the metaphors.

And those metaphors were rather good as well.

I had a great liking for the concepts regarding sacrifice, observing things without attachment, and the mentions of the luminous balls of light that reside within all of us.

Undoubtedly, I concur that inner silence can assist one in attaining clarity on nearly anything.

It's fascinating how such ideas can open up new ways of thinking and understanding.

They make us question our assumptions and look beyond the obvious.

Even without the actual experience of sorcerer training, these metaphors offer valuable insights into the nature of the universe and our place in it.

They encourage us to explore our inner selves and strive for a deeper connection with the world around us.

Overall, this has been a thought-provoking and enriching experience.
July 15,2025
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My favorite book is truly a remarkable piece of literature that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It is filled with an air of mystery that constantly keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

From the very first page, I was drawn into its captivating world, eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within its pages. The author's masterful use of language and vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture in my mind, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.

As I delved deeper into the book, I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the complex characters and their mysterious motives. Every twist and turn in the plot added to the overall sense of mystery, leaving me guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, this book is not only a thrilling read but also a work of art that has left a lasting impression on me. Its mysterious nature has made it a favorite among many readers, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly remarkable as it has the ability to change in accordance with your evolving understanding of the world.

I had the opportunity to re-read this book last month, specifically in February 2008. To my great surprise, I discovered that my perception and comprehension of it were entirely different from what they were approximately 8 years ago when I first read it.

The depth and profoundness of this book are truly astonishing. It forces you to think deeply, question your beliefs, and gain new perspectives.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone who is seeking knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth.

READ IT!!! You will not be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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It's a lie, but it can be read in a bus not to get bored.

Sometimes, when we are on a long bus ride, the journey can seem dull and uninteresting. That's when a little lie, in the form of a captivating story or an engaging fictional account, can come to our rescue. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, make us forget about the mundane surroundings of the bus, and keep our minds occupied and entertained.

We can lose ourselves in the pages, imagining the characters and their adventures, and for a while, escape the boredom of the ride. So, even though it may be a lie, it serves a useful purpose in making our bus journey a more enjoyable one.

July 15,2025
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This is a truly great book.

I had no anticipation that I would be able to learn such a vast amount of knowledge from it.

Once I started reading, I simply could not put it down.

The content within its pages is so engaging and captivating that it held my attention firmly throughout.

Every chapter seemed to reveal new and interesting facts, ideas, and perspectives.

It was like embarking on a wonderful journey of discovery.

I found myself completely immersed in the story and the teachings it had to offer.

This book has truly exceeded my expectations and has become one of my favorites.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an informative and enjoyable read.

It is a book that will leave a lasting impression and have a profound impact on your thinking.

July 15,2025
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This book serves as a review of the teachings of its history with don Juan, so in some parts it is repetitive.

Moreover, it introduces new concepts about the world of sorcerers and I think there are very few chapters that truly contribute something to the story...

If you have already read the first ones, this one is also good and entertaining. However, if you haven't read other books of the adventures of don Juan and Carlos, I believe this is not the best one.

It seems that the author aimed to provide a comprehensive overview but perhaps overdid it in the repetition department.

The new concepts, although interesting, could have been developed more fully to add more depth to the overall narrative.

Overall, it has its merits but also some areas that could be improved upon.
July 15,2025
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Another bright shiny new book that hasn't most likely been read by me.



June 2011



Another box of books has been reopened for cleaning, sorting, and reevaluation. And lo and behold, many of the collected works of Carlos Castaneda are part of the contents.



Many years have passed, but I remember this author and his works vividly. [Now don't get any ideas as to an allusion I may or may not be making] At some point, I stopped purchasing more in the series and put them away. There's a 'blur' factor as I recall that happens with these stories of the metaphysical and magical journeys of learning (spelling of your choice for majic). Thus, I finally put them down after a time. There's a new series of works by authors/students in the same genre. These are a continuation of the anthropological journey that Castaneda undertook to learn of his heritage and a way of life that existed if only in a shadow of the original form.



This generic commentary is going to be applied to all the writings of CC as a review until a rereading decision is made. I don't own all the books by Castaneda, though I've read all his books through the mid-1980s. A couple more I have copies of in this collection, but I bet I never read them.



Each of these books will have this introduction bracketed and italicized when I add a more specific commentary regarding the individual entry.



An early footnote. Much of the fascination with fantastical dragon imagery is rooted in the first two or three of these works. Just thought you should know.



Carlos Castaneda's works have always been a source of intrigue and mystery. His descriptions of the metaphysical and magical worlds have captured the imaginations of many readers. However, over time, the 'blur' factor has made it difficult for me to fully recall the details of each story. As I sort through this box of books, I am reminded of the impact that Castaneda's writing had on me. I look forward to potentially rereading these works and rediscovering the magic within.

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