Whether what is told in his books is the subject of real experiences or not, it is difficult to say. Her mysterious figure he has never allowed us to see things clearly but for many his literary production is undeniably amazing and revolutionary.
Who was Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda, born Carlos César Salvador Aranha Castañeda (Cajamarca, December 25, 1925 – Los Angeles, April 27, 1998), was one Peruvian writer. From his childhood they struggle to find consistent news, it is certain that around the 1950s he moved to Los Angeles, obtaining citizenship some time later.
In 1960 he crowned his love with Margaret Runyan with a marriage that sadly ended in divorce just six months later.
In the meantime it also follows one degree in art and subsequently in philosophy at the University of California. His was released in 1968 first book “The teachings of Don Juan” with which he inaugurates his literary career.
His personality has often left press journalists but also colleagues baffled. He had in fact agreed with Fellini that they would make the film dealt with by his great success together but suddenly Castaneda disappears. He returned to public attention in 1990 with a new tale this time accompanied by seminars and workshops on tensegrity.
Don Juan as a guide by Carlos Castaneda
This term introduces a key theme of Castaneda’s works: magic. In fact, the author claims to be constantly under the guidance of a shaman Native American called “Don Juan” met in 1960. During his research he wrote a series of personal diaries which later became his first books describing his own “apprenticeship” with a shaman.
One has often been sought relationship between his theories and drug use, but Castaneda claimed that these substances can damage his luminous sphere of energy body emanations. This last reflection, however, came only after understanding hallucinogenic substances are not necessary to break down his convictions if he allows himself more fluidity and so he moved away from it to keep his purity.
Through Don Juan’s thinking in “At the sorcerer’s school” sums up the idea of the “Path of the Heart” as follows:
“For me there is only the walk along paths that have a heart, along any path that has a heart. Along this I walk and the only test that counts is to cross it in all its length. And here I walk looking, looking breathless. “
The key points of Carlos Castaneda’s thought
According to Don Juan’s doctrine, one is very far from mystical, esoteric or religious beliefs. The proposed theme does not foresee sanctification or presents a salvific theme in comparison with a series of punishments. It is mainly reflected on theimportance of the ego and the ability to develop through arts or techniques. The individual regulates himself and takes responsibility alone, without a set of doctrines and beliefs.
There are however a number of key points which can facilitate the understanding of this complex issue. The aspiring sorcerer in reaching a goal finds on the path of knowledge a series of so-called “Natural enemies” and these are fear, clarity, power and old age. To achieve your goals there are several tools called “The three arts” and they are: the art of stalking, the art of dreaming and the art of intent. His work has not been without criticism because many in the academic world have accused him of appropriating the work of others but also of not proposing something authentic.
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