Carlos Castaneda
wrote a series of twelve books
relating to his
twelve year relationship
with Juan Matus.
Juan was a link
in a unique lineage
which stretched back
for countless generations
over several thousands of years.
Juan had for years
been actively looking
for an individual
to replace himself
in the next generation
of his lineage.
When Juan saw Carlos,
Juan immediately recognized that
Carlos was the man he sought.
From that moment on
Juan adopted Carlos
as a student.
Carlos did not realize that
Juan had no intention
of letting him go
under any circumstances.
Carlos simply considered Juan
to be an excellent source
for his anthropological endeavors.
Juan spared no effort
in his intent
to break Carlos
into the very real realm
of our absolutely limitless
attainable
human possibilities.
Juan adapted himself spontaneously
in every situation with Carlos.
Juan recommended
countless techniques to Carlos.
Juan resorted to
playing the role
of Indian sorcercer,
and in that role
he employed the use of
mind altering plants
as a hook to Carlos’
wandering attention.
Unfortunately to us as readers,
Carlos believed
that mind alterants
were necessary
to break the barrier
into don Juan’s world.
As a result,
drug-use served
as the central theme
of Carlos’ first two books.
Carlos eventually
realized his error
concerning why
don Juan employed
the Indian psychotropics,
and Carlos acknowledges
this intense blunder
in the introduction
of his third book.
In spite of that,
the first two books
serve as an insightful initiation
into Juan’s world;
and Juan’s highly focused intent
shines through Carlos’ words.
The tradition
to which Juan belonged
can not be accurately defined
with words because
it involves levels
of physical human awareness
well beyond thinking.
Words alone can only allude to,
and possibly lead to
remarkable realms
which are
largely ignored,
yet open to each of us.
