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Reviews
by students of Adi Da Samraj, Hubert Benoit, Tibetan Buddhism (Dzogchen and Mahamudra),
Zen Buddhism, Carlos Castaneda, Lama Surya Das, Paramahamsa Hariharananda, Carl
Jung, Bokar Rinpoche, Jigme Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, Don Agustin Rivas, Scientology,
Chֳ¶gyam Trungpa, Ken Wilber, Siddha Yoga (nondual Shaivism), Tensegrity |
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I
am thoroughly enjoying the book you have written, particularly those aspects dealing
directly with the sorcery techniques of don Juan and their correlation to other
esoteric methods. It is of course the techniques of don Juan I am interested in.
I have flirted with other esoteric methods, but it was the force, directness,
beauty and profound simplicity of Castaneda's works which ֲ‘hookedֲ’ me if you will.
There is a muscularity and manliness to don Juan's way of life which I have never
sensed in the eastern esoteric methods (the obvious exception of course being
the martial arts). For many years now I have tried to integrate don Juan's teachings
into my life, but your work has been expanding my intellectual appreciation of
these teachings in relation to other esoteric methods. Thank
you.
George B. Shaw
Toronto,
Canada |
Extract
from East Meets West - Towards a Global Mysticism, by Judy
Kennedy.
Dion
Fortune: Some
day there will come an American who will pick up the ancient Maya contacts, adapt
them to modern needs, and express their forces in an initiatory ritual which shall
be valid for the civilization to which he belongs.
Judy
Kennedy: I've thought long and hard about what she says there, and the first thing
that immediately came to mind was the works of Carlos Castaneda. In the past few
decades, much research and analysis has gone into his books; perhaps the most
revealing being the work of Edward Plotkin, who has documented the similarities
between the complex teachings of the Yaqui sorcerer, Don Juan, and the more esoteric
tenets of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Tantra and Dzogchen. Judy
Kennedy <[email protected]>
Mesa, Arizona |
I
enjoyed visiting your website and found what you had to say in your book about
Carlos Castaneda, Buddhism, and Adi Da to be fascinating and perceptive.
I
have attended the public workshops now being given by Carlos Castaneda himself
under the auspices of Cleargreen Inc. of Santa Monica, California, and what he
teaches there works well together with your book to prove what you have accomplished.
Leigh
Goldstein <[email protected]>
Los Angeles, California |
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I'm the editor at the Hans-Nietsch-Verlag and just read your book, The Four Yogas
Of Enlightenment. To say the least I'm impressed.
Norbert
Classen
Editor in Chief
Hans-Nietsch-Verlag, Germany
Norbert
Classen is the author of Carlos Castaneda und Das Vermֳ₪chtnis des Don Juan
(Carlos Castaneda and The Legacy of don Juan).
Hans-Nietsch-Verlag
is the publisher of the German edition of The Five Books Of The Adidam Revelation
by Adi Da Samraj.
Edward Plotkin |
Thank you for the great work that
you put into The Four Yogas. I'm halfway through, taking it slowly.
What I most appreciate about the work that you have offered
is your broad spectrum exposure to vantage from. Although I have been a student
of the works of Carlos Castaneda for about 10 years now, having read and reread
the series several times, I am more involved with it in mind than in actual transformative
practice.
Your
writings and exposure to other masters is now spurring me into action, into practice
of meditation, into realizing what I mostly know about only intellectually, what
I have been longing for but not sober enough to do. Thank
you again,
Paul Huff
Rainier, Washington |
I
began studying Tibetan Buddhism just a few years ago. I am certain the timing
is just right for your arrival on the scene to help integrate the teachings of
don Juan with the teachings I have gained during the past 7 years. I left my teacher
relationship in July, '99. How good it feels to have that open space filled with
something really wonderful.
