My benefactor told me that my father and mother had lived and died just to have me, and that their own parents had done the same for them. He said that warriors were different in that they shift their assemblage points enough to realize the tremendous price that has been paid for their lives. This shift gives them the respect and awe that their parents never felt for life in general, or for being alive in particular.
In "Fire from Within," Carlos Castaneda shares a profound lesson from his benefactor about the sacrifices made by previous generations for the sake of the current one. The benefactor emphasizes that the speaker's parents lived and died with the sole purpose of bringing them into existence, highlighting the depth of familial devotion that spans generations. This insight reminds us of the intrinsic value of life shaped by the sacrifices of those who came before us.
Moreover, the benefactor introduces the concept of 'warriors,' individuals who possess an altered perception of their existence. By shifting their perspective, warriors gain a deeper appreciation for the immense cost of life, something that their parents may not have fully grasped. This shift in awareness fosters a sense of respect and wonder for life, contrasting with a more mundane approach that many might adopt. This realization invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the lineage that has shaped them.