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The Power of Silence

The Power of Silence

Further Lessons of don Juan
by Carlos Castaneda 1987 288 pages
4.23
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Key Takeaways

1. Sorcery is Awareness Beyond Ordinary Perception

Sorcery, properly speaking, is simply the ability to use energy fields that are not employed in perceiving the ordinary world we know.

Expanding Perception. Sorcery, as defined by don Juan, isn't about spells or rituals, but about expanding awareness beyond the limitations of everyday perception. It's the capacity to tap into energy fields and perceive realities inaccessible to the average person, who is bound by the "modality of the time" – the specific set of energy fields deemed relevant by society.

Energy and Perception. Don Juan emphasizes that humans are born with a finite amount of energy, most of which is used to navigate the ordinary world. Sorcery requires saving and redirecting this energy to perceive other realms. This isn't about learning new information, but about shifting the focus of one's awareness.

A State of Awareness. Sorcery is a state of awareness and the ability to perceive something which ordinary perception cannot. It's about convincing oneself of the hidden power within and reaching it. This access to formerly unavailable energy fields allows one to "see" – to perceive something else as real and concrete, and to know without words.

2. Energy Conservation Unlocks Sorcery Worlds

Rather, what you're learning is to save energy. This energy will enable you to handle some of the energy fields which are inaccessible to you now.

Saving Energy. The path to sorcery isn't about acquiring knowledge, but about conserving energy. This saved energy can then be used to perceive energy fields beyond the ordinary, allowing access to sorcery worlds.

Finite Energy. Don Juan explains that humans are born with a finite amount of energy, systematically deployed from birth to navigate the world. This deployment leaves little energy to perceive other energy fields.

Shifting Perception. By saving energy, one can shift the assemblage point, the point where perception is assembled, to light up new groups of emanations, making them perceivable and canceling former perceptions. This shift allows the perception of an entirely different world, as objective and factual as the one we normally perceive.

3. Intent: The Universe's Unseen Connector

In the universe there is an unmeasurable, indescribable force which sorcerers call intent, and that absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.

The Pervasive Force. Intent is described as an unmeasurable, indescribable force that connects everything in the cosmos. Sorcerers aim to understand and employ this connecting link, cleaning it of the numbing effects of everyday life.

Cleaning the Link. Sorcery, at its core, is the procedure of cleaning one's connecting link to intent. This process is difficult to understand or learn, requiring instruction in both everyday and heightened states of awareness.

Direct Knowledge. In heightened awareness, sorcerers obtain knowledge directly from intent, bypassing the limitations of spoken language. This direct knowledge, passed down through generations, is the foundation of sorcery.

4. Abstract Cores: Blueprints of Intent's Manifestations

Abstract cores, then, were blueprints of complete chains of events.

Underlying Order. Abstract cores are described as blueprints for events, recurrent patterns that appear every time intent gives an indication of something meaningful. They represent a basic abstract order of knowledge.

Recurrent Patterns. Every detail of every abstract core has re-occurred to every apprentice nagual. Each apprentice nagual encounters the abstract cores, creating accounts woven around those cores, incorporating the details of each apprentice's personality and circumstances.

Manifestations of the Spirit. The first abstract core, "The Manifestations of the Spirit," tells the story of a man oblivious to the spirit's attempts to connect with him. The spirit gives him three signs, but the man is too self-concerned to notice.

5. The Nagual: Conduit and Guide to Intent

Because of their extraordinary energy, naguals are intermediaries. Their energy allows them to channel peace, harmony, laughter, and knowledge directly from the source- from intent- and transmit intent to their companions.

Energetic Intermediaries. Naguals are individuals with extraordinary energy, serving as intermediaries between intent and their companions. They channel peace, harmony, laughter, and knowledge directly from intent.

Providing the Minimal Chance. Naguals are responsible for supplying "the minimal chance" – the awareness of one's connection with intent. They guide apprentices through unimaginable areas, molding them and fostering awe and wonder.

The Bird of Freedom. Naguals remind their apprentices that the bird of freedom has little patience with indecision. When it flies away, it never returns.

