Creative Victory: Reflections on the Process of Power from the Collected Works of Carlos Castaneda

I'm finding it hard to figure the best way to open this review. Tomas is one of the most, if not the most, impeccable warrior of the Toltec Path I have had the pleasure to read from in a long while. Not much is known about this man, excepting what the publishers have cared to share, his other work, The Promise of Power: Reflections on the Toltec Warriors' Dialogue from the Collected Works of Carlos Castaneda, is a substantial bibliographic reference to the work of Castaneda, truly remarkable is an understatement because only somebody who immersed deeply within the work of Castaneda, so as to realize that Castaneda was but a vehicle to a purpose, could come up with such a thing. Now here comes this book, Creative Victory, which an entirely different matter, this book here is indeed only for the learned in the Toltec ways. As you read it, it will go directly to your left side awareness, there is little here, if anything at all, that you will be able to digest using your right side awareness. Therefore it stands to reason that most people will prefer something more "clear", or more organized, and will wander elsewhere looking for more "accurate, informative, and useful sources of Toltec knowledge". Which is normal by the way, I want to empathize this again: -->This book is not for everyone, this book is not for newcomers to the Toltec ways, you will barely find something here that you will be able to waste your life away rationalizing upon.<-- <br /> <br />Ultimately, As I write this review, trying my best to pay a dim homage to a man who indeed is second only to Castaneda, I've come to realize that what is hard is not to speak about this book, what's hard is to find "justiceable" words to define what Tomas stands for. Together with his true to the path anonymity, comes this, quoting directly from the book: <br /> <br />"As with The Promise of Power, I intend for this work to stand as a payment to what the Toltecs call "the account of the spirit of man" <br /> <br />There you have it, it does not gets much more impeccable than this, instead of looking to fill his pockets, funding forprofit organizations, claiming the legacy of mankind for himself, coming with schemes to claim superiority over others, in other words, instead of looking spending his creative power to devise clever ways to fill his own bank account, he is looking to make a "payment" to The Spirit <br /> <br />I could name more than one author out there, writing about the Toltec path, preaching to be impeccable warriors, they all could learn a thing or two from this man, yet, naming them in this review would be a vastly unjustifiable act towards an impeccable warrior of the toltec path. <br /> <br />This is the work of a truly impeccable warrior of the Toltec path. <br /> <br />Need I say more?

Creative Victory is more than inspirational, for those willing to sit with it -- it is a clear presentation of the essence of the Toltec tradtion, stripped of specialized knowledge, fearful and fascinated stories, and self importance. Tomas' language is different from "official" toltec lingo; it is an authentic outflowing of silent wisdom into words. Many of us who come to this work get hooked by the things we think this path will give us, instead of surrendering completely; this book is a precise guide to the precipice of surrender.

I purchased this book some time ago and had actually forgotten that it was in my library. But I am very glad that it found me! Although absent are the wonderful, mesmerizing, joyful and sometimes terrifying stories of don Juan and don Genaro from the Castaneda books --it is still a wonderful and informative read. Ruthless (absence of any self-pity for man) in its delivery, I would recommend it only to seasoned readers of Carlos Castaneda. And I would HIGHLY recommend it to any students of nagualsim, who have experienced personal second attention events. Thank you, don Tomas!

Since 1974 I've been (re)reading Castaneda. There's real stuff in there - stuff that, though hard to pull out, is there and available. I've been compelled to return to Cataneda's ( and the witches) works and Theun Mares' works and also the book by Tomas "Creative Victory". Miguel Ruiz has some good things to say for the novice who likes it warm and fuzzy. Victor Sanchez's latest on recapitulation I recommend because he states the truth in that I need to get off my [butt] and DO it! Eagle-Feather and Tunneshende I've never gone back to reread. Don't forget, if you want freedom you got to put the books down and act.

Only second to the writings of Carlos Castaneda himself in terms of clarity and power. Perhaps most useful in demonstrating that the Toltec dialogue is not simply an idea, but a praxis to be embraced and used, and the possibility of following a path with heart. Inspiring.