Workshop : The Pilgrimage

by Paulo Coelho on July 1, 2009

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{ 96 comments… read them below or add one }

gardur November 21, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Thank you Paulo for your book. I found it so different from everything I had read before. I counted on discussing it with a person who is a fan of yours, but it hasn’t been possible. The first thing that calls my attention is the magic background. The process in which you become involved and its relationship with religion, I am so interested in this issue. I myself am a christian in a catholic surrounding. As I wouldn’t like to extend too much, I would like to know if you have a way to make new adepts (sorry for the word I would not dare offend you in any way) without them really knowing in depth towards what they are heading. A bit like yourself in the quest for the sword, not knowing what was expected from you, blindfolded if you may.
Finally I must tell you that I know people who are profoundly touched by your books, myself included.
Best regards,

Jyoti November 19, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Hi Paulo,

I am a follower of your books and I just love them all. But some how I never wanted to buy something related to pilgrims and all…. but finally aftter reading each of your other books 2 – 3 times… I thought of reading this as well… and I was also a master peice. It has inspired me a lot….

But one thing I want to know that why most of the books has one thing in common… i.e. Desert…. Is there a something very pecular about desert? Please let me know… every time I read a book with experiences of deserts… I become very facinated by the idea of visiting one.

Keep on writing more

vicky November 19, 2009 at 12:47 am

Primero que nada quiero desirle que el proposito de mi mensaje no es para desirle que lo admiro como escritor sino como la gran persona que eres…………. creo que cuando todos encontremos el verdadero sentido de la vida abra muchos paulos en le mundo. todos estamos a aqui por una razon y Razon a sido el poder alludar a tantas personas que en mi caso no e puedo esplicar lo que a signidicado en mi vida leer un libro de paulo coelho. nose si algun dia llegaras a leer esto pero si quiero que sepas que QUE LA VIDA ME A TRAIDO AA CONOSER UNA GRAN PERSONA ……..

Маргарита Захарова November 10, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Уважаемый Пауло!
Меня зовут Маргарита,я живу в России в городе Тамбове!
Заболела гриппом,температура 39…но сегодня начала выздоравливать,читая вашу книгу про паломничество в Сантьяго-де-Компостелу. Я обрела веру в себя,стала молиться и ..вести Правый Бой. Я поняла,главное-верить в себя и все получится. И я верю,что я выздоровлю!
Спасибо за вашу книгу! желаю и Вам доброго здоровия!

Esther October 27, 2009 at 10:13 am

Apologies for the incorrect spelling of your name!

Esther October 25, 2009 at 8:50 pm

Dear Paolo,

I cannot even begin to tell you how much your books have inspired me and influenced my life. When I read comments from other readers however, it seems that some of them are making the mistake of trying to follow YOUR spiritual path, instead of being inspired to create their own. I write to you because I do not know where to start! I know that I have everything to learn and that despite being told many times over the years that I have a gift, I am yet to discover it. If you could only tell me one place to start, where might that be??

Esther

Lucas Silva França October 22, 2009 at 8:58 pm

Paulo
Fico muito feliz de ter em meu pais uma pessoal com um grau tao alto de nao sei oq!, pois isto nao importa ,Paulo eu tenho 26 anos e nao tenho muito costume de ler, mas decidi comesar, como penso ser um pouco doido, como as pessoas falam comigo, pq sempre faço o que quero, mesmo sem saber muito as concequencias, as vezes me dou mal, as vezes tenho momentos que ninguem pode explicar de tao maravilhoso.
decidi começar pelos seus livros, mas o que queria saber mesmo o que faço, depois que comecei ler teus livros, independente de suas estorias serem verdadeiras ou falsas, contam exatamente o que vivo,é imprecionante a coincidencia dos fatos, e por isto te mando esta mensagem, para que em algum dia possamos conversar, pois estou a dias sem dormir, pois acho que estou ficando mais doido ainda.
depois completo o email. pois meu chato chefe tem que usar o computer e ja viu, uma pessoa assalariada nao é indio mas o que mais tem é chefe.
termino depois
um grande abraço e muita luz
lucas

Chrissie October 18, 2009 at 1:42 am

Dear Paulo & Readers,

I just wanted to say I read The Pilgrimage several years ago now, and it planted a seed in my soul.

To cut a long story short, I moved from Australia to the UK and the first holiday my partner and I had was a driving/camping holiday along the northern coast of Spain. That was May 2004. Since then, we have visited this area 11 times now, mostly Asturias.

We are yet to walk El Camino, but always see pilgrams walking the route on our visits.

To all of you who love the book, please visit this amazing corner of the world, even if you can’t do the Pilgrimage. The tourist slogan for Asturias is ‘Paraiso Natural’ (Natures Paradise) – and it is!

Love to all,
C.

Susan October 15, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I finished reading ‘the pilgrimage’ a few days ago and it has had, like ‘the alchemist’, ‘by the river piedra..’,'the valkyries’ a very profound effect on my spiritual life. I attended a retreat for charismatic catholics almost eight years ago and my life totally changed! i connected with the experiences written in the books i’ve mentioned and was so surprised that some of the exercices you gave in the pilgrimage,i had done them in spirit -filled worship sessions. i am thankfull for your books.
Love,
Susan

Monica February 22, 2010 at 7:38 pm: Thank you dear Susan, God opens another door throught you.

