Although the authenticity of this text has been questioned over the years, and it has been disowned as an anthropological case study (for obvious reasons), this text remains a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of historical fiction.

Castaneda no doubt spent a great deal of time in the Mexican Southwest. In this novel, he recounts his first years under the tutelage of Don Juan, a Yaqui "brujo" or sorcerer. He describes his fascination with psychotropic cacti, mushrooms, and jimson weed. His vivid imagery confirms his first-hand experience with these substances.

This work demonstrates the way a writer can blend authentic experiences with the supernatural to create a piece of art which is more moving than an unadulterated reflection of reality. Castaneda's beautifully succinct prose and the nearly Socratic method of dialogue are sure to inspire and challenge any creative writers. It shows how a writer can take real-life experiences and add a touch of the supernatural to make a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The use of vivid imagery and the Socratic method of dialogue make the story come alive and draw the reader in.

Overall, this text is a great example of how a writer can use their imagination and creativity to create a work of art that will stand the test of time.

The story of the author's initiation into spirituality and shamanic techniques through the ritual consumption of hallucinogens, under the guidance of a Yaqui Mexican sorcerer named Juan Matus, who allegedly discovered in Castaneda a remarkable shamanic potential.

After the publication, Castaneda obtains a doctorate in anthropology. However, many voices have argued that the so-called initiation described in the work is nothing more than pure fiction on the part of a writer overflowing with imagination.

Some people believe that Castaneda's accounts are a fascinating exploration of a different world, while others remain skeptical. The controversy surrounding his work continues to this day.

Despite the debate, Castaneda's books have had a significant impact on the field of anthropology and have inspired many people to explore their own spiritual paths. Whether his stories are true or not, they have opened up new avenues of thought and discussion.

In conclusion, the story of Castaneda's initiation is a complex and controversial one that continues to capture the attention of readers and scholars alike.

The main body of don Juan's teachings, as he himself clearly stated, centered around the utilization of the three hallucinogenic plants. With these plants, he was able to induce states of nonordinary reality.

Don Juan skillfully exploited the diverse hallucinogenic properties until they engendered in Carlos, the apprentice, the perception that nonordinary reality was a precisely defined area.

Over several years, Carlos dedicated himself to learning how to employ the plants in an attempt to cross over to a distinct realm of reality governed by entities that might serve as protectors or allies. However, I truly failed to perceive any advantage in the years he expended on this learning. This new realm seemed extremely terrifying and frequently led to him vomiting after consuming the plant concoctions. Carlos was engaged in learning to 'fly' and even to shape shift into a crow. I most assuredly would not desire to undertake such an apprenticeship.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section pertains to his interactions and conversations with don Juan, titled 'The Teachings'. The second section is named 'A Structural Analysis', which is a PhD-level analysis of what Carlos had learned. I encountered some difficulties in understanding Part II. Consequently, I have initiated reading his next book, \\"A Separate Reality\\", in the hope of attaining a better comprehension of the Teachings.

I picked up this book because I have a keen interest in delving deeper into shamanic traditions. I began reading it with the perception that it was a legitimate anthropological study. However, to my great disappointment, I soon discovered that the author had been dishonest. It turns out that he never actually carried out the field work as he claimed. In fact, Don Juan, the central figure in the story, doesn't even exist. This book, therefore, has no real connection to Yaqui traditions. Some individuals now attempt to regard this work as a piece of fiction. But that is not how it was initially presented. It was marketed as a non-fiction account, leading many people to believe in its authenticity. So, the question remains: why should we excuse such a blatant fraud?

I used to think this was a cool book back in the sixties.

At that time, it seemed to offer a world of adventure and excitement.

However, as the years have passed, my perspective has changed drastically.

Now, I firmly believe that it is the biggest con job ever.

The ideas presented in the book can be not only misleading but perhaps even dangerous.

Just imagine if people start jumping off of waterfalls, believing that they can fly like Don Juan.

Who knows if Don Juan even existed in the first place?

It could all be a fictional creation, yet it has the potential to influence people's actions and beliefs in a negative way.

We must be cautious when it comes to such books and not blindly accept everything they say.

There are no right/wrong/easy/difficult paths. Only paths to follow.
All paths are the same in a sense. They may lead to somewhere or to nowhere. It is your heart that tells it all.
A man of knowledge finds knowledge by following his heart. He listens to the inner voice that guides him.
The image shows a man perhaps on his journey of discovery.
Each path has its own unique features and challenges.
Some paths may seem more appealing at first glance, but they may not necessarily lead to the desired destination.
Others may appear difficult, but they could hold the key to great achievements.
It is important to trust your instincts and follow the path that feels right for you.
Don't be afraid to take risks and explore new territories.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all path in life.
You have to find your own way and make the most of it.

For anyone with even the vaguest interest in shamanism, this text is essential. It is Carlos Casteneda's seminal work and, in my view, a work of art.

He reveals his story in a very direct and personal way. It's about his encounter with an ageing Native-American man of knowledge who takes Carlos under his wing and discloses some of the secrets of shamanism. The various psychedelics he encounters are detailed in the book, along with the vivid experiences that follow consumption.

For me, the most memorable tale is Casteneda's transformation into a crow. It may seem strange and perhaps fictional, but for those who have had a shamanic experience, it holds a real truth and is a perfect example of the mystic powers that true shamans can harness.

As the author weaves his tale through the years of his tuition, we become increasingly familiar with the very likeable character of Don Juan. This book was written many years ago, perhaps when psychedelic drugs were just beginning to be properly explored in the West.

The eradication of shamans and ancient belief systems by modern society's rapid advancement makes the existence of such wise teachers an absolute rarity today. Carlos Casteneda was fortunate to have found a genuine opportunity to learn from a great man who had not abandoned the ancient teachings to the modern world.

The insights gathered in this book give the layman a fundamental understanding of what shamanism entails. It is a literary masterpiece and should not be missed.

This book had a more profound impact on inspiring the youth of the sixties to experiment with mescaline than any other social factor. However, that was not Casteneda's intention when writing this book.

It is actually an enthralling sociological exploration of the Yaqui society and Casteneda's connection with Don Juan. The book contains a wealth of valuable advice on how to live.

Moreover, it is an extremely engaging read that can captivate the attention of readers from beginning to end.

Despite the unintended consequence it had on the youth's experimentation with mescaline, the book still holds great significance in the field of sociology and offers unique insights into the Yaqui culture and the relationship between Casteneda and Don Juan.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that combines sociological research with an interesting narrative, making it a must-read for those interested in these topics.

**About the Book**

The Teachings of Don Juan is the first book in the Castaneda series on shamanism among the Yