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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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It can be said that total freedom means total awareness. This statement holds a profound truth. Freedom is not just the absence of constraints but the ability to fully understand and be conscious of one's actions, choices, and the consequences that follow. When we have total freedom, we are not bound by external forces that limit our perception or decision-making. Instead, we have the opportunity to explore and expand our awareness, to question the status quo, and to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Total awareness allows us to make informed choices that are in line with our values and goals, and it gives us the power to take control of our lives and create the reality we desire.

July 15,2025
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Just started reading this book and I'm already intrigued.

The author has a unique way of presenting the story, which immediately grabs the reader's attention.

The characters are well-developed and seem to come to life on the pages.

I can't wait to see how their stories unfold and what challenges they will face along the way.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I find myself constantly guessing what will happen next.

So far, this book has been a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging story.

I'm looking forward to continuing my journey through this book and seeing where it takes me.

July 15,2025
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I often find myself lost in thought, wondering what it will truly be like when the thumper, with its powerful force, cracks my luminous egg gap.

Will it be a sudden and jarring experience, or will it happen gradually, like a slow unraveling of a mystery?

And when that moment arrives, and my awareness becomes the eagle's food, what will that feel like?

Will I be able to sense the eagle's presence, its sharp talons and hungry gaze?

Will my consciousness linger for a brief moment, or will it be completely consumed in an instant?

These questions swirl in my mind, creating a sense of anticipation and unease.

I can only imagine the possibilities, but until that fateful moment arrives, I am left to wonder and speculate.

Perhaps it will be a transformation like no other, a journey into the unknown that will change me forever.

Only time will tell what lies ahead.
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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Castenda has now become one of my favorite authors.

A few years ago, I randomly picked up this book at a Half Price store for just $2. It seemed interesting, so I bought it without realizing that it was part of the Don Juan series and that I was reading it out of order.

Surprisingly, despite this, I was still able to follow the story and integrate most of the lessons.

From this book, I have developed a personal love for this author. His teachings on new age spirituality are completely unique compared to those of other writers in the field that I follow.

The only thing that slightly frustrated me was the repeated lines, such as the Eagle's emanations or the cocoon of man. At first, these ideas seemed prolific, but by the end, they felt a bit stale. However, I suspect that this might be because this book is related to others in the series.

I recently picked up the first Don Juan teachings book from the store and will start reading it soon. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in new age spirituality. It is truly a thought-provoking read.

Until we all get swept up in the cosmic tumbler of life.
July 15,2025
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Salam.


The journey of Castaneda continues with the guidance of Don Juan. The previous book was "The Gift of the Eagle." And the next book is "The Power of Silence."


Castaneda's exploration into the world of shamanism and the teachings of Don Juan is a fascinating one. Each book offers new insights and experiences that challenge our understanding of reality. In "The Power of Silence," Castaneda delves deeper into the mysteries of the spirit world and the power of inner stillness.


Readers can expect to be taken on a wild ride as they follow Castaneda's adventures and learn from the wisdom of Don Juan. These books are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, inspiring readers to question their own beliefs and perceptions.

July 15,2025
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As with most Carlos Castaneda books, I find them a little confusing yet very enticing. This being the second time I have read this book, I was able to piece it together a little better.

What I discovered to be interesting about the topics and explanations put forth by the nagual, Don Juan, is how they align with the information presented in the movie, "The Secret" and other books related to the power of manifestation. For instance, the descriptions in this book regarding will and intent are truly fascinating if one has an inclination towards such matters.

My favorite quote from the book, which I have been constantly reflecting upon since reading it, is as follows.

"Warriors prepare themselves to be aware, and full awareness comes to them only when there is no more self-importance left in them. Only when they are nothing do they become everything." This quote holds a profound truth that challenges us to let go of our ego and embrace a state of humility and openness in order to achieve a higher level of consciousness and understanding.

Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on spiritual growth and the power of the human mind that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.
July 15,2025
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Karlos Castaneda is what is more impressive and shocking than contemporary writers!!!

Karlos Castaneda's works are truly remarkable. His unique writing style and profound insights into the human condition have captivated readers around the world.

His books take readers on a journey through the spiritual and physical realms, challenging their beliefs and expanding their consciousness.

