Diagram Quote by Carlos Castaneda
““The diagram in the ashes had two epicenters; one he called “reason,” the other, “will.” “Reason” was interconnected directly with a point he called “talking.” Through “talking,” “reason” was indirectly connected to three other points, “feeling,” “dreaming,” and “seeing.” The other epicenter, “will,” was directly connected to “feeling,” “dreaming,” and “seeing”; but only indirectly to “reason” and “talking.” I remarked that the diagram was different from the one I had recorded years before. “The outer form is of no importance,” he said. “These points represent a human being and can be drawn in any way you want.” “Do they represent the body of a human being?” I asked. “Don’t call it the body” he said. “These are eight points on the fibers of a luminous being. A sorcerer says, as you can see in the diagram, that a human being is, first of all, will, because will is directly connected to three points, feeling, dreaming, and seeing; then next, a human being is reason. This is properly a center that is smaller than will; it is connected only with talking.” “What are the other two points, don Juan?” He looked at me and smiled.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, 1968
The diagram illustrates how will dominates feeling, dreaming, and seeing, while reason is limited to talking and indirectly linked to those faculties.
In simple terms: Will is primary, reason secondary.
Recognize the power of will over thought.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- mindfulness
- decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your will influence your emotions?
- Can you balance will and reason?
Will may overlook rational analysis, leading to impulsive actions.