Las ensenanzas de don Carlos. Aplicaciones prácticas de la obra de Carlos Castaneda

by Víctor Sánchez

Después de haber trabajado más de doce años en la aplicaci6n concreta de los principios, técnicas y propuestas de la obra de Carlos Castaneda, tanto de su propia persona como en los participantes de los grupos de trabajo que el mismo ha promovido y coordinado, Víctor Sánchez presenta esta obra como testimonio de los resultados obtenidos.

"No pretendemos establecer —declara el autor— una última verdad en tomo a los misterios planteados por Castaneda, sino tan sólo mostrar la manera en que los hemos abordado, y señalar cómo al hacerlo hemos visto cambiar sustancialmente nuestra propia vida. AI mismo tiempo pretendemos compartir nuestra experiencia a través de 77 ejercicios debidamente detallados, que cualquier lector interesado puede poner en práctica, para experimentar por sf mismo el acceso a la realidad aparte que nos plantea Castaneda."

Genres: Nonfiction, Metaphysics, Spirituality, Unfinished, Self Help, Native American

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never read anything written by Carlos Castaneda, I didn't quite know what to expect of this book when a friend suggested that we read it together. And after browsing through it and reading some of the techniques, I was a bit skeptical. I'm so glad I set skepticism aside and read this book with my friend. We worked through the book chapter by chapter, participating in some of the techniques and not others, as each of us saw fit. What appealed was different for each of us.

This book gave me an excellent insight into what Carlos Castaneda's works are all about, and how they could be of use to me. Victor Sanchez is an excellent guide. Without giving details, I can say that this book has shaped parts of my present life. The technique of strongest impact for me was something called "Death as an Advisor". I got so much out of this. It helped me put my own near-death experiences in perspective and helped me see ways in which I sabotage myself in trying to live in the present moment.

I recommend this book.

Addendum 1/3/2013 - The further away from completing this book I get, the more I am aware of the knowledge and value it has imparted to me. It's a difficult and rewarding read.

[Mike Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Toltec/Shaman/Casteneda - this book is par excellence !
Resonates with my personal anti-philosophy in many ways , only a few errors .
This is highly recommended for Casteneda fans as well as anyone that disdains useless new age stuff - practical stuff here ..

[Shhhhh Ahhhhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good summary of Carlos Castaneda's work with Don Juan. There were some interpretations here that I actually didn't get from reading the books themsleves, which i found interesting. For example, I already knew that the alternative reality that Don Juan was leading Castaneda to was a reframing of the perceptual field in the best way a person can do it. Because everything that we see is filtered, or in some ways created, by everything we've already seen and think we know, we can't think our way out of the box of seeing the world that way. The only way to do it is to radically reframe through action and reflection. This book took that a step further and drew a direct line of comparison between this indigenous tradition and the 'oriental' teachings and spiritual practices. Talking about doings as a comparison for the state of no-mind was fascinating. Talking about breaking through these barriers erected by the psyche by doing things completely out of the ordinary, such as running in the dark, walking backwards, cross-dressing, sitting within the energy sphere of a tree and becoming the tree, etc. I also thoughtthe discussion on the fact that the body 'sees' with all of its senses and that many of us have become blind to the full abilities of the body to perceive because we rely so heavily on sight. I've alwayus thought that to be the case, as exemplified by humans who can do astounding things with their other senses when deprived of sight (like echolocation), but seeing it echoed here and referenced in stories I thought I understood about Castaneda was an eye-opener.

I may have to revisit Castaneda's works now. I think I obviously missed some things.

[Aelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author briefly explains cosmology of Don Juan as constructed in Carlos Castanedas sequence of books. I am afraid for me it is somewhat superficial. It must be said that the author is very honest and himself stresses that the book is his practical understanding of the teaching narrated across 12 books.

I can clearly see how a person can use these exercises to move self somewhat away from 'ordinary' states and explore other realms.
Some would absolutely love it. Its just not for me, and not in this particular period of my life, when I seek more thorough teachings and long for depth.

[Fatih Gunicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a new Carlos Castaneda review with the name "The Science of Seers". It has a different perspective comparing Modern Science and the wisdom of the Shamans of Ancient Mexico and also the religion while touching all the main existential questions of human beings. And for me, it puts the writings of Castaneda to the right place as it has never done before. If you could take a look and read it I will be pleased.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

[Seajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm never going to construct a recapitulation crate then burn or bury it. Otherwise, lots of great practical information for anyone to use, especially about stalking oneself and ways to integrate the left and right side attentions.

As one who has read all of CCs books, this one by VS clarifies some obscure procedures and concepts. Not as entertaining as CC but helpful.

[M.M. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much easier to process than Castaneda's work. Sanchez, Don Carlos' disciple, not only gives an overarching rational for indigenous American shamanism, but clarifies it's goals. He adds valuable exercises on being present in the universe with enhanced awareness, making this a great reference book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book ! I can't wait to read the teachings of Don Juan as well. Absolutely spectacular !

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read it!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding companion piece to the Carlos Castenada books. Here Victor breaks down what is exactly going on and gives clarity where one may get confused. Also gives potential practices and meditations which may be helpful. That being said I do not agree with all the mediations.

But overall, still excellent

[Micmoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentially a practical tool to test the teaching of Don Juan.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good techniques, but overly verbose

[Martin Hassman]

Přišlo mi, že je srozumitelnější a přístupnější než všechny knihy od Castanedy.