I
like the clarity of your writing. With certain books, I have the feeling of an
ֲ‘over voiceֲ’ speaking. It is as if I am reading the words, yet a voice is speaking
in an energy way that puts me on full alert. The ֲ‘over voiceֲ’ is not saying the
same as the written words. The ֲ‘over voiceֲ’ carries the deeper meaning or intent
of the words, and it moves into my mind/body in a very different way1
than books that do not carry this ֲ‘over voiceֲ’. The Four Yogas carries this ֲ‘over
voiceֲ’. I
am so thankful to you for your journey, and for your writing of your book.
Teresa Ramsey
Dayton, Ohio
1ֲ Carlos
Castaneda experienced this heightened awareness when in the presence of the Nagual
don Juan. The Nagual's blow to the assemblage point, and especially teachings
delivered from the transcendental position of awareness have this extraordinary
effect. The Four Yogas empowers this shift in awareness. The emergence of the
ג€˜doubleג€™
or ג€˜witness-consciousnessג€™
is a prelude to the development of fearlessness, serenity, wisdom, and ultimate
enlightenment.
Tranquility
and insight are the essential requirements. Tranquil absorption is the foundation
for insight into the nature of mind and ultimate reality. ֲ When thought projections
are cleared the mind becomes stable and immobile. Just as salt dissolves in water,
the mind dissolves into its intrinsic nature.
Edward
Plotkin
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I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Because of your book, which I'm reading again,
and through our email conversations, I am experiencing such an exciting desire
to get on with it, to engage the true work that opens through meditation. I find
myself taking moments otherwise engaged in thinking or reading to get still and
observe. I
have read so many books about the transcendental and have experimented with some
power plants that cause a shift in the assemblage point, and through that have
been in this place of wonderful timeless stillness that I have called Ground Zero1;
where even my breathing stops and everything is just suspended, just present awareness.
My soul has longed for something that I could never quite put my finger on. I've
gone to different gurus, teachers and channels and stayed with these only for
brief periods because the people and the rituals, the dogma that surround these
for the most part seem counter productive. So
my gratitude is that something is now Clear. It is for your straight talk. For
your courage to walk this path and then talk about it to us. Again, for your willingness
to be in communication and the sense of you as a real person in real time, knowing
the freedom to break the bonds of person and time. In
Love - Respect & Gratitude,
Paul Huff
Rainier, Washington
1ֲ The
shift in the assemblage point experienced with entheogens (psychoactive power
plants, i.e. marijuana, peyote, etc.) is awesome and temporary. It may awaken
the soul to an unspecified longing, the place where ֲ‘everything is just suspendedֲ’.
This is the position of the assemblage point where don Juan noted the world stops.
Over time, as the apprentice becomes more proficient in meditative absorption,
attention stabilizes at center, Paul Huff's Ground Zero. Eventually, without relying
on entheogens, the awakened meditator effortlessly resides in meditative absorption,
the samadhi of the nonmeditation yoga.
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Edward
Plotkin |
First
of all I just want to congratulate you on a superb book, beautifully written.
Such a refreshing change, writing that is specific and truthful, as opposed to
some of those nebulous books out there that never really do it for me! In
the last couple of days, I have noticed a change in my meditation. My mind is
making less effort to interfere with my focus, and I have reached a point of consciousness
yesterday that I don't think I have ever been to. I was very calm and did not
have to make an effort to concentrate. Your
wonderful book provides me with inspiration everyday. Thank you so much. Peter
Apps
Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Your
book is great. I really want to achieve my dream. Please, let me know if this
book is available in the Russian language.
