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The Teachings of Don Juan #7

The Fire from Within

carlos castaneda

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Carlos Castaneda takes the reader into the very heart of sorcery, challenging both imagination and reason, shaking the very foundations of our belief in what is "natural" and "logical."

Fire from Within is the author's most brilliant thought-provoking and unusual book, one in which Castaneda, under the tutelage of don Juan and his "disciples," at last constructs, from the teachings of don Juan and his own experiences, a stunning portrait of the "sorcerer's world" that is crystal-clear and dizzying in its implications.

Each of Carlos Castaneda's books is a brilliant and tantalizing burst of illumination into the depths of our deepest mysteries, like a sudden flash of light, like a burst of lightning over the desert at night, which shows us a world that is both alien and totally familiar—the landscape of our dreams.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1994
Series
The Teachings of Don Juan

This edition

Format
304 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1991 by Washington Square Press
ISBN
9780671732509
ASIN
0671732501
Language
English

More editions

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(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
moonBlossom
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Many years after reading this book, I finally understood the reason behind my thought that Carlos Castaneda seemed to have a memory even about the things he wrote and published. It was as if I was reading repetitions of what he had already written in other books before.

The true writer of this material, who lived in Puebla, had attempted to recover the material by rewriting it from memory after Carlos Castaneda failed to return the large manuscript to him. Surprisingly, Carlos Castaneda also managed to obtain that material in a strange way.

If you wish to learn more about this, I recommend reading the book "Cuando sea grande" by Manuel Arenaza Madera. It offers a deeper exploration of the events and circumstances surrounding this fascinating story.

I believe that by delving into this book, you will gain a better understanding of the complex relationship between the two individuals and the significance of the lost and recovered material.

So, pick up a copy of "Cuando sea grande" and embark on this literary journey.
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humanofobia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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According to Carlos Castaneda's bad-cop/good-cop gurus Don Juan and Don Genaro, the universe is seen as a big cosmic joke, and the only proper response they suggest is forced laughter.

This perspective is a far cry from Beckett's tragicomic point of view, which at least manages to elicit a genuine case of the giggles.

Due to this, "The Fire From Within" isn't a book that I would recommend when one is trying to make existential sense of it all.

The book is filled with concepts like emanations, fibers, and stalkers. However, all this mumbo jumbo never really comes together in a coherent manner.

Although, there is a somewhat persuasive argument for celibacy and sobriety presented in the book, if one is inclined to explore that particular aspect.

Overall, while the book may have some interesting ideas, it fails to provide a satisfying and comprehensive understanding of the existential questions it attempts to address.
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minifriedrice
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Even better the 2nd time.

It's truly remarkable how the experience gets enhanced upon a second encounter.

However, I find myself still not in a position to offer a comprehensive and in-depth comment on Castaneda's writings.

All I can say at this point is that I completely believe it to be relative non-fiction.

There is something about his work that seems to straddle the line between the real and the imagined in a most fascinating way.

Perhaps with more study and reflection, I will be able to formulate a more detailed and nuanced opinion.

But for now, this initial impression of relative non-fiction lingers, leaving me eager to explore his writings further.

It's as if there is a hidden depth and complexity waiting to be uncovered within the pages of his books.

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PowerUpOrDie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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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 occurs with these stories of the metaphysical and magical (or'majic' as you may choose to spell it) journeys of learning. Thus, after a time, I finally put them down.

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 about 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-1980's. 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.
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Tasogare
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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No matter how you interpret Castaneda's claims,

there are indeed some extremely valuable and wise quotes within his works.

If these quotes are received through a more general approach,

they have the potential to infuse the reader with very crucial advice.

This advice can assist the reader in leading a remarkable, addiction-free, ego-free, and genuine life.

It is essential to maintain an open reading approach that is receptive to symbolism and metaphors.

Moreover, make sure to pause and contemplate the connections that extend beyond the strict boundaries of linear understanding.

By adopting this approach, "The Fire from Within" has the potential to become one of the most significant books you will ever encounter.

It can offer profound insights and inspiration, guiding you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.

So, embrace the wisdom within these pages and allow it to transform your perspective and way of life.

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Nailwind
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Fire from Within (The Teachings of Don Juan #7) by Carlos Castaneda is truly a remarkable and thought-provoking work. It stands out as one of the author's most brilliant and unusual books.

Under the guidance of don Juan and his "disciples," Castaneda constructs a vivid and stunning portrait of the "sorcerer's world." This portrayal is based on the teachings of don Juan and his own experiences. The implications of this world are both crystal-clear and dizzying, leaving the reader in awe.

The book was first read on June 11, 1988. It is part of a series of twelve books that have been translated into Persian in the order of their original publication. Each book offers unique insights and perspectives into the world of don Juan and his teachings.

The Fire from Within specifically delves into the differences between the views of modern sorcerers and their predecessors who lived seven to ten thousand years ago in present-day Mexico. They present a special classification of existence and living beings that is not based on the scientific and empirical method but rather on testimony and inspiration.

Overall, The Fire from Within is a captivating and enlightening read that invites readers to explore a world beyond the ordinary.
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Xayern
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This one was a bit better than all the ones in the middle.

It stood out among the rest, with a certain charm and quality that the others seemed to lack. Maybe it was the way it was designed, or perhaps it had a unique feature that made it more appealing.

Whatever the reason, it was clear that this one was special. It caught my attention right away and made me want to take a closer look.

As I examined it more closely, I discovered even more things to like about it. The details were精致, and the craftsmanship was excellent.

It was obvious that a lot of care and attention had gone into making this one. Compared to the others in the middle, it was truly a cut above.

I couldn't help but feel impressed by it.
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JustAnAddict
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This remarkable book vividly depicts the author's captivating adventures in awareness under the guidance of his esteemed mentors, Juan Matus and Genaro Flores.

The narrative is truly stunning, taking the reader on a journey that is both mind-bending and enlightening.

In my humble opinion, it is the literary equivalent of an acid trip, transporting one to a realm of altered consciousness and profound self-discovery.

The author's detailed descriptions and unique perspective offer a rare glimpse into a world that lies beyond the ordinary.

It challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to question the nature of reality and our place within it.

Whether you are a seeker of truth, a lover of adventure, or simply someone looking for a thought-provoking read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche and expanding their awareness.

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