6. Stalking: The Art of Controlled Folly

The art of stalking is the riddle of the heart; the puzzlement sorcerers feel upon becoming aware of two things: first that the world appears to us to be unalterably objective and factual because of the peculiarities of our awareness and perception; and second, that if different peculiarities of perception come into play, the very things about the world that seem so unalterably objective and factual change.

Controlling Behavior. Stalking is the art of controlling behavior, using it in novel ways for specific purposes. It involves breaking from routine to create unusual effects on one's total being.

Four Moods of Stalking. The four moods of stalking are ruthlessness, cunning, patience, and sweetness. These moods must be practiced and perfected until they are smooth and unnoticeable.

Stalking Oneself. The first principle of stalking is that a warrior stalks himself. He stalks himself ruthlessly, cunningly, patiently, and sweetly.

7. The Spirit's Descent: A Point of No Return

Sorcerers believe that until the very moment of the spirit's descent, any of us could walk away from the spirit; but not afterwards.

An Act of Revelation. The fourth abstract core, the descent of the spirit, is an act of revelation. The spirit reveals itself to us, lying in ambush and then descending on us, its prey.

Cutting the Chains. The spirit cuts our chains of self-reflection, freeing us from the concerns of the daily world. However, this freedom is also undesirable, as it separates us from the shared concerns that bind us together.

The Beggar at Nightfall. The poem "Is it I who walks tonight in my room" captures the mood of impotence and bewilderment that accompanies the realization of aging and the anxiety it produces. The poet intuits that there is some unnamed factor, awesome because of its simplicity, that is determining our fate.

8. Ruthlessness: Sobriety Beyond Self-Pity

Ruthlessness is the opposite of self-pity or self-importance. Ruthlessness is sobriety.

The First Principle. Ruthlessness is the first principle of sorcery, not to be confused with the first effect of sorcery apprenticeship, which is the shift between normal and heightened awareness. It is the opposite of self-pity.

The Place of No Pity. The place of no pity is the site of ruthlessness. It is a specific position of the assemblage point, shown in the eyes of sorcerers as a shimmering film.

Masking Ruthlessness. Naguals mask their ruthlessness in different ways. Don Juan masks his with reasonableness, while his benefactor masked his with an easygoing, practical joker persona.

9. The Third Point: Freedom of Perception

The third point of reference is freedom of perception; it is intent; it is the spirit; the somersault of thought into the miraculous; the act of reaching beyond our boundaries and touching the inconceivable.

Beyond Two Dimensions. The world of daily life consists of two points of reference, creating a two-dimensional perception. Sorcerers, however, perceive their actions with depth, a third point of reference.

Here and Here. To reach the third point of reference, one must perceive two places at once. This split perception, called "here and here," allows for a more complete understanding of reality.

The Portal of Intent. Heightened awareness is the portal of intent. It is the means by which sorcerers access the spirit and manipulate their perception.

10. The Ticket to Impeccability: A Warrior's Death

The sorcerers' struggle for assuredness is the most dramatic struggle there is. It's painful and costly. Many, many times it has actually cost sorcerers their lives.

Invalidating Continuity. To have complete certainty about their actions, sorcerers must invalidate the continuity of their old lives. This process is called the ticket to impeccability, or the sorcerers' symbolic but final death.

The Eagle's Emanations. The Eagle's emanations are the energy fields that make up the universe. They are the source of all awareness and perception.

The Warrior's Way. The warrior's way is a code of behavior that prepares sorcerers by enhancing their sobriety and thoughtfulness. It is a path of impeccable action.

Last updated:

FAQ

1. What is "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda about?

  • Exploration of Sorcery: The book recounts Castaneda’s apprenticeship with don Juan Matus, a Mexican Indian seer, focusing on the teachings and practices of sorcery as a means to perceive realities beyond ordinary awareness.
  • Assemblage Point and Awareness: Central to the narrative is the concept of the assemblage point, an invisible spot on the human energy field where perception is assembled, and how moving it enables access to different realities.
  • Journey of the Warrior: The story follows the path of a warrior seeking freedom from self-importance and rational limitations, using personal stories and lessons to illustrate the transformation required for spiritual growth.
  • Silent Knowledge and Intent: The book delves into abstract concepts like silent knowledge and intent, presenting them as forces that shape perception and understanding beyond language and reason.