Love

Monica

Alessandro Orofino September 26, 2009 at 7:06 am

Reconhecer os sinais em nossas vidas…é uma benção diária.

Marko Askme September 22, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Good day Paulo,

I enjoyed reading the Pilgrimage very much. It reminds me of how the director Alfred Hitchcock explained suspense. In showing the reader/viewer what is missing in the beginning so that the characters in the story are the ones who can’t see the clues. Half way through The Pilgrimage I asked myself, “just what is he going to do with this sword when he gets it?”

The sword and the magic were secondary to me in this story. I thought about practicing the exercises then let it pass and just enjoyed the story. After reading The Alchemist I felt certain that you had made the pilgrimage at some point. ( I also wondered if you had been influenced by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, as the character of the king in the Alchemist reminded my of the alchemist in that book.) I have been trying to make the pilgrimage for about 20 years now. If I never get there then at least I share some of your experience.

Bless you,

Marko

Orlandelli, Marcelo September 21, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Saudações Frater,

Um dia tenho certeza que poderemos filosofar juntos, sou seu fã, parabens, grande abraço.

Eduardo Arêas September 15, 2009 at 11:47 am

Paulo gosto muito dos seus livros, mais o diário de um mago é muito bom! Sabe tento escrever e sinto que é o dom que esta em mim, mais não consigo porque são tantos problemas na cabeça e as historias se enrolam e acabo desistindo, mais vou conseguir, gostaria de uma dica sua ou um conselho. Pois te adimiro muito e sei que escrever é prazeroso, mais dificil, temos abidicar muito de nosso tempo.Um abraço com muito amor.
Eduardo Arêas.

Ana September 3, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Beautiful.Como todos os outros.Ainda bem que sempre entendí a linguagem dos sinais.
Kiss.

Shivang September 1, 2009 at 6:03 pm

Dear Paulo,
Wow! each of your books are awesome. The journey has quite a lot to teach.
Just a thought- In the books you say that you have talked to and use spirits in magical rituals and that you can move objects without touching them. In this light, how do you see present science? Since it works well in daily life, but rules out the supernatural, than why does it work? Have you ever discussed this question with a spirit?

Edouard S. Mutabazi August 31, 2009 at 7:14 pm

I enjoyed this book. It contains all the themes I love to work with as a writer, myself. The traveler, the road, the stranger, obstacles, enlightenment, etc. However, I felt something was missing, I can’t really put a finger on it,and it puzzles me since I enjoyed the book.
What really attracts me to Coelho’s books in general is the concept of someone leaving their home and safety for something they can’t rationally explain. Something that burns within them, that not going in search for it is worse than death itself. In these book, it is easy to see yourself, whether you have are a nomad in the sense of switching jobs, residences, countries, cities, etc. When reading, you realize that there is someone out there who understands you, even though most people around you question your actions.
I found this in the narrator’s leaving his business and going to spend weeks trekking along an ancient road that many, if not most, in the modern world would regard skeptically.
It’s a good book, it didn’t touch me as The Alchemist did, but then again, even I think that’s an unfair comparison.

Ela August 31, 2009 at 3:54 am

Dear Paulo,

I have read your books, I have been inspired and I have felt close to you , as a writer so many times. It is wonderful to have a relationship with your imagination, so that you are safe with it and it is wonderful to write in such a way and style to reach out to people you have never met. I am much younger than yourself, but I relate to many ‘inspirationsl stories’ that you have written, and I admire you for that… I have read the ‘pilgrimage’ and this is the book I related to the most, you have touched me in ways no one has, and thats through your words, there is no doubt in my mind that your books saved lives.
I aspire to be a writer, in fact i AM a writer…but I have an enemy called ‘fear’ … we have decided to have some ‘cooling off’ time before we try and patch things up…The point is, you have given me some sort of hope that was inside me sleeping for a very, very long time… and you need to know that… Thank you

I am (once again) happy to exist in the world at the same time as you.

xElax

Paula September 4, 2009 at 3:32 am: I have read several of your books already and have purchased several more that I have yet to read. I love your writing and feel very connected to your stories and characters. I have been on a personal spiritual journey for some time now and I would like to know more about “The Tradition” if in fact it is an organized practice, and how I might contact a teacher of the practices if it is. I feel as if I have spent most of my life living someone else’s dreams and I desperately need to begin living my own, I just am not sure how to start, so I guess I need some help or at least a good push in a good direction.
Thank you so much for writing such enlightening stories I enjoy every page.
Paula

Leigh Anne August 29, 2009 at 5:52 am

Dear Paulo,

I realize that my reply is not as timely as others, but I just wanted to say that ‘The Pilgrimage’ was a book that truely played out right before my eyes.

As I had just finished reading the section of the book where you come upon the black dog in the womans house; a man walked into my house. He was a man I had met before and was very uncomfortable with. He came in without knocking or being invited and began to threaten me, for a moment I was terrified to move and confused by his presence. It suddenly occurred to me that he was my metaphorical ‘black dog’ in that moment and that I had to cast him out which I did.

