This is the first book I’ve read by Castaneda in the last many, many years. I’m afraid I’m not good at reading books in the correct order, and this applies with Castaneda’s books too. It would perhaps have been easier to begin with his first books.

In this book, we are instructed, among other things, about the art of stalking and the mastery of intent.

We learn about a point of brilliance called the assemblage point on the surface of the luminous ball surrounding our body. When this is moved from its usual position, it brightens up new energy fields, making them perceivable. This perception is known as seeing. Movement of the assemblage point enables perception of an entirely different world. “Sorcerers go into that other world to get energy power, solutions to … problems, or to face the unimaginable.”

Intent is what causes us to perceive. The aim of sorcerers is to reach a state of total awareness.

We are given the dramatic story of how the nagual Elias meets Julian, saves his life and takes him as his apprentice. Julian becomes the benefactor of Don Juan.

Don Juan accompanies Castaneda on long treks and in particular to a special cave which was created as “an instrument to push the apprentice deep into heightened awareness”.

Don Juan tells about a time years ago when he was kept prisoner by his benefactor, tricked into believing that the house belonged to a “monstrous man” and that he needed to wear women’s clothes in order to escape. Eventually he did manage to do so but kept being pursued by the monstrous man until he realized it was a figment of his imagination (actually, an “inorganic being”, a formless energy field).

Don Juan keeps banging Castaneda on the back, thus enabling him to move his assemblage point and enter a heightened state of awareness, in which state he clearly understands everything. However, later, he may have forgotten not only his understandings, but everything that happened. (Don Juan states at one point that striking C’s back was actually more a trick to trap his attention than a bone fide maneuver to manipulate his perception.)

We need to intend the movement of our assemblage point. We want it to reach the place of no pity, which is the site of ruthlessness. When this happens the eyes of the sorcerer begin to shine.

Don Juan frequently bursts out laughing when Carlos opens his mouth, just as Don Juan’s benefactor Julian continually weeps profusely when together with Don Juan (which he does to hide his laughter).

We learn about the art of stalking and its four moods – ruthlessness, cunning, patience and sweetness. Stalking is “special behaviour – it is secretive, furtive, deceptive behaviour designed to deliver a jolt. And, when you stalk yourself you jolt yourself using your own behaviour in a ruthless, cunning way.”

You can use the idea of your death to stalk yourself. Death is our challenger – the only worthy opponent we have.

I found comprehension of all the presented information to be extremely challenging. Carlos himself found the material challenging/incomprehensible. This is because it is a totally different sort of information than that we are used to understanding with the logical left part of the brain.

But the book is well-written, fascinating, engrossing and highly entertaining, and I recommend it highly, although it may be preferable to begin by reading “The teachings of Don Juan” and the other early books before tackling this one.

One of a series of books by Carlos Castenada truly jump started my spiritual quest.

Carlos Castenada's works have had a profound impact on many people's spiritual journeys. His unique perspective and writing style draw readers in and encourage them to explore the deeper aspects of themselves and the world around them.

The book that particularly influenced me was filled with fascinating stories and teachings that challenged my beliefs and opened my eyes to new possibilities. It made me question the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and my place in the universe.

As I delved deeper into the book, I began to experience a shift in my consciousness. I became more aware of my inner self and started to notice the subtle energies and connections that exist within and around us.

This spiritual quest has been a life-changing experience for me. It has led me to a greater understanding of myself and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. I am grateful to Carlos Castenada for his inspiring works and for the role they have played in my spiritual growth.

A very enlightening read indeed.

Just like Castaneda's other books, this one has also significantly expanded my philosophical and physical understandings of the universe.

The lessons that I have gleaned from this volume have already begun to deeply penetrate my daily perceptions.

In certain cases, I find myself doubting whether my psyche will ever be able to fully rid itself of those corners and depths of understanding.

It's as if these newfound insights have become an integral part of my being, influencing the way I view the world around me and the way I interact with it.

The profound nature of the teachings in this book has truly left a lasting impression on me, and I am eager to continue exploring and applying these lessons in my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe we inhabit.

Personally, I couldn't care less whether these books are fiction or non-fiction.

To me, they are like wonderful friends that have accompanied me through various stages of my life.

From them, I have learned some extremely enjoyable tricks when it comes to making choices while interacting with my environment.

These tricks have not only enhanced my understanding of the world around me but also made my experiences more fulfilling and meaningful.

Whether it's a fictional story that takes me on a wild adventure or a non-fiction book that provides valuable insights and knowledge, each one has its own unique charm and has contributed to my personal growth.

I am truly grateful for the presence of these books in my life and look forward to continuing to learn and explore through their pages.

I truly relished this particular one.

This book is bound to be among my most cherished Carlos Castaneda books.

It is both surreal and uproariously hilarious, and yet, in a very genuine sense, I can establish a connection with it. The way the story unfolds is like a magical journey that takes the reader to places they have never been before. The characters are vividly brought to life, and their antics and dialogues add a touch of humor that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Despite its fantastical elements, there is a certain truth and depth to the story that makes it resonate on a personal level. It makes me think about life, about my own beliefs and perceptions, and about the power of the human mind. Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

It is a remarkable book.

The Benefactor bestows his energy upon the disciple, thereby enhancing the disciple's understanding. Moreover, the disciple develops a personal connection with and harbors love for the Benefactor.