2. Why should I read "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda?

  • Profound Shift in Perception: The book challenges conventional views of reality, offering a unique perspective on how perception can be consciously altered through energy and awareness.
  • Access to Ancient Wisdom: Readers are introduced to the oral teachings of Mexican sorcery, gaining insight into a rigorous and complex system of knowledge about intent, spirit, and awareness.
  • Practical and Philosophical Lessons: The narrative provides both practical methods (like moving the assemblage point) and deep philosophical insights into courage, death, and the nature of knowledge.
  • Personal Transformation: Through vivid stories and direct experiences, Castaneda demonstrates how these teachings can lead to personal transformation and spiritual freedom.

3. What are the key takeaways from "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda?

  • Perception is Malleable: Reality is not fixed; it is shaped by the position of the assemblage point, which can be shifted through discipline and intent.
  • Impeccability and Energy: Spiritual progress requires impeccability—acting with precision and integrity—and the conservation of personal energy to enable shifts in awareness.
  • Freedom from Self-Importance: Overcoming self-pity and self-importance is essential for breaking free from ordinary perception and achieving heightened awareness.
  • Silent Knowledge and Intent: True knowledge comes from silent knowledge and direct connection with intent, which transcends language and rational thought.

4. What are the best quotes from "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda and what do they mean?

  • “Silent knowledge is nothing but direct contact with intent.” This highlights the idea that true understanding comes from direct experience, not from words or rationalization.
  • “The assemblage point is the key to everything.” This emphasizes the central role of the assemblage point in shaping perception and reality.
  • “Ruthlessness is not cruelty, but a total lack of pity.” Don Juan’s definition of ruthlessness as a necessary quality for spiritual advancement, distinct from harshness or malice.
  • “Impeccability is the ticket to freedom.” Impeccability is presented as the essential discipline for conserving energy and achieving spiritual liberation.

5. How does Carlos Castaneda define sorcery in "The Power of Silence"?

  • Energy Fields Beyond Perception: Sorcery is the ability to use energy fields not accessible in ordinary perception, allowing the sorcerer to perceive and interact with different realities.
  • State of Awareness: It is described as a heightened state of awareness, achieved by saving and redirecting energy to handle new clusters of energy fields.
  • Cleaning the Connecting Link: Sorcery involves cleaning one’s connection to intent, enabling direct knowledge and action without interference from language or habitual thought.
  • Rigorous Discipline: The path of sorcery requires discipline, endurance, and the guidance of a nagual to master the art of awareness and intent.

6. What is the "assemblage point" in "The Power of Silence" and why is it important?

  • Center of Perception: The assemblage point is a specific spot on the human energy field where perception is assembled, determining what reality is experienced.
  • Movement Alters Reality: Shifting the assemblage point allows the sorcerer to perceive entirely different worlds, making it the key to accessing heightened awareness and silent knowledge.
  • Requires Energy and Impeccability: Moving the assemblage point is energy-dependent and requires the practitioner to act impeccably and curtail self-importance.
  • Sorcerers’ Practice: Sorcerers train to move their assemblage points deliberately, often with the help of a nagual, to break free from ordinary perception.

7. Who are the naguals in "The Power of Silence" and what is their role?

  • Guides and Teachers: Naguals are individuals with extraordinary energy who serve as guides or teachers, channeling knowledge, peace, and harmony from intent.
  • Intermediaries of Intent: They act as intermediaries between intent and their apprentices, providing the “minimal chance” for awareness and spiritual growth.
  • Molding Apprentices: Naguals are responsible for shaping their apprentices with impeccability, guiding them through the challenges of sorcery with sobriety and stability.
  • Use of Masks: Naguals often use masks—such as humor, generosity, or reasonableness—to conceal their ruthlessness and interact effectively with others.

8. What are the three areas of expertise in sorcery according to "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda?

