04-12-2012, 12:00 AM
I would like to add some perspective to the current goings on here. By "current goings on" I refer to the collection of posts primarily being made by persyd, addendums by Lone Wolf, and commentaries by several others.
If I understand correctly what is being stated it would appear persyd is acting somewhat as a Scout Troop leader, identifying various members of this forum in terms of a Nagual Party as described in Castaneda's books. In addition to identifying these members, she is providing information in a general fashion on the purpose of the Party and means to avoid the Eagle. There are many vague and esoteric comments with a great deal of implication of vast powers and abilities, primarily in the Dreaming Realms but not restricted thereto. So far, Third Attention has not been mentioned, but I'm left with the impression we have a psychic warrior of powerful means assisting the chosen few.
So far, it would appear, as with the Heavens Gate cult, preparations appear to be being made for some sort or another of death, since death, corpse, decay, etc are frequently mentioned.
Here's the perspective I'd like to share.
We're not dead yet. We're here, in human form, to enjoy being in human form. We will die, sooner or later, but in the meantime, we have the mud, the blood, and the beer. I would prefer to plant my attention (fix my Assemblage Point?) in the moment of being right here, right now, with the fine steak, red wine, tasty cigar and good company.
I do not see that "way" as in conflict with the teachings of don Juan. In fact, I find it quite in accord with his teachings. One may interpret the teachings from a rather dark, dead, psychically powerful, menacing form as is being done, or one may interpret them in a way as to enjoy being human. The ONLY real goal don Juan mentioned, was not to become a Nagual, nor a Nagual Man, nor a Nagual Woman, nor a witch, nor a shaman, nor form a Nagual Party, but to achieve the totality of oneself. Even that, now, is being interpreted in a somewhat arcane fashion, the business of merging with "the double", and more death and destruction before the REAL totality is achieved.
The totality of self is achieved primarily via recapitulation and has nothing to do with magic, psychic ability, doubles, triples, various attention levels, the nagual, etc. Don Juan laid it out there...arrange the items of the tonal. That means deal with life as it is, understand who you are here and now in this waking realm. Lucid dreaming and astral travel are to be enjoyed, but I'm not sure of their educational value still.
Another way of seeing the teachings of don Juan is that they are a superb con. The true goal, as mentioned, is too simple, too boring, to be laid out in straight fashion, so in order to attract attention, we are presented with magic and power and the supposed means to obtain power (note the number of posts concerning becoming powerful, or dealing with power). If all the teachings are examined closely, their ONLY aim is to cause focus on the self...find who you are. The great teachers say exactly the same thing: Nisargadatta...."Ask who am I?" Too simple. Nah...I want to be a NAGUAL...nonsense.
Be who you are...why isn't that sufficient? Why not ask yourself why you feel powerless? Why not ask yourself why you feel hurt, or abandoned, or betrayed? Or why trust is important, or why you want friends, or love, or respect, or admiration? Why not ask why you are still not impervious to insult? Why not ask why you are concerned? Why you still fret? Why you cannot be alone, or remain silent?
If I understand correctly what is being stated it would appear persyd is acting somewhat as a Scout Troop leader, identifying various members of this forum in terms of a Nagual Party as described in Castaneda's books. In addition to identifying these members, she is providing information in a general fashion on the purpose of the Party and means to avoid the Eagle. There are many vague and esoteric comments with a great deal of implication of vast powers and abilities, primarily in the Dreaming Realms but not restricted thereto. So far, Third Attention has not been mentioned, but I'm left with the impression we have a psychic warrior of powerful means assisting the chosen few.
So far, it would appear, as with the Heavens Gate cult, preparations appear to be being made for some sort or another of death, since death, corpse, decay, etc are frequently mentioned.
Here's the perspective I'd like to share.
We're not dead yet. We're here, in human form, to enjoy being in human form. We will die, sooner or later, but in the meantime, we have the mud, the blood, and the beer. I would prefer to plant my attention (fix my Assemblage Point?) in the moment of being right here, right now, with the fine steak, red wine, tasty cigar and good company.
I do not see that "way" as in conflict with the teachings of don Juan. In fact, I find it quite in accord with his teachings. One may interpret the teachings from a rather dark, dead, psychically powerful, menacing form as is being done, or one may interpret them in a way as to enjoy being human. The ONLY real goal don Juan mentioned, was not to become a Nagual, nor a Nagual Man, nor a Nagual Woman, nor a witch, nor a shaman, nor form a Nagual Party, but to achieve the totality of oneself. Even that, now, is being interpreted in a somewhat arcane fashion, the business of merging with "the double", and more death and destruction before the REAL totality is achieved.
The totality of self is achieved primarily via recapitulation and has nothing to do with magic, psychic ability, doubles, triples, various attention levels, the nagual, etc. Don Juan laid it out there...arrange the items of the tonal. That means deal with life as it is, understand who you are here and now in this waking realm. Lucid dreaming and astral travel are to be enjoyed, but I'm not sure of their educational value still.
Another way of seeing the teachings of don Juan is that they are a superb con. The true goal, as mentioned, is too simple, too boring, to be laid out in straight fashion, so in order to attract attention, we are presented with magic and power and the supposed means to obtain power (note the number of posts concerning becoming powerful, or dealing with power). If all the teachings are examined closely, their ONLY aim is to cause focus on the self...find who you are. The great teachers say exactly the same thing: Nisargadatta...."Ask who am I?" Too simple. Nah...I want to be a NAGUAL...nonsense.
Be who you are...why isn't that sufficient? Why not ask yourself why you feel powerless? Why not ask yourself why you feel hurt, or abandoned, or betrayed? Or why trust is important, or why you want friends, or love, or respect, or admiration? Why not ask why you are still not impervious to insult? Why not ask why you are concerned? Why you still fret? Why you cannot be alone, or remain silent?