This vividly demonstrates the crucial importance of the Benefactor. Additionally, the statement "the only clear thinking is no thinking" reveals a profound truth.

It tells us that genuine knowledge is not grasped through the process of thinking but rather in the state of silent knowing.

When the mind is still and quiet, free from the distractions of incessant thoughts, true understanding can dawn.

This concept challenges our conventional notions about how we acquire knowledge and invites us to explore a deeper, more intuitive way of apprehending the world around us.

By embracing this idea, we may open ourselves up to a whole new realm of wisdom and enlightenment.

Despite the remarkable progress Castaneda has made on the "way of the warrior," which has earned him the highly prestigious title of "nagual," he still remains an eternal disciple in the face of Don Juan.

Don Juan tirelessly pursues his teachings, constantly trying to initiate his pupil into increasingly sophisticated and concise concepts. There is an element of mystery that persists around the apprentice, the "abstract cores." These are truths that cannot be conveyed through words and are part of a "silent knowledge" that can only be grasped by direct intuition.

They are integral to the "spirit" of the "intent" and are only revealed at the culmination of perfect asceticism. This is the price that must be paid to approach the "abstract," that mysterious realm where reasoning must give way to pure reason, and where speech ceases, making way for the "true" knowledge that lies in silence.

Castaneda's journey is a continuous exploration of this深奥的 and elusive path, one that requires unwavering dedication and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

This is perhaps my favorite book in the series.

It holds a special place in my heart due to its captivating story and profound themes.

However, I firmly believe that it is essential to read all of the books in the series to fully comprehend what the author is writing about.

Each book builds upon the others, adding layers of depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

By reading the entire series, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the characters, their motivations, and the overarching plot.

Moreover, the author may have hidden connections and references throughout the series that can only be discovered by reading all of the books.

Therefore, although this particular book is my favorite, I highly recommend reading the entire series to truly appreciate and understand the author's vision.

"Power of Silence" is an article that presents a profound challenge to its targeted readers.

It encourages them to take decisive action in order to consolidate their energy. By doing so, they can enhance their overall vitality and be better equipped to face the various demands of life.

Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of developing awareness. This involves being more in tune with one's surroundings, emotions, and thoughts. With increased awareness, readers can make more informed decisions and respond more effectively to different situations.

Finally, "Power of Silence" highlights the need to improve the ability to handle intent. This means learning how to direct one's focus and energy towards specific goals and outcomes. By mastering this skill, readers can achieve greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

The lessons presented in this article are truly priceless. They offer valuable insights and practical strategies that can help readers transform their lives and reach their full potential.

The Power of Silence, Further Lessons of Don Juan (The Teachings of Don Juan #8), Carlos Castaneda

Silence is not merely the absence of sound or speech; it is a profound moment within the realm of language. As Jean-Paul Sartre aptly put it, "Silence is a moment of language, not silence and dumbness, it is a refusal to say, so it's a way of talking." In this remarkable book, Castaneda presents a brilliant flash of knowledge that delves deep into the far reaches of the human mind.

Through the captivating stories of don Juan, the true essence of sorcery and magic is gradually unveiled. Honed in the arid desert of Sonora, don Juan's visions offer us the crucial secrets of belief and self-realization. These secrets are not only transcendental but also hold great significance for us all.
Castaneda's unique genius lies in his ability to show us that all wisdom, strength, and power reside within ourselves. It is through the teachings of don Juan and the writings of his famous pupil, Carlos Castaneda, that these inner qualities are unleashed with marvelous energy and imaginative force.
This book is part of a series of twelve books by Castaneda, each offering unique insights and teachings. The series has been widely translated and has had a significant impact on readers around the world. The Power of Silence is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche and uncovering the hidden potential within.

It challenges us to look beyond the limitations of our ordinary perception and embrace the power of silence as a means of accessing higher states of consciousness.

By doing so, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation that will lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

I am going to provide the same review for all the Carlos Castaneda books that I have read within that series.

The reason is simply that they are all truly outstanding. I consider myself extremely lucky to have come across Castaneda at a very early stage of my magickal journey.

My spells and rituals have always depended on the power of intent, and I have discovered that there is no better education regarding how to focus your intent than what is presented in this series of books.

Back in 1994, they were classified as nonfiction. However, lately, it is said that they are fiction.

All I know is that a great deal of what is in these books actually works. And having been a Wiccan Faery Witch for 13 years now, I am well aware that much of what is real to us is regarded as fiction by those who are not traversing a magickal path.

These are life-changing books that you will never forget, and their teachings continue to have an influence on my life even today.

It truly couldn't be any better than that!

The Power of Silence

I have delved into all of his books, yet this particular one holds a special place in my heart. It is truly my favorite.

What makes it stand out is that it speaks volumes about the method for attaining enlightenment. Of course, this is in a figurative sense. It's as if the words on the pages are whispering secrets and guiding us towards a higher state of understanding.

The author's exploration of the power of silence is both profound and thought-provoking. It makes us realize that sometimes, in the quiet moments, we can find the answers we seek.

This book has the ability to touch our souls and inspire us to look within ourselves for the path to enlightenment. It's a must-read for anyone who is on a spiritual journey or simply interested in exploring the deeper aspects of life.