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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A good book can have a profound impact on our lives.

At the time of reading this particular book, I initially had a bit of an anti-Castaneda stance. I was perhaps skeptical or had certain preconceived notions that made me view it with a degree of hesitation.

However, as I delved deeper and came to terms with his whole vibe, I began to see the value and potential enjoyment that the book held.

The best part of the book, in my opinion, is about the "Petty Tyrants". This section seems to offer unique insights and perspectives that really make one think.

It might explore the nature of these "Petty Tyrants" and how they interact with the characters or the overall narrative.

Perhaps it揭示了人性的某些方面 or provides a commentary on society.

Overall, despite my initial reservations, I now believe that with a more open mind and a better understanding of Castaneda's style and message, I would probably enjoy this book even more.

I am going to bestow the same review upon all the Carlos Castaneda books that I have perused within that series. The reason is straightforward: they are all truly outstanding. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have encountered Castaneda at a very early stage of my magickal journey. My spells and rituals have always been reliant on the power of intent. And I have discovered that there is no superior education regarding how to focus one's intent than what is presented in this series of books. Back in 1994, they were classified as nonfiction. However, lately, it is being claimed that they are fiction. All that I know is that a great deal of what is contained within these books actually works. 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 books that have the potential to transform one's life and will be etched in your memory forever. Their teachings continue to exert an influence on my life even today. It simply doesn't get any better than that!

I enjoy reading these books, but still, I can only give them three stars. One of the criticisms of the previous book was how Castaneda never seemed to notice the missing time he spent with Don Juan. Interestingly, in the last few pages of The Eagle’s Gift, as if in response to that criticism, he states, “During the years I had spent with don Juan, I had had lapses of continuity in my memory. I did not pay attention to it, however. … He was always very careful not to arouse my rational suspicions in my normal state of awareness, but if suspicions were unavoidable he always curtly explained them away by suggesting that the nature of our activities fostered serious disparities of memory.” And serious disparities of memory is right. This might seem plausible if it weren’t for his own admission that it was literally half of the time he spent with Don Juan.

My favorite inconsistency, mainly because it occurs just a few paragraphs apart, is as follows: “The reason I called the second attention specialized is that in order to utilize those unused emanations, one needs uncommon, elaborate tactics that require supreme discipline and concentration.” This is then followed half a page later by: “The great difficulty is that the entrance into the second attention is utterly easy and its lure irresistible.” I’m not sure how to reconcile these two statements.

For all the lessons and the heavy focus on ‘seeing’, it is only in book 7 that Carlos remembers: “It’s a voice that tells them in their ear what’s what. If that voice is not present, what the seer is engaged in isn’t seeing.” It seems that with each installment, there are little tweaks and additions as he thinks things up. Here are a few examples: There is no God, just visions of the Human Mold. If you do believe, it is “…a secondhand conviction that did not amount to anything.” Just hearsay. Life begins at conception: “‘Awareness develops from the moment of conception,’ he replied.” Sex isn’t for fun. “It is the Eagle’s command that sexual energy be used for creating life.” “The emanations inside the cocoon of human beings don’t know of intercourse for fun.” The purpose of your life? “…reason for existence of all sentient beings is to enhance awareness.” Though, the logic behind this is so that you are more of a delicious morsel for the Eagle to consume when you die.

Personally, I have often wondered what happened to the Mayans. Maybe their fate is explained by Don Juan’s casual remark, “I’m convinced that under their direction (old seers), the population of entire cities went into another world and never came back.” Too bad they couldn’t remember how to do that when the Spaniards arrived. There is no objective world, just a universe of energy emanations. It sounds somewhat similar to what physics says, except for the absence of an objective world. Nonetheless, “The Earth is a gigantic sentient being subjected to the same forces we are.” And fondly, “The magic key that opens the earth’s doors is made of internal silence plus anything that shines.” No doubt this is why crows are so happy!

Maybe the best book Carlos Castaneda wrote was "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge."

This book had a profound impact on many readers. It introduced them to a whole new world of spiritual and philosophical exploration. Castaneda's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative style made it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the teachings of Don Juan, a Yaqui Indian shaman.

The book delved into topics such as perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality. It challenged readers to question their own beliefs and ways of seeing the world. Through his experiences with Don Juan, Castaneda learned valuable lessons about the power of intention, the importance of living in the present moment, and the need to let go of attachments.

"The Teachings of Don Juan" became a classic in the field of spiritual literature and continues to inspire people today. It opened the door for many to explore alternative ways of knowing and being, and encouraged them to embark on their own spiritual journeys.