Michael Ventura, an outstanding writer whose work can be read on the net (www.austinchronicle.com), had the privilege of being part of a group talking with the great mystic-guide, sooth-sayer and way-shower Carlos Castaneda. It was near the recent end of his days here, and it happened in of all places Los Angeles where he lived. A small man, not well, he had been quietly talking, with humor and a gentleness until asked how was it possible to truly discipline one’s self. With the power and force one expected from a master, he responded with: “Command yourself.” He made clear a command is not “trying” or even a promise. It is a call to action. Something that must be obeyed. “Sorcerers under- stand discipline as the capacity to face with serenity odds that are not included in our expectations”.