I have so many examples of the manner in which spirit guides me to read your words just as I am going through a moment in my life where I need guidance. I have come to believe that you are one of my master teachers, not just because I respect your literature but because your words have found a door within my soul that they come and go from frequently.

Your Birthday is a day before mine, Happy Birthday! May you have many more and write many more beautiful books!

I think ‘The Pilgrimage’ was a favorite of mine because it reminded me that life is a pilgrimage a journey that is amazing in each step.

Much Love,

Leigh Anne Moore

Patricia zednanreh MEXICO August 25, 2009 at 9:28 pm

sr.cohelo he esperado su libro el vencedor esta solo porque aki en MÉXICO todavia no llega pero mientras me entretengo con todos sus demas libros el alkimista para mi el mejor de todos trabaja de una manera espectacular el estado de confort de una persona el miedo a seguir la voz interna la indecision la aventura de conocer otros paises como cuando santiago se queda en la tienda para tener dinero y el tendero lleva años ahi ahogando su sueño de llegar ala mezkita sagrada sabe que esta apunto de hacerlo pero kedo en el intento su sueños por miedo a saber que si se pueden cumplir que nosotros somos nuestro peor enemigo y ke despues de ese sueño que sigue… los pretextos …

Natalia August 25, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Hola Paulo!!

He leido dos veces su libro y las dos veces he encontrado enseñanzas diferentes. me ha encantado y algun día hare esta peregrinación aunque con la mente ya la he realizado con sus descripciones y me ha parecido fabulosa.

Gracias por transportarnos con tus libros a lugares q nunca me imagine conocer.

Saludos
Natalia

ana paula August 25, 2009 at 4:58 pm

poxa gostaria muito de ler o seu livro o diario de um mago.um beijão

Marta Adriana August 24, 2009 at 4:13 am

I dream on being able one day to do the Road to Santiago.
I love walking, and imagine myself going over those ways Paulo describes in the book without a single worry and the pleasurable sensation of mingling with the sorroundings.
I imagine myself singing , getting into trance and walking the path to discover whatever is dearest to me.
Every time I read the book it fills me with a feeling of joy and the conciousness I can do whatever I set out to do.
The book gives me courage and hope and makes me feel the world I imagine matches to the world I live in.
It helps me believe magic can come true.
Thank you for this encouraging , outstanding, amazing story.

Adam August 22, 2009 at 10:50 pm

Dear Paulo & Fellow Readers

First I would like to thank you for sharing your gift and life-changing work with us. Your books are a constant source of inspiration and illumination, that have helped me find my way through the challenges and obstacles of ‘life’.

My specific question relates to the Messenger Ritual. I note that we need to have performed this before later exercises but I also see you advise us not to perform it. I am anxious to follow all the exercises and am not sure what is the best course of action.

I would really appreciate any help and Paulo, you are helping me find my light.

Gratefully:

Adam

Paulo Coelho August 22, 2009 at 11:07 pm: dear Adam
a] the messenger ritual is not complete in the book.
b] when the book was released in Brasil, before going to the second edition, I asked my master if I should keep the ritual there. He said I should, as he was (as I am) convinced that it is harmless, unless you have extra knowledge in magics.
c] therefore, is not even worth trying
daemon August 23, 2009 at 10:04 am: One of the exercises you describe in the Pilgrimage is the principle exercise at induction into my Sufi Order, the Nematollahi Order, and is at initiation to be the foundation of a daily practice through the Zikr for life.
I also felt that the conception you gave to the Devil was far more in keeping with Iblis of the Sufi view, than certainly say my Catholic wifes very ‘orthodox’ view of Satan.
The book has been a wonderful experience, reinvigorating and thought provoking.
As a seemingly bizarre disconnected connection, how do you regard the name of ‘Lucifer’?
If you are interested i will relate a remarkable and quite supernatural story to by way of personal experience.

MAHILDA RODRIGUEZ BARRADAS August 20, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Hola Paulo., soy de mexico y desde pequeña mi madre me hablaba del Camino de Santiago, ella una mujer campesina no estudiada, decia q en el cielo estaba el Camino de estrellas y en la tierra otro paralelo a èl, todas las noches nos sentabamos en el patio de la casa y lo mirabamos, todo eso se grabò en mi mente, cuando crecì y me fui a vivir a la ciudad, busque lecturas q me llevaran a ese camino y cuando conocì su libro quedè impactada….Sr Paulo Coehlo, siempre e querido hacer el camino, pero por una cosa u otra no e podido, pero qiero q sepa q emocianada lo e hecho junto con usted viendo sus documentales..le doy las gracias y q Dios lo ilumine siempre.
un abrazo

mahilda

Saria Abbas August 18, 2009 at 8:41 am

Dear Paulo Coelho,

I come from an Arab country called Lebanon, and in the Arab world people dont condiser reading as a habbit. But for me i enjoy reading as long as the book intrests me. And with all love and respect you books are the ones i always finish till the end….My next book will be “The Pilgrimage” am a big fan of you.

The last book i read was “11 minutes”, i really enjoyed. I love the way you make us live with the story as readers, i love the way we as readers support the charcter regardless that Maria was a prostitue and in my world this word is not accepted.