Thank you very much. Natasha
Tsibulskaya
Portland, Oregon |
I
have completed retreats with Bokar Rinpoche (dharma heir to Kalu Rinpoche1)
and Lama Surya Das (Western Dzogchen teacher2), and meditate in the
very hierarchical, but profoundly intelligent Shambhala Dharmadhatu path3
(Chֳ¶gyam Trungpa legacy and sangha4). Your book is an extraordinary
exegesis, and series of signposts in content and meaning. Thank you for your book. Joel
Puleo
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1
A master
of meditation practice in the Nyingma Dzogchen and Kagyֳ¼ Mahamudra tradition,
Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989) taught extensively in America and Europe. During his
three visits to the West, Kalu Rinpoche founded teaching centers in over a dozen
countries. Mahamudra is an advanced doctrine and practice of the Kagyֳ¼pa order
of Tibetan Buddhism, and a foundation teaching presented in The Four Yogas Of
Enlightenment. 2
Dzogchen
(The Great Perfection) is the consummate practice of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan
Buddhism, and an exceptional path towards the fully awakened state of enlightenment.
3 The
Shambhala tradition teaches activities that ֲ‘awakenֲ’
the meditator through mindfulness practices. The three gates of Shambhala are:
Dharmadhatu, for the study of traditional Buddhism; Shambhala Training, which
empowers a fully lived life through the awakening of discerning wisdom; and Nalanda,
a contemplative approach and discipline that explores relating to the world as
it is.
4
Chֳ¶gyam Trungpa Rinpoche (1939-1987) was a Tibetan Buddhist Kagyֳ¼ meditation master.
Chֳ¶gyam Trungpa published six books (including Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the
Warrior), established three meditation centres and a contemplative university,
Naropa Institute.
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I am finding The Four Yogas to be of considerable value, being very familiar with
the concepts presented. I have practiced Vajrayana1 at the Feet of
a completely unknown western born female Master since 1974. I am also very well
versed in the works of Adi Da and Castaneda, so for me the book is a wonderful
summation and source of reference for all those aspects of my own Practice.
Joshua Rosslee <[email protected].>
Johannesburg,
South Africa
1
Vajrayana
or ג€˜indestructible vehicleג€™
training generally places emphasis on the master-student relationship. Perfected
in Tibet, Vajrayana is based on transmission and empowerment.
Edward Plotkin |
Thank
you for making a significant contribution to the understanding of the Great Tradition
of religion as a unified legacy of mankind.
Let me announce where my prejudices lies: as a devotee of Sri Bhagavan Adi Da,
my practice is centered on Ishta-Guru-Bhakti Yoga, or devotion to my most beloved
guru.
Nevertheless,
I feel I can recommend your text quite highly to those not prepared for submission
to a guru.
Best wishes, and keep me informed of your future works.
Louis
Nelson <[email protected]>
Paoli, Pennsylvania |
I
want you to know that your book has moved me forward significantly, it is in line
with my own work and personal growth. I thank you from the depth of my heart.
If ever I may be of service to you let me know. Garry
Isenstadt <[email protected]>
La Jolla,
Californiaֲ |
Your
work is extraordinary. I am astounded by its clarity. I found you because of Hubert
Benoit (The Supreme Doctrine: Psychological encounters in Zen thought). He has
long been a ג€˜mentorג€™ of mine. I had been floundering in my own process,
trying to organize the profusion of material and processes. ג€˜You
don't have to reinvent the wheelג€™ the inner voice said. Then, I got a ג€˜hitג€™
that I was supposed to look up Benoit's name on the internet...and there you were.
I cannot begin to tell you what a pleasure your book is bringing me. It is the
next step I very much needed...a map of the myriad things I had accumulated and
confirmation of much of the process. I
feel very privileged to have the opportunity to study The Four Yogas...and to
make it part of my own process. Judith
Timmonsֲ
Pensacola, Florida |
I
visited your site and like it very much. First let me compliment you on your page
design. You've found a way to make frames work for you so that it enhances the
surfing experience. Not an easy task I'd say based on some sites I've visited.
