10-10-2011, 12:00 AM
I've read the Castaneda books, and hours and hours of evaluations and opinions, many of which rage on still. As a result of that reading, I've always used the figure of don Juan as the epitome of Nagualhood. I think one of the finer of his attributes was his joy, and his sense of humor. (The statue of the fat little smiling Buddha comes to mind, reflecting that same sense.) Perhaps it is unfair to consider anyone accepting the label now of Nagual as needing to be like don Juan. I continue to dislike the label, perhaps for that reason. There ought to be something better, less restrictive, less narrow perhaps, but I can't think of one...keeper of The Information? ... he who points at the moon? ... the guy who sweeps the dust out of the monastery? Guru? Teacher? Savior? Buddha? Hmm.
What has finally dawned on me is regardless of the label, they are stuck with the thankless task of pouring piss down a rat hole. IOW, trying somehow to assist others on spiritual quests. That's really all that don Juan, et al, were doing...they were goddamned school teachers, and in dJ's case, with an especially thick headed student. They pull out the thorns and for their efforts, usually get bitten. A thankless task.
As the elder said to NLW, "...Use your power for good and may you find peace but I highly doubt it." Unlike don Juan, LW has always struck me with a rather profound and remote sadness, and perhaps now, I can see why.
What has finally dawned on me is regardless of the label, they are stuck with the thankless task of pouring piss down a rat hole. IOW, trying somehow to assist others on spiritual quests. That's really all that don Juan, et al, were doing...they were goddamned school teachers, and in dJ's case, with an especially thick headed student. They pull out the thorns and for their efforts, usually get bitten. A thankless task.
As the elder said to NLW, "...Use your power for good and may you find peace but I highly doubt it." Unlike don Juan, LW has always struck me with a rather profound and remote sadness, and perhaps now, I can see why.