Castaneda's use of vivid imagery and engaging storytelling makes his works not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Whether it's his exploration of shamanism, his teachings on personal growth, or his descriptions of altered states of consciousness, Castaneda's writing has had a profound impact on many people.

He is truly a one-of-a-kind writer, and his works will continue to inspire and amaze readers for years to come.
July 15,2025
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I found this book to be far more trippy than his other works. It's quite humorous really, considering that, as per the book, Carlos isn't taking any drugs this time around, unlike in the first three installments. The likely reason for its trippiness is the extensive explanations regarding how Don Juan perceives the world. Most of these explanations are highly abstract, making them rather difficult to follow. It was quite exasperating, and I frequently put the book aside.

However, I did enjoy the stories about Don Juan's past and the encounters with the old seers. The exciting, mysterious, and utterly strange situations are definitely among the aspects that draw me to Castaneda's books.

Moreover, I have a greater fondness for the books that feature Don Juan and Don Genaro compared to those with the group of other seers that Carlos was left with after Don Juan and Don Genaro departed. The presence of Don Juan and Don Genaro adds a certain charm and allure to the narrative that is hard to replicate with the other characters.
July 15,2025
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Like all of Castaneda's books,

The Fire from Within doesn't cover an excessive amount of new material compared to his previous works.

Nevertheless, the new content is always extremely interesting.

As a trainee shaman/medicine man, I have always approached Castaneda's books from a critical perspective.

I am aware that the truth may be distorted here and there within his books, but I persist in reading them for the valuable nuggets of truth, inspiration, and insight that are scattered throughout.

Perhaps, Castaneda is presenting a theory in this book regarding spontaneous combustion!?!

Regardless, it is evident to me that Castaneda's books incorporate elements of black magic here and there, and it is essential to ground oneself before reading them.

The dark forces can be just as powerful teachers as the light forces, making it a worthwhile read.

Overall, while there may be some aspects that require a discerning eye, Castaneda's works continue to offer unique perspectives and food for thought.
July 15,2025
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I vividly remember coming across this particular piece and finding it especially compelling. I have perused the various criticisms and the fact (or perhaps theory) that Don Juan is merely a literary device, fabricated, maybe pieced together from a few real individuals. However, despite all those critiques, Don Juan holds a very real and dear place in my heart. He is not just a fictional character to me; he is someone I have come to love and admire. His charm, his allure, and his complex personality have captured my imagination and continue to do so. Even though some may argue that he is not real, in my mind and in my heart, he is as real as can be.

July 15,2025
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At this point, I'm just far too jaded to care very much anymore.

If this were marketed as fiction, perhaps I would be more inclined to be a bit more forgiving. But as it stands now, I'm just kind of irritated.

The only conclusion I can draw is that one must be incredibly high to make any sense of whatever it is that Castaneda is going on about.

"I wanted to say more to strengthen my argument, but a strange feeling came over me. It was an actual physical sensation as if I was hurtling through something. And then I rejected my own argument. I knew without a doubt that don Juan was right. All that is needed is impeccability, energy, and it starts with a single act that has to be deliberate, precise, and sustained. If that act is repeated long enough, one gains a sense of unwavering intent, which can be applied to anything else. If that is achieved, the path is clear. One thing will lead to another until the warrior realizes his full potential." p. 179

Edit to add a bit more context: In ‘The Eagle’s Gift’, Casteneda presented us with a concept he and Don Juan called ‘the Eagle’, and I found it to be completely absurd. An all-encompassing power or force being an eagle?!? It was actually even worse than Big Steve’s horror entity in ‘It’ which I thought was rather lame. But in this novel, Casteneda actually clarifies the ‘Eagle’ and takes some trouble to describe it better.

“He said the old seers, at great risk, actually saw the indescribable force that is the source of all sentient beings. They called it the Eagle because in the few brief glimpses they could maintain, they saw it as something that resembled a black-and-white eagle of enormous size.” p.51

This is actually quite useful if one is discussing metaphysical concepts similar to God or consciousness. Otherwise, one might be tempted to call it ‘Godzilla’ or something.

Anyway, although ‘The Fire Within’ has many of the same flaws as his previous work, Casteneda does a better job of storytelling and describing ‘the Second Attention’. Moreover, he doesn't introduce a whole bunch of characters out of nowhere and spends a lot more time explaining the concepts.

I don't know. I just can't justify spending any more time on this stuff. Either that or I need better drugs.
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