I like the notebook motif.ֲ But
more importantly, I like your spiritual approach. I have enjoyed a few don Juan
books, dabbled in Siddha Yoga and found something special in Buddhism without
seeing any of those paths excluding the others. I agree with your valuing of cross
verification. If wise men in the Mexican desert and in Tibet come up with the
same truths there must be something there. Tom
Barrettֲ
Web Page: Interlude:
An Internet Retreat
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I
read your book cover to cover and was stunned and amazed by its mind-boggling
clarity. It revolutionized my thinking. However I am left with a strange longing,
like I am supposed to meet someone I will probably never meet. Oh well, that is
a bit of a bummer. Nonetheless, I am now confident I know more about mysterious
things than most other people, and my sense of self-esteem has been delightfully
enhanced. When the topics of yoga and enlightenment come up, I will be well prepared
and no longer appear the bumbler. For this, I am most grateful. Stephen
Needhamֲ
to lightmind.com/daism Adi Da Samraj newsgroup |
It
happened for the first time today, that experience that it says in your book when
you are in a state of complete clarity...like a bird flying across the sky1.
It felt like I was on the crest of a wave, perfectly balanced not needing to affirm
that things are arising, but just knowing in an effortless way. It is so simple!
Why does it take so long to get to this place of natural mind? It
is like each feeling or sensation, or thought that arrives gets dissolved by the
emptiness. I am amazed at how incredible it feels to be in that place, I am afraid
that I won't get there again!!ֲ Is this the beginning of the one pointed
yoga, and it is just a question of continuing and practice?
Many,
many thanks for your replies.
Peter
Apps
Sao Paulo, Brazil 1
ג€˜Maintain
trackless consciousness, like a bird flying across the sky.ג€™1
Meditation by the great Tibetan sage and teacher Gampopa for maintaining the unmodulated,
natural state of mind. The
purpose of this meditation is to maintain undistracted mindfulness while remaining
aware of the nondual nature of consciousness. By stabilizing the mind in tranquil
absorption, while simultaneously studying the abiding nature of mind, we can embark
upon the path of self-realization. Direct
experience of this state will lead to the first or one-pointed yoga, which is
designated as a single pointed awareness of the mind's essential nature. The meditator
will have gained insight into the simplicity of consciousness, which while manifesting
itself uninterruptedly is detached from transitory thoughts. Edward
Plotkin
1
The Four Yogas, Ch.
11, p. 127. Gampopa (1079-1153), Tibetan Kagyֳ¼ lineage |
Ed-
I've finished reading The Four Yogas of Enlightenment. I want to take a moment
and express my gratitude.
Little
bit of history. Over the past 5 - 6 years (maybe even longer), I have been unable
to embrace the union of emptiness with physical reality. I could not explain this
to anyone! I was beginning to think I was dysfunctional in relationships. Every
time I would get close to someone, my projection onto them, of my ֲ‘stain of emptinessֲ’
frightened me tremendously. It was my sure death! I could not explain what was
going on. I finally gave up!
I understood ֲ‘nothingnessֲ’ conceptually and intellectually. I am a Ken Wilber
fan. But this fear was overwhelming, unbearable and stuffed deep down into my
subconscious. I really didn't want to face its reality. Well, anyway, I really
connected with your description of this deep terror. It has been a very frustrating
and gradual process in releasing and understanding this intense emotion.
I stumbled onto your book at the right time. I don't think I could have consciously
integrated what was happening to me without your book. Your book allowed me to
step into a process of understanding the void with appreciation.
Once again, thank you.
Elijah DeRoche
Boise,
Idahoֲ |
I
am actively engrossed in exploring consciousness, and my projections within. I
have been a student of Ken Wilber's The Spectrum Of Consciousness1
since it's publication. I have already learned from your book, just from reading
from a different angle/perspective, which is exactly what you stated in the very
beginning of your book.2 I look forward to the continued study of the
knowledge that your book contains. Michael
Wheaton
Kopolei, Hawaii
1 Ken
Wilber's book presents a synthesis of Eastern and Western paths to enlightenment,
a tour de force in the mapping of transcendental awareness.
2
Meditative
awareness is synergistically enhanced through exploration of the teachings of
different masters and traditions. With an understanding achieved in more than
one tradition, cross verification of terms and states of consciousness can be
correlated. Without correlation, progress is exceedingly difficult because there
is no contrasting point of view with which one can glean an intended meaning nor
a deeper understanding.