Am a big fan of you! and i ahve alot to tell you one day!!!!

With all love and respect,

Saria Abbas

Dances With Crayons August 16, 2009 at 10:20 am

Dear Igor,

You can read other titles of Paulo’s books offered here:
http://paulocoelhoblog.com/internet-books/

Also, if you are comfortable to write, I would be happy to share my copy of Brida with you. (I am reading it now for the second time but can send it in about a week!)

My email address is:
yourzone2 at gmail.com

Much Love to All, Jane : ) xo

THELMA August 9, 2009 at 8:45 am

The Lamb * William Blake

Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little lamb, I’ll tell thee,
Little lamb, I’ll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little lamb, God bless thee!
Little lamb, God bless thee!

Dear Paulo Coelho, is there any connection and symbolism from the poem above and the …lamb who has guided you to your ..sword??
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

Alexandra August 9, 2009 at 4:03 pm: Well, was a poem that brought me good luck. In an exam at English Literature, because I wrote it on the blackboard, I was able to remember it easier. It was in our last hour before exams, so mates not payed much attention to it. Thats why many failed the exam, but I take it with a good mark… He he
So, God bless “The Lamb”.
Thank you Thelma
Cristina October 29, 2009 at 5:16 pm: Yes there is a connection.
Consider that William Blake is one of the great “enlighted” (illuminata) figure of his century.
You can see especially in his pictures, which are often representations of magical, misterious concepts.
But all of them go straight to brain and heart of people, even those not found of magic.
Another figure very interesting, in this field, is Pico della Mirandola, a scientist and above all a philosopher who lived at the Medici’s court in Florence, in the Reinessance.
He was considered one of the best minds of his century, and died empoisoned, when he was young. But free.
“Libertà vo cercando, ch’è si cara, come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta”, wrote Dante in the divine comedy = I’m looking for freedom, which is so important to me, as know those who give up their lives to remain free.
Dante, Divina Commedia.
Love
Chris

IGOR CARQUIN OHAMA August 7, 2009 at 3:45 am

good morning
my name is IGOR CARQUIN, i’m from Lima- Peru .
I have read some of your books ,they’re very interesting.
my father recommended your book to me.he is a reader of your book.
I read the alchemist, eleven minute.
I want to receive one copy of your books “the zakir” “brida”

I will be very thankful to you.

Aninha Filha das Estrelas July 29, 2009 at 8:05 am

Foi o primeiro livro de Paulo Coelho que li, como é claro de muitos… depois li outros sobre o caminho… mas Paulo vc tem a Técnica… e depois é só saber seguir os sinais… como vc mesmo diz… a magia está ao alcance do homem comum.. pena que muitos não colocaram em prática…

Adriano July 29, 2009 at 3:26 am

Paulo;
No livro o Diario de um Mago, Petrus fala q quando você souber o nome do seu mensageiro não deverá revelar a ninguém. Porém você revela no livro. Eu estou lendo o Diario de um Mago.

Alexandra July 23, 2009 at 11:16 am

Dear Paulo and friends
I was very intrigued about the ” character” Astran, sorry misspelling I read book not in English. But, on characters list I see road, Petrus, Paulo. What is Astran? Is some Deimon? Our double self? Is controled by our mind? Please say few words on it. Thank you
Love Alexandra

kealan July 22, 2009 at 11:51 pm

If you can’t see eggs; what can you see?

Alexandra July 19, 2009 at 11:05 am

Hi. I dont know if there are two books, I read “The Journal of a Magus”. Truth is tittle was in Romanian. Well, from names seem same. There were Petrus and the things i SEE HERE…MAYBE THE TITTLE WAS ONLY TRANSLATED IN OTHER MANNER?

kealan July 22, 2009 at 11:57 pm: Alexandra, it is the same book word for word… It just has a variation in the title. The Pilgrimage and Diary of a Magus (original title). Maybe Paulo had a dream and changed the title for the English speaking countries :)
Alexandra July 23, 2009 at 11:04 am: THANK YOU BOTH, ANNIE AND KEALEAN. WHAT a MESS…AT LEAST NOW I KNOW.
MUCH LOVE
ALEXANDRA

Rajani July 19, 2009 at 4:09 am

Dear Paulo,

I can personally relate to Pilgrimage and Alchemist the most amongst your works. I am deeply inspired by both of them. The narrative structure in pilgrimage is a simple step by step approach. There is no story woven around the central theme and hence there are no emotions of the characters involved. I like that style. I am prejudiced towards them and like them more than the works where you have built characters and a story around the protagonist. I do love all your books. I keep reading them over and over again!

I would request you to write something on your life as a magus and on ‘signs’ so that we can relate to the signs and magic of everyday life and keep working on our personal legends.

You are the best Paulo. Thank you and love you
Rajani

Cristina July 14, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Excuse me Paulo,
I’m starting to read Castaneda in these days.
Can you tell me about “voladores”?
thak you
Chris

Sylvia Aybar August 1, 2009 at 1:28 am: Castaneda does not mention Voladores in any of his books except in his las book The Active side of Infinity and he only talks about it very little. If you want to learn more about them, read the book Beyond Fear by Don Miguel Ruiz and also there are many written interviews done to Carlos Castaneda on-line where he explains about Voladores. Search for Voladores Castaneda in google and you will find a lot about it. Also, Carlos Castaneda published a series of exercises done to get rid of Voladoers under the name of Tensegrity. You can also find all of this in the internet. Good luck in your journey.

