'The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge' by Carlos Castaneda follows the journey of a young anthropologist student who becomes the apprentice of a powerful Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan Matus. Through his interactions with Don Juan, the student learns about shamanism, mysticism, altered states of consciousness, and the non-ordinary reality. presents a blend of academic tone, diary-style narrative, and philosophical musings on the nature of knowledge and perception. It delves into the use of hallucinogenic plants, spiritual teachings, and the challenges faced by the student in his quest for enlightenment.

Characters:

Carlos is the curious apprentice while Don Juan serves as the enigmatic mentor, showcasing a dynamic of teacher-student interaction.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is reflective and academic, mixing vivid imagery with philosophical musings, though it can be convoluted with jargon.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Carlos's apprenticeship under a Yaqui shaman named Don Juan, focusing on shamanistic teachings and the experimentation with hallucinogenic plants.

Setting:

Set in the Sonoran Desert, the novel is deeply embedded in Yaqui culture and shamanistic traditions, contributing to its mystical atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing can be uneven, with sections slowing down due to detailed rituals and reflections, but picks up during pivotal transformative moments.

My notes on my first session with Don Juan are dated 23 June 1961. That was the occasion when the teachings began. I had seen him several times previously in the capacity of on observer only. At every...

Notes:

The book was published in 1968 and presented as non-fiction.

Castaneda's character Don Juan is not based on a real person, but a combination of several individuals.

The book inaccurately describes the location of peyote growth.

The teachings emphasize overcoming fear, certainty, the seduction of power, and maintaining curiosity.

It explores the idea of perception being affected by energy fields.

Hallucinogenic drugs like peyote, Jimson weed, and something referred to as 'The Smoke' are central to the experiences described.

The narrative mixes mysticism with humor and odd situations, including anthropomorphizing drugs as characters.

It provides a perspective on shamanism that some readers find enlightening or entertaining, despite its controversy.

Many readers report it as an influential read that prompted them to question their perceptions of reality.

Critics debate whether Castaneda's work should be classified as fiction or anthropology, affecting its credibility.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of drug use, potential hallucinations, and discussions about mortality and spiritual practices.

From The Publisher:

A Yaqui way of knowledge.

The teachings of don Juan is the story of a remarkable journey: the first awesome steps on the road to becoming a "man of knowledge" - the road that continues with A Separate Reality and Journey to Ixtlan.

"For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length. And there I travel, looking, looking, breathlessly." - Don Juan

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1 comment(s)

ddaane061

Loved It

10 months

Incredible adventures. What's more interesting is the author's life beyond the books.

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About the Author:

Born in 1925 in Peru, anthropologist Carlos Castaneda wrote a total of fifteen books, which sold eight million copies worldwide and were published in seventeen different languages. In his writing, Castaneda describes the teaching of don Juan, a Yaqui sorcerer and shaman. His works helped define the 1960's and usher in the New Age movement. Even after his death in 1998, his books continue to inspire and influence his many devoted fans.

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The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge

Carlos Castaneda