Reviews: Volume I
This volume introduces a simple and practical approach in achieving an understanding of life. The basic techniques, as well as the concepts underlying them, are a reflection of universal law, which makes them highly applicable to one’s daily life. The material relating to the origin of the Toltec warriors and their knowledge made me understand that the hard work, blood, sweat and tears entailed in treading the Warrior’s Path, is in fact an essential part of the warrior’s life.
Throughout this book I found myself questioning my perception of myself and the world around me. By the time I had finished reading this book I felt myself cornered in having to consider questions like, “Ok, if I am not my view of the world; if I am not the chatter in my head; and, oh Lord, if I am also not my behaviour, then WHO AM I?” So then I read the book once more, hoping to find the page I must have carelessly missed the first time round, that is, of course, the page containing THE answer! But once again I felt cornered, until I began to see that the corner is not such a bad place to be, for in feeling cornered it suddenly struck me, simply but profoundly, just HOW very MUCH I have always WANTED TO LEARN who I really AM!
So, now I had in front of me some clearly explained concepts. I had been given some basic techniques. I have the experience of a lifetime at my disposal, and in addition I have the example of at least one person who has had the guts to leap beyond the confines of social conditioning. What a treasure! But, by the same token, what a frightening prospect! And then I knew that it is a simple matter of choice whether or not I embark upon the Warrior’s Path!
I can safely say that whatever my choice has been, I made that choice for me. How do I know that I made the right decision? Simply because despite the good, the bad and the ugly I have encountered within myself upon the way, I have never regretted my choice.
Boyan Milanov – United Kingdom
Théun's introduction to the Toltec Teachings is not an ordinary book. The author speaks to us directly and masterfully, presenting profound principles clothed in simple words. It reveals a refreshing and practical way to approach life. It is also an encounter with the inexplicable.
Mysteriously powerful, it remains a valuable manual and reference.
Gary Schuetz - USA
Théun appeals straight to the heart. His approach is highly practical. In reading this book I could not stop myself from starting the quest for finding the warrior in me.
Onnik Merdinyan – United Kingdom
At the time I found this book I had already acknowledged the great wisdom in Don Juan’s admonishment to Castaneda that he should make his daily life his hunting ground. However, I could not grasp how this is to be done.
Once having read Volume I of The Toltec Teachings by Théun Mares, I wholeheartedly, but with precious little real understanding, started to apply the many treasures that I found in this book and which appealed so much to me. Many a time I became crestfallen, but re-reading the book at these times always filled me with a powerful inspiration to keep on fighting. How could I not fight when I could see that I am, figuratively speaking, in a cage?! (As to not give the wrong impression, I would like to point out that in this book there is nothing to the effect of shouting five times before breakfast, “I am not a victim!”)
My perception of the concepts and the techniques presented in this book has changed each time I have gained a measure of practical experience in applying them, and I have little doubt that I have only just begun this process. But what has become for me even more valuable, is that I have also begun to grasp that which is “between the lines” - the ring of an ineffable truth, the unspoken hope, the implied self-respect, and the silent interconnectedness of all; not only in the reading of the book, but also within my life.
Milen Ivanov- Bulgaria
I have read this book a number of times now, and each time it has represented fighting for my life, in one way or another. That is, fighting to be truly alive, rather than succumbing to my own doubts and fears. A hand is offered, and it’s up to you and me to take it!
Elizabeth Marsh – United Kingdom
There are now dozens of books by a variety of authors claiming Toltec status on the market. In such a climate, it can be very difficult to separate truth from fiction. From my own experience, and without wishing to demean any author's efforts, I must say that I find the majority of these books to offer little that is new or revealing concerning the legacy of the Toltecs.
Volume One of The Toltec Teachings by Théun Mares is the exception in a crowded field. From the very opening page, I had the distinct feeling that I was in the hands of a man who knew exactly what he was talking about. I also realized that I now had in my possession the answers to many of the questions left after the death of Carlos Castaneda, including the origins of the teachings themselves. This alone was worth the price of the book.
The implications of this and future works by Théun Mares will be left for succeeding generations to decide, but I have no doubt that they will be far reaching. The mark of truth is writ large upon each page, and I strongly recommend Volume One of The Toltec Teachings to anyone interested in The Warrior's Path.
Anthony Dale Gagliano - USA
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