Mary July 13, 2009 at 2:08 am

I just finished reading The Pilgrimage last night. And, it was very inspiring. I think whether you are walking the road or going through life, we are in some way making a pilgrimage. Trying to end up at the place we are supposed to be and overcome our demons.

And, just as in The Alchemist, the story was about the search for our personal legend, in The Pilgrimage it is about living our dreams.

For the last five years my life has been very up and down. And, then earlier this year I lost my job. I’m still unemployed. But, I wasn’t living my dream. I was living somebody else’s dream. Losing my job was a blessing. Since then I have started on a path to becoming more mentally and physically healthy. I am trying to fight the good fight. I don’t know where I am heading and it is scary, but like Paulo climbing the waterfall, I have to believe I will get to the top, I just can’t see how right now.

And, I have ideas about where I want to be and what I want to do. But, as with Paulo and his search for his sword, I need to know why I want what I want. What will I do with it when I get it, whether a job or a house or whatever. Why do I want what I want. What do I hope to achieve?

And, I could personally relate to this passage in the book: “But in order for agape to flourish, I must not be afraid to change my life. If I liked what I was doing, very well. But, if not, there was always the time for a change. If I allowed change to occur, I would be transforming myself into a fertile field and allowing the Creative Imagination to sow its seeds in me.”

aditya July 10, 2009 at 5:43 am

Every Major religion of the world has some sort of pilgrimmage routes / tours built into the customs. Pilgrimage is a very good way of breaking the routine and comming face to face with the divine that is in onesleff too.

now a days modern means of travel induce one to focus on recahing destinations in the pilgrimage faster, but unless the journey the completed as intended, destinations don’t reveal themselves.

I too read Pilgrimage a few years ago. a great book of facing oneslef, one’s limitations, fear and above all surviving transformed as a person born again !

love
aditya
PS : Paulo, are there any RAM chaps here in india.

Lily July 10, 2009 at 3:53 am

Hello Paulo,

I Really enjoyed reading the Pilgrimage. I have lots of questions to ask so i will be back. And I’m really glad you will be talking about RAM because to me it seemed like it was a fictional thing you have made just for the book, I have found nothing on it anywhere…. Actually, yes one site, but it requires a passcode.

Thank you Paulo for the wonderful wonderful workshop!
love
Lily

Werner Kraeutler July 9, 2009 at 3:25 am

This book changed my life. I know, it sounds strange but it is true. I read the book in February 2000. And did my first pilgrimage in July 2000. Since then I know how to be free, how to free myself. And I know, that life is more then earning money. That’s it. My recommandation: If you take the book on to your pilgrimage, try to do all the exercises noted in the book. You will be surprised. Werner

Marie Lammers July 8, 2009 at 9:37 am

I read Pilgrimer and then Alkemist after that By the river of pieda I sat down and weept ( I am sorry for my bad English!) Last year in the hospital were I spent a month recovering after a major krises reaktion. I do believe that your books helpt me be well faster than I would have without them, They made me think and seek mindfulness, they helpt me move on sort things out in my life, I am so greatful to you Paoulo…for being a human and for standing up for others, writing and believing in the unmentionel issues.

Please continue to be you! Reguards Marie Lammers Sweden

Fi July 8, 2009 at 5:00 am

Ooops…I left my comment about The Pilgimage on the main page and maybe it’s more useful here!

And so…I repeat…
I believe reading The Pilgrimage (and the Camino de Santiago itself) are in fact like ‘life-in-a-nutshell’ experiences.
And I think that the book is full of a very eloquent observance of humanity.
I also think that when we give our inner child the strength of voice it deserves, then humanity shines.
The act of this pilgrimage and/or the exercises described in the book, maybe released that voice? Or allowed it to no longer be drowned out by society and life?
We are all human (probably!) and therefore all part of humanity…and so have the capacity, to varying degrees, of connecting with a larger consciousness.

I guess that’s a running theme through Paulo’s books…universal truths….one’s that seem so obvious in life when pointed out (like a light bulb switching on sometimes!), but can get blurred in the complexity and ‘clutter’ of life.

I read the Pilgrimage whilst walking the camino…12years ago. In that instance, I could describe it’s effect as a kind of spiritual lubricant!
:o)
I had my own journey to travel…my own quest…my own experiences and revelations…but as a young, solo and scared pilgrim, I found the book to be yet another ‘yellow arrow’ for a parallel internal camino I was on and a great comfort to know that I was not alone in what often seemed to me to be an ‘insane’ task I had set myself!

And this principle I can apply to all of Paulo’s books.
I have found them to be a huge comfort to know that I am not alone on this path and I thankyou, Sir, endlessly for that, if nothing else!

And I agree TOTALLY, P…the camino only begins in Santiago.

ps…the yellow arrows reference is to the hand-painted pointers all along the Camino de Santiago…on tree trunks and rocks and corners of buildings, that sometimes are the only sign-post that you’re heading in the right direction.

alebrije_p July 8, 2009 at 4:52 am

Paulo, originally you named this book as “Diary of a Magus” and later on it was re-titled as “The Pilgrimage” which is a much personal title for me too. Is there any particular “Omen” story behind this change ?

