The concept of the tonal, as described by Carlos Castaneda, illustrates that this entity does not possess the power to create or alter the physical world. Instead, it plays a crucial role in interpreting and understanding reality. The tonal functions through the laws and frameworks it establishes, providing a means to judge and evaluate the world around it. This evaluation is central to how individuals experience and interact with their surroundings.

In a paradoxical sense, although the tonal does not physically create anything, it shapes the perception of reality by setting the standards through which things are understood. By defining these tonal laws, it effectively 'creates' the world in a figurative way, influencing the understanding and interpretations of existence. Thus, the tonal's role is more about guiding perception rather than direct creation, highlighting the complexity of understanding reality through subjective frameworks.