03-25-2011, 12:02 AM
Gonzo wrote:
@Sedna -
You're pushing for some good stuff, and for good reasons, imo. I believe the problem so far is a belief in "sorcery". By sorcery, I mean the dictionary definition. Don Juan himself said the term was inadequate for his teaching, as was posted elsewhere. I have my own opinion why he would use the term, and at the same time say it was inadequate. But first, the problem at hand...
sor·cer·y
–noun, plural -cer·ies.
the art, practices, or spells of a person who is supposed to exercise supernatural powers through the aid of evil spirits; black magic; witchery.
...supernatural powers...and how does one acquire those powers? Stalking, of course. However, no one here will describe either that process or the business of the exercise of those powers, yet that's precisely what they are hinting at...black magic: witchery.
We then get involved in the other topic you mentioned, that of energy, which again, no one can describe other than a perception of its effect, as in noticing the wind in the trees. In a way, the exercise of supernatural powers is the control and direction of energy, and once again, no one seems willing to describe their personal experiences directing energy.
We have then also the second purpose of stalking, that of "shifting the Assemblage Point". In a way this relates to "heightened awareness", another nebulous term, implying superior abilities. No one chooses to examine this term as well...why is it "heightened"? why not just call it "different"...why higher? And it's easily achieved in a variety of manners, and is, actually, of no benefit. Ask anyone who had taken any entheogen. True shamans had a practical use for entheogens, which had nothing to do with their own self-aggrandizement, another point missed by many, those who wish to be recognized and acknowledged as some spiritually achieved, extraordinary person.
So. In my opinion, the whole business of expanded powers, extraordinary abilities, "sorcery", and so on are essentially cons. The problem is the real goal of don Juan's teachings is far too simple and folk need to be tricked into going for it. So they are seduced into thinking about power, and being powerful, and more powerful than their peers. Eventually, perhaps, they re-read "Tales of Power" and the phrase that the goal is to reach the totality of self...NOT to be a super-powerful Nagual.
Gonzo you're not a stupid man, but you are very easy. Don't be a fool, it is her again. Playing games, exasperating members, robbing folks of energy just like the old days. And funny how she latches on to you to teach you again. But knowing you, you will enjoy the entertainment.
@Sedna -
You're pushing for some good stuff, and for good reasons, imo. I believe the problem so far is a belief in "sorcery". By sorcery, I mean the dictionary definition. Don Juan himself said the term was inadequate for his teaching, as was posted elsewhere. I have my own opinion why he would use the term, and at the same time say it was inadequate. But first, the problem at hand...
sor·cer·y
–noun, plural -cer·ies.
the art, practices, or spells of a person who is supposed to exercise supernatural powers through the aid of evil spirits; black magic; witchery.
...supernatural powers...and how does one acquire those powers? Stalking, of course. However, no one here will describe either that process or the business of the exercise of those powers, yet that's precisely what they are hinting at...black magic: witchery.
We then get involved in the other topic you mentioned, that of energy, which again, no one can describe other than a perception of its effect, as in noticing the wind in the trees. In a way, the exercise of supernatural powers is the control and direction of energy, and once again, no one seems willing to describe their personal experiences directing energy.
We have then also the second purpose of stalking, that of "shifting the Assemblage Point". In a way this relates to "heightened awareness", another nebulous term, implying superior abilities. No one chooses to examine this term as well...why is it "heightened"? why not just call it "different"...why higher? And it's easily achieved in a variety of manners, and is, actually, of no benefit. Ask anyone who had taken any entheogen. True shamans had a practical use for entheogens, which had nothing to do with their own self-aggrandizement, another point missed by many, those who wish to be recognized and acknowledged as some spiritually achieved, extraordinary person.
So. In my opinion, the whole business of expanded powers, extraordinary abilities, "sorcery", and so on are essentially cons. The problem is the real goal of don Juan's teachings is far too simple and folk need to be tricked into going for it. So they are seduced into thinking about power, and being powerful, and more powerful than their peers. Eventually, perhaps, they re-read "Tales of Power" and the phrase that the goal is to reach the totality of self...NOT to be a super-powerful Nagual.
Gonzo you're not a stupid man, but you are very easy. Don't be a fool, it is her again. Playing games, exasperating members, robbing folks of energy just like the old days. And funny how she latches on to you to teach you again. But knowing you, you will enjoy the entertainment.