Gracias,
@alebrije_p

Yajna July 8, 2009 at 2:58 am

Dearest Paulo,

I know this book is non-fiction, but it took you 4 years after your experience to write it. Ever fear you might forget parts of the experience? Little details maybe? I understand that no one should ever rush this process as writing comes from inside of you.. I just wondered if you ever went through anything like that (fearing you may forget or might not be able to express yourself adequately) and what you did? Although this may seem like a rather silly question, I’ve been thinking about it recently.

Thank you for being
Yajna

Rogero July 8, 2009 at 1:33 am

I enjoy the fact you provide exercises to complete. Many readers are seeking to learn from ‘the tradition’ however, as we know, when the time is right the correct teacher appears. Yet reading your books provides personal consciousness awakenings for people to experience within their own environments.

Although your books such as the pilgrimage are your personal journeys, everyone interprets them in their own way due to their emotional connections, but this one I feel gives a little more direct assistance.

I have trained within a Mystery School, but I am not blinkered or naieve enough to believe any school, system or method can offer all the answers; the rituals we establish to connect with the divine energies allows us to to do just that – make a link, the communication is always personal. What you are doing is showing the methods of making those connections and raising collective consciousness. Thank you. I have enjoyed and learnt from all of your books.

nuriye akdemir July 8, 2009 at 12:55 am

‘There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way’BUDDHA

Lynne July 7, 2009 at 11:38 pm

Hello Paulo and fellow readers, for me The Pilgrimage is immense, it’s tapping into my (our) potential, magic, wisdom…. I too want to find the sword, the path, the way and just recently I’ve realised it’s right in fron of mr…so simple…i just had to open my eyes, my heart…be the lion too, courageous….walk into the unknow, trust and be. Bless you

Lynnex

Dances With Crayons July 7, 2009 at 10:51 pm

I am reading about the dog at this moment and it makes me think about what scares me, and how I can learn to handle these situations better. Paulo, I can see how you instinctively knew what to do and I am so relieved about that and also relieved that you were not alone!!! Did this experience make you a little or a lot wary afterwards, of all dogs? Thank You Paulo

Paulo Coelho July 7, 2009 at 11:01 pm: On the opposite. I totally lost this fear of dogs. Funny but truth.
Savita Vega July 20, 2009 at 12:14 pm: Dear Dances With Crayons,
I know that your question was really directed at Paulo, but I feel very moved in reading about your apprehension toward dogs, and just wanted to share with you a similar experience. As a child, I was once attacked and by a Pekingese. Harmless enough breed to look at – tiny furball – but the one that bit me was a ferocious little monster, which I suspect hated all children. The experience left me terrified of any dog that growled at me, or even look like it MIGHT want to bite me. If I saw a dog in someone’s yard. I simply wouldn’t get out of the car until they put the dog away.

Then one day, when I was about nineteen, I was cornered by a Doberman Pincher. I was working at a job which required me to go door-to-door, and I walked into this yard that had a tall hedge surrounding it, but no fence, and no “Beware of Dog” signs. All of a sudden, I was face-to-face with this massive dog that was growing and barking and snapping at me with such intensity that I was sure it was going to eat me. He was so close to me that I could see every tooth in his huge head, only inches away from my chest. And worst of all, no one came to the door – there was no one to get him off of me – so I just stood there, frozen in terror. I don’t know how much time passed, but it seemed like an eternity. During those moments, though, something happened: I saw something in the dog’s eyes – I saw that he was actually just as terrified of me as I was of him and that was why he was threatening me, hoping that I would go away. So that’s when I finally mustered enough courage to speak. I looked at the dog, directly in the eyes, and I said, “Okay, I’m leaving now,” and I began to back up very, very slowly. As I went backward, the dog followed, barking loudly, still snapping at the front of my blouse. But the second that I got to the line where the hedge marked the border of the yard, he stopped. I kept backing, out into the street, but the dog did not follow. I had been an intruder upon his territory and all he wanted was for me to leave.

After that experience, in which I was very lucky that I did not get bitten (or even killed), I was never afraid of dogs again, because I realized that they are really so very much like us. That dog was actually scared of me – I was a threat to his territory, to his home and his family. From then on, I just tried to be sure that I presented myself to new dogs in such a way as to assure them that I was not a threat.

Now I have several dogs myself, one of which even fits perfectly the description of the big black dog in The Pilgrimage. And, over the years, I’ve also learned that most of the dogs that appear to be in “attack mode” won’t actually bite you anyway, so long as you don’t turn your back to them. In fact, if you move toward them calmly, and with self-confidence, most will actually back up or even turn and run away. There are a few dogs that will bite, but most are just trying to bluff away what they perceive as a threat to themselves, their territory or their family. The last thing they really want to do is fight, especially with something that is larger than they are.

I know that probably none of those words help relieve your apprehension. I would recommend going to see a good dog trainer, who can help you develop confidence and specific techniques to deal with fearful dogs.

