Customer Reviews

The Andean Codex: Adventures and Initiations among the Peruvian Shamans

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It's hard to come by real accounts of true teachings these days. There are so many charlatans begging to be known as sages. Then you come upon a book such as this one by Dr. James E. Williams. It transcends the volumes that try to get at experience without really experiencing it. Dr. Williams nearly died in the process of climbing in the Andes while writing his real life experience with a real life shaman, Sebastian. He sacrificed a lot and learned a lot. It's wonderful that he's written this tidy little classic about how he breathed the thin air and ate potato soup at 16,000 feet and suffered from a collapse of the lower back, asthma and an arrhythmic heart and many other complex and nearly fatal exigencies of very high altitude living, in order to put this profound book into our hands. We ought to bow and be thankful, and pass it on...the thanks and the book!

The book is well written and, even though I have read other books on Peruvian/Inca teachings, I found it most clear and concise. J.E.Williams writing style is very gentle with a beautiful depth and simplicity. There are five main principles to the Andean teachings and, after living among the shamans for 35 years, he is the first person authorized to bring these teachings to the US. Some of the proceeds from the book, as well as the photography, goes back to the indigenous people. As I was reading I could not help thinking that these basic teachings, much like other native peoples worldwide, are so needed now on this planet.

"My experiences with Sebastian and the energies of the Incan sacred sites form a new way of looking at the world. I am the same, but different. I cannot explain it."

The above words summarize the book quite well. This is basically a travelogue, composed of three parts: the author's jungle experience drinking ayahuasca; afterwards he was exhorted by the ayahuascero (as are so many others) to go learn more in the highland Q'ero region (2) W.s chance meeting with a Q'ero 'shaman' named Sebastian, who initiated him into the tradition in the Incan capital Cuzco and (3) His visit to the Q'ero, culminating with the great annual festival at Mt. Colquepunku.

The book is unpretentious and it is easy to see, how the Q'ero would take to the sincerity, earnestness, commitment and respect that Williams appears to show to people he meets. I liked that too. W. describes a number of key (and simple) Incan concepts and rituals such as reciprocity, life force, offerings and 'munay', the deep, abiding, impersonal love that comes straight from the heart. The Q'ero are masters of munay....."munay also signifies tranquility and beauty and suggests a pleasant experience characterized by harmony, symmetry, correctness, within and without. Beauty is the outer wrapping of munay, inside is kindness and love. It is inherent in nature. When munay becomes an integral part of one's character, it expresses itself spontaneously".

i would recommend this book to anyone who plans to visit Peru and perhaps interact with indigenous people; it is packed with non self-conscious advice and personal experience of an enthusiast who comes for a visit several times a year. This book should especially be read by Westerners who insists on visiting the altiplano without adequate preparation and acclimation. Williams had a pretty rotten time there himself, but endured the misfortunes like a champ. So...

Still, in many ways this is a rather superficial book. If you want to know about the Qero, Catherine Allen's The Hold Life Has can't be beat. It really should be THE reference for all even remotely interested in Peru.

The Author takes you into his Shamanic Journey within Peru. This book truly makes you realize how difficult it is to learn from the people and the amount of time it takes to become a Shaman. This book should be an essential addition to any person who studies Shamanism. You will not be disappointed.

Dr. Williams has written an easy-to-read narrative about his spiritual and mundane experiences in the Andean highlands. If you want to get a good idea of what it is like to travel at elevations of up to 15,000 feet this is one way to do it. One also gets a good feel for the culture.

Recommended.

I found the work of Dr. J.E. Williams magnificently well written with clear-detailled explanations, respectfully narrated and above all, a true reflection of the Andean ways. This book is a MUST for all those searching the path of light!!

One of the best books that I have read on Andean Spirituality and how it survives within our modern world. Well written and very informative

'In this book, the author describes his own personal shamanic journey with the Q'ero people in Peru. One can feel the trials and tribulations as well as the exuberance of Dr. Williams' journey through the mountains as he is guided through the initiatory steps of Andean shamanism. Dr. Williams has a talent for weaving compelling factual storylines with thorough academic research in a way that engages both the heart and the mind. This is the kind of book one reads many times and achieves new understanding in a cumulative fashion.

I found the Andean Codex truly inspiring. Dr. Williams' recount of his experiences with the Q'ero tribe was fascinating. I bought 2 extra copies to pass out to my Mom and a good friend. They loved it too!

Im from the Andes, and this beautiful codex is written in such a respectful and loving nature, that I could not put this book down! It is very clear and speaks from the heart. I have read many metaphysical books, searching for spiritual guidance.

Search no more with this book. The simple but thruthful answers are all here.