Jan Éwalo Burckhardt Razeto

How did you get there?

I was fifteen years old the first time I came across the concepts of authenticity and social conditioning. It was through a book by the existential author Jean Paul Sartre, “No Exit”. I was shocked to realise that I was myself being held captive by the limiting constraints of social conditioning and the “gaze of others” as described in this book.

I realised that, far from being “authentic” myself, I behaved and acted as was expected from me by society and the adults around me. I became frightfully aware of both my bondage and my compulsion to seek approval, and I felt stir deep within me a longing for freedom. The core of my being hurt at the realisation that this held me back from experiencing the full potential of openness and friendship I felt was possible with the world around me.

As I explored these concepts further, I realised that the dictates of social conditioning in my life were so pervasive that I began to lose a grip on my sense of personal identity. A pressing question began to dawn on me, coupled with an almost burning sense of discomfort, “Who am I? Who am I really?”

This question became my guiding post as journeyed the world around in search of a school where I could learn to unravel the mystery of this inner being, my true self. My search led me to study the foundations of modern psychology, but also to explore different religions, as well as the practices of ancient mystery schools. From Buddhism to Christianity, from the Order of the Templars to Shamanism, do as I might, I just couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

And then finally I was guided to a book written by Théun Mares, a book on the Toltec Teachings, the Path of the Warrior. 

I was dumbfounded. Its highly practical, no nonsense and down-to-earth approach to the challenges of everyday life captivated my attention immediately. Every sentence conveyed to me a feeling of something very deep and ancient, almost frightful. I had barely read a few pages when I realised that I had found what I had been looking for. In that instant, I knew deep down inside that I would be dedicating my life to these Teachings.

Ever since I have sought to walk this path impeccably and to share with others how these Teachings may best serve them in the upliftment of their own lives and the betterment of their relationships.