Much Love,
Savita

Jean Devenish July 7, 2009 at 9:39 pm

I believe that this is a book for realizing that the journey to what you always wanted to be begins when you place your feet on the path sometimes before that moment. Paulo wrote that, on that trail, he decided to be what he always wanted to: a writer.

I believe that sometimes you need to make a trip, very far from home, to avoid all distractions and start lo isten to yourself. Which is, in my opinion, the reason for the pilgrimage as a story. The mission was to obtain the sword, but he received more than that, he got a better and a happier life. A sword was only a excuse.

This book was my first book from Paulo that I read. It is one of my favorites.

Paulo Coelho July 7, 2009 at 10:55 pm: That was my case (the book is non-fiction). After the pilgrimage I realized that the road STARTS in Santiago.

John July 7, 2009 at 4:15 pm

While I am only, say, a fourth of the way through the book, I’m already finding it to be a nice complement to the other books of yours I’ve enjoyed studying, such as The Alchemist, Warriors of the Light, and Way of the Bow. As one struggling to fight The Good Fight, I identify with stories of this nature – ones that try to fight against The World’s Greatest Lie.
Much like Paulo in this story, I find myself becoming distracted by details and not focusing on the big picture. I want to know who Petrus is, I want to know more about the Tradition, I become interested in knowing how to find and join an “organization” (for lack of a better word) like Paulo has done and begin learning and doing and earning my sword. Where does one find such a group? Who do I have to e-mail to start the journey towards my sword?
This mystery and this magic is quite fascinating if a reader takes it at its word. To believe that a (fairly) secret organization with such a level of mystical or magical spirituality still exists and runs below the surface of everyday society is something, well, it’s something you only read about.

Rajani July 19, 2009 at 4:13 am: Dear John,
Thanks for the post John
I share you thought on this. I would love to be part of a regimen where I have a support group and a definite process to help me navigate the way through life and find my personal legend.

Paulo – Please could you write more about this in your next book? I am dying to know……
Love

Bartlomiej Szewczyk July 7, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Hello Paulo and Dearest Readers,

In the Pilgrimage it is written ‘When I had read the works of Carlos Castaneda, I had wanted very much to meet the old medicine man Don Juan.’

I have read the ‘Magical Passes: The Practical Wisdom of the Shamans of Ancient Mexico’ of C.Castaneda and I believe in the power of ‘thousands of movements’ that were passed down from 27 generations of sorcerers through Don Juan. Everyday I try to strode and meditate in the same time. I even close my eyes, when I walk on the empty road. My backpack is quite heavy what helps me to release bad energy. After half an hour I am totally relaxed and every fragment of my body is under control. I feel my mind and my body synhronize and I enter in some kind of extasy.

How much fiction is in the Pilgrimage and in the ‘Magical Passes: The Practical Wisdom of the Shamans of Ancient Mexico’ in regards to the presented exercises?

My last question is. Do you think that shamans of Mexico have been supporting themselves with peyote or other narcotics to attain their ecstasy of ‘thousands of movements’?

Kind Regards,
Bartlomiej

alebrije_p July 7, 2009 at 9:30 pm: Castaneda is an emblematic guy that Paulo usually quotes and that has definitively influenced him a lot.

I am a like you, in the learning process, so do not take me so seriously…

At this moment, I am sitting, breathing normally. I do not see any eggs around me. So, in my own words: Wisdom is usually a word, action a movement and meditating everything.

@alebrije_p

Paulo Coelho July 7, 2009 at 10:57 pm

And a PROFOUND conciousness of the fact that you are here and now. I don’t see the shinning eggs either, but I feel the connections (for you who did not read Castaneda, he says that a hechicero sees the human being as an luminous egg)

Lily July 19, 2009 at 7:01 am

Hi guys,

I am also interested in knowing this! What’s fascinating is that if it’s secret then how come Paulo you were able to write about it.

It’s just so fascinating as there are so many possibilities.
I also would love to hear about it!

Carolena Sabah July 23, 2009 at 11:39 am

Don’t sweat it Alexandra, I didn’t know either. I thought it might have been but wasn’t sure. Now we know!
Love.

THELMA August 4, 2009 at 9:23 am

And Santiago is our heart, zero point, dear Paulo Coelho??
Is it the Resurrection that happens into our Hearts after the .. Revelation? Is everything happening in the Parallel worlds?? I thought that Christina was walking with you in that Path? Where is she in the Book?
From what I know the so … controversial Masons of today, were the .. Templar Knights and from what I have read and experience their aim is not at all ‘spiritual’ but by using their acquired occult powers and connections[inner circle] they are the real Leaders of the … Material World. Please correct me if I am wrong.
But the Real World and Real Life does not belong to the World of separateness and duality! There, IS only LIGHT.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

Paulo Coelho August 4, 2009 at 11:29 am

Honestly, I don’t see any historic relationship between Masons and Templars.
And Chris walket the Path in 1990
love
Paulo