Edward
Plotkin |
I
have just opened your book and I have already found it more than I expected it
to be. I had noticed the similarity between the teachings of Tibetan Yoga/Buddhism
and Nagualism and was searching for Tibetan Buddhist information on the net when
I came upon your site. I was first impressed with your site design: elegant and
to the point. Now I see that your book is very valuable, or can be, to anyone
who decides to take awareness seriously.
Thank you. Charles
deWinter <[email protected]>
Telluride, Colorado |
I
am on the spiritual path for more than 30 years now. I started with an initiation
into Kriya yoga by Paramahamsa Hariharananda, went on with 10 years work of Bagwan
(Osho), then Tibetan Buddhism (Kagyֳ¼ lineage by Jigme Rinpoche), followed
by an initiation into shamanism by Don Agustin Rivas from Peru, who works with
ayahuasca. The energy I got contact with on the latter was so strong that my assemblage
point broke loose, and it took me 3 month to stabilize a new cohesion of my world
perception. I feel near to formlessness, but have not manifested it in total until
now.
My chakras are floating free, except
a block of energy over my head. I am solo auditing on OT 2, but I am not in the
Scientology church, but the technique to handle stuck flows is incredible. I also
do Tensegrity, since I have studied Castaneda for about 25 years now. I have had
some glimpses about the totality of self (Tonal-Nagual, Samsara-Nirvana, the physical
universe - the beyond) but I have the sharp realization, that I have not yet reached
it.
Ingo
Heil
Vienna, Austria Until
one can effortlessly attain and maintain the witness-position in consciousness
(the nonmeditation yoga or moksha-bhava samadhi), it will seem to the meditator
that there is something left to be reached. Ayahuasca,
marijuana, peyote, and other mind altering substances, shift the assemblage point
away from its customary position, the self or ego. Once the shift away from self
is accomplished, awareness often feels ecstatic in its newfound liberation. Of
course, when the effect of the substance wears off the meditator is once again
confronted with the self. If the meditator is unable to attain the witness position
in meditative awareness, he/she will remain entrained in whatever state arises.
Substituting one illusory state, the ego, for another, the mind altered drug induced
state, will not be resolved into the freedom of awareness of enlightenment. The
cycle of drug induced apparent liberation may result in habituation unless shamanic
or yogic intervention takes place. Once
the warrior has sufficient personal power to stop the world (savakalpa
samadhi) in yogic or meditative awareness, the self is seen as a nondual,
illusory, nonbinding projection in consciousness, and entrainment in the ג€˜selfג€™
is severed. With further practice a turning about in the seat of consciousness
occurs, and enlightenment is permanent. From
the fourth yoga, the nonmeditation yoga, or moksha-bhava samadhi, it is seen
that there is nothing to attain or reach. Consciousness configures the dream of
being in a field of appearance and emptiness. Ultimately and eternally consciousness
precedes matter. There is no ג€˜out thereג€™ beyond consciousness.
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I
highly recommend Ed's technique's and writing. He is as concise as possible for
the topics, and there is much there directly or tangentially related to what we
are involved in/with/near/around... Ed
posts on and off, but his balance and content is so sublime and welcome. :)
....he
is quite knowledgeable about energy flow from more than one discipline.
Ed
has balance without truncation, a rare act, indeed. :) don
Pequeֳ±o, Houston, Texas
to alt.dreams.castaneda newsgroup
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I
love the book, and that's a real compliment because I'm a writer and picky, picky,
picky. Very clear and mysterious at the same time. Lovely. You've been a great
help already. Synthesis is one of my favorite things. Patricia
Donovan <[email protected]>
Senior Editor/Humanities, Architecture,
Education
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York |
I
have just begun to read your book, and I just find it wonderful. I will keep you
informed about the results.
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OF ENLIGHTENMENT
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