12-18-2007, 12:00 AM
"In the conventional meaning of mental silence, I have found the experience to always be restful and restorative.
Research that's available anywhere indicates that to spend some time in mental quietude every day results in tangible health benefits and reduced stress.
Practitioners of extended mental silence have quantifiable advantages in bodily functions, physical endurance, and the ability to focus and concentrate on complex tasks."
All of these things are true.
The differences in experiences, in my opinion, have to do with the extent, quality and intent of the individual.
What is the person trying to accomplish? Oneness with God as yogis and some monk sects? physical calm and mental peace as some people do? To touch with power for magic or healing?
All of these things can be the result of that particular goal which the practicioner is aiming for.
The goal pointed to in Castaneda's books is clear and is helped along with many other exercises, all poining to the same thing. To collapse our world view in order to make it possible for another world view to be experienced.
Remember, Don Juan said; "..any thought held in mind while stopping the internal dialog is properly a command."
Basically what happens in the practice of this system of knowlege is you take a peek at what lies immediately behind "this world." But Don Juan's purpose concerning Carlos was for him to see that alternative "description" and then to realise that it was just as arbitrary and just as much an illusion as this one. Then to shoot in between the two. To go beyond both worlds.
That was the trick of a "Man of Knowledge."
I don't know if Carlos ever got past the sorcerer's description.
Bob
Research that's available anywhere indicates that to spend some time in mental quietude every day results in tangible health benefits and reduced stress.
Practitioners of extended mental silence have quantifiable advantages in bodily functions, physical endurance, and the ability to focus and concentrate on complex tasks."
All of these things are true.
The differences in experiences, in my opinion, have to do with the extent, quality and intent of the individual.
What is the person trying to accomplish? Oneness with God as yogis and some monk sects? physical calm and mental peace as some people do? To touch with power for magic or healing?
All of these things can be the result of that particular goal which the practicioner is aiming for.
The goal pointed to in Castaneda's books is clear and is helped along with many other exercises, all poining to the same thing. To collapse our world view in order to make it possible for another world view to be experienced.
Remember, Don Juan said; "..any thought held in mind while stopping the internal dialog is properly a command."
Basically what happens in the practice of this system of knowlege is you take a peek at what lies immediately behind "this world." But Don Juan's purpose concerning Carlos was for him to see that alternative "description" and then to realise that it was just as arbitrary and just as much an illusion as this one. Then to shoot in between the two. To go beyond both worlds.
That was the trick of a "Man of Knowledge."
I don't know if Carlos ever got past the sorcerer's description.
Bob