THELMA August 4, 2009 at 12:01 pm

http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_masonsknightstemplar.htm
Dear Paulo, I had read many stories about Masons claiming that they ARE the Knight Templar’s.. Here above is a link.. I have just Googled ‘masons and knight templars’ .. I feel confused because from personal experience in the Courts I ‘know’ that they are ‘blindly’ acting in favour of their ‘brothers’ Masons and they forget everything about LOVE as you and me understand it and Jesus has taught it to us. I have read two books that put some light in the today’s organization and how they act. ‘The Brotherhood’ by Stephen Knight [HarpersCollins/Publishers] and ‘Inside the Brotherhood’ an older one, I have forgotten the author.
I really love the Pilgrimage, thank you for offering us Knowledge and the meditative exercises and … under no OATH. ;-] Because I believe in our Free Will and Freedom. It seems that I am an .. old rebel, always doubting … authorities!!
We are ‘micro-cosmos into macro-cosmos’. ‘As above so below’. But He is the Way, the Truth and Life.
Thank you for helping us on our Paths and spreading hope to millions of people on this beautiful Blue Planet.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

THELMA August 9, 2009 at 5:16 pm

God bless you too, Alexandra.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

Dances With Crayons August 16, 2009 at 8:44 am

Hello Savita! Thank you so much for writing, always happy to hear from animal lovers too!
I LOVE dogs, but for some reason, had a fear of pit bulls. It was a deep fear.
My daughter was working as an investigator of animal cruelties and one day in the middle of her shift, called to say ‘I’m stopping by right NOW. I want you to see something!!’
She arrived shortly and I ran out to see what was up. She went to the back of the van, opened the door and out jumped a puppy which landed on my chest. He kissed me a million times.
My daughter said “I just came from a complaint about a ‘dangerous dog running the streets. Mom, he is a pit bull and isn’t he sweet!”
That was the end of my fear of pit bull dogs. Thankfully, my daughter gave me no time to think about it, or prepare, or tense up. Wasn’t she clever?

Thanks again, Paulo and Savita, Much Love, Jane : ) xo
p.s. I LOVE PIT BULLS!!

Savita Vega August 22, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Dear Dances With Crayons,
SO DO I!!! Though I’ve fostered and adopted out a number of them, I have two of my own, Mohamed and Kali. Mohamed’s favorite thing in the world is sleeping, and snoring loudly. Kali is my baby, and is scared of her own shadow. When something goes bump in the night, this stout, fifty-pound dog, that could easily take down a grown person, comes running to me to “save” her. The stereotypes of Pits as “vicious” and “unpredictable” is so wrong. I am so glad that this sweet little puppy came into your life.

Much Love,
Savita

Adam August 23, 2009 at 12:15 am

Dear Paulo

Thank you for clarifying this. I am finding The Pilgrimage an immense source of inspiration and as with all your books, the right book is always is in front of me to give me the help I need at that moment.

I picked up a copy of Brida today so I always have one of your books waiting to enrich my life.

Gratefully

Adam

Carolena Sabah August 23, 2009 at 12:15 am

I am re reading ‘The Pilgrimage’ and I just at the Messenger chapter.
I have noticed that I automatically and subconsciously employ the cruelty exercise without conscious thought, whenever I am not at ease.

I would love to know the name of my Messenger. Even though it’s not complete, is it complete enough for it to work? And it would probably take many repetitions till I get his or her name?!

NIRMIKA.ATHALYE September 2, 2009 at 6:40 pm

I JUST FEEL LIKE I SHOULD REALLY GO AND TRAVEL THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO.IT IS A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.YOU ARE JUST LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE IT!!!
- NIRMIKA

Savita Vega August 23, 2009 at 4:58 pm

Dear Carolena,
Yes, the cruelty exercise is truly amazing. When I read the book, I tried it, and it is astounding how well it works. I thought to myself: this is utterly insane – all the many months I spent on this or that medication, intended to alter my brain’s chemistry and thereby help me to overcome the negative thought-patterns which are a part of bi-polar disorder…. Ridiculous, when if someone had just said to me, every time a self-defeating or self-deprecating thought enters your head, dig your nail into the cuticle of your thumb, it would have worked just as well, or better. How simple, and so much more effective!

Q November 19, 2009 at 5:11 pm

Almost everyone is interested in learning about “The Traditions” and the magic powers accompanying it. Ironically enough, Coelho wrote ‘the Pilgrimage’ after he lost all his powers and in order to gain them back. It seems as a person can easily get consumed by the powers as the case with the Evil Masters. However I did stumble upon something, I believe is quite similar to the practices and theory that we are intrigued to know about.
http://www.santmat.net/

Karin Struik December 30, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Dear Paula,
I am also in search of more of “The Tradition”, and am looking for a teacher speicifically of magic (the benign side). It’s not as easy as simply going to a University and asking for information! Have you found anything? Would you mind leaving a reply on Paulo Coelho’s blog?
God bless you in living your dream!
Love Karin

Márcia Nicoluci January 2, 2010 at 2:46 am

Paulo,

Lí O Diario de Um Mago há muitos anos atrás, foi excelente, mudou minha vida e a maneira de ver e sentir as coisas, passei a prestar mais atenção a minha volta. Gosto muito seus livros é uma leitura que faz bem pra alma… Admiro você por conseguir transmitir todos esses ensinamentos vitais para a evolução de nós, simples mortais.
Muito Obrigado mesmo !!!
Com Carinho

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