  • Mastery of Awareness: Involves understanding and manipulating perception and awareness, often through moving the assemblage point.
  • The Art of Stalking: Focuses on controlling behavior and perception to alter reality and oneself, using qualities like ruthlessness, cunning, patience, and sweetness.
  • Mastery of Intent: Deals with projecting thoughts and actions beyond human limitations and connecting deeply with the force of intent.
  • Interconnected Disciplines: These three areas are inseparably bound and form the foundation of the sorcerer’s path.

9. What are "abstract cores" in "The Power of Silence" and why are they important?

  • Blueprints of Events: Abstract cores are recurring patterns or blueprints that appear whenever intent signals something meaningful, forming the foundation of sorcery stories.
  • Degrees of Awareness: They represent different levels of awareness and understanding of intent, spirit, and the sorcerer’s journey.
  • Teaching Tools: Stories built around abstract cores are designed to open the apprentice’s mind and convey silent knowledge that cannot be fully explained with words.
  • Experiential Learning: Abstract cores emphasize the importance of direct, non-verbal experience in the transmission of sorceric knowledge.

10. How does "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda describe the relationship between intent and human beings?

  • Connecting Link: Intent is an indescribable force that connects everything in the cosmos, including humans, through a linking energy.
  • Source of Perception: Human perception is a result of the pressure and intrusion of intent, making intent the source of all awareness.
  • Focus of Sorcery: Sorcerers aim to understand and employ this connecting link, especially by cleaning it of distractions to gain direct knowledge and power.
  • Intent as Spirit: Intent is also described as the spirit that moves the assemblage point and enables manipulation of perception.

11. What is "silent knowledge" in "The Power of Silence" and how can it be accessed?

  • Nature of Silent Knowledge: Silent knowledge is a vast, intuitive understanding within every human being that cannot think or speak but has mastery of everything.
  • Antecedent of Reason: It is the source of all knowledge, existing before rational thought and language.
  • Lost and Recovered: Humanity lost direct access to silent knowledge by becoming self-aware and rationalizing experience; sorcerers seek to reconnect with it by moving the assemblage point beyond reason.
  • Path to Freedom: Accessing silent knowledge is the ultimate goal of sorcery, representing freedom from self-reflection and the limitations of ordinary thought.

12. What is the "art of stalking" and its four moods in "The Power of Silence" by Carlos Castaneda?

  • Controlled Behavior: Stalking is the art of using behavior in novel, secretive, and deliberate ways to deliver jolts to oneself or others, aimed at moving the assemblage point.
  • Four Moods: The four moods of stalking are ruthlessness, cunning, patience, and sweetness, each representing a quality necessary to master this art without harshness or cruelty.
  • Foundation of Sorcery: Stalking is foundational for sorcerers, teaching them to control their behavior and perception to progress on the path of knowledge and mastery of intent.
  • Balance and Energy: The blend of these qualities helps sorcerers manage the overwhelming effects of silent knowledge and maintain the energy required for their path.

Review Summary

4.23 out of 5
Average of 3k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Power of Silence receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its thought-provoking content and spiritual insights. Many find it challenging yet rewarding, appreciating Castaneda's exploration of intent, perception, and silent knowledge. Some readers consider it their favorite in the series, while others struggle with its abstract concepts. The book is often described as life-changing, offering valuable lessons on personal growth and expanding consciousness. Critics debate whether the work is fiction or non-fiction, but many readers find value in its teachings regardless of its classification.

Your rating:
4.51
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About the Author

Carlos Castaneda was a Latin-American author best known for his series of books describing his apprenticeship with a Yaqui shaman named Don Juan Matus. Beginning with "The Teachings of Don Juan" in 1968, Castaneda's works explore shamanic practices and Toltec wisdom. His 12 books have sold over 28 million copies in 17 languages, gaining both devoted followers and skeptics. While supporters view his writings as true accounts or valuable philosophical works, critics argue they are fiction. Castaneda's books have had a significant impact on spiritual seekers and New Age thought, inspiring readers to explore alternative ways of perceiving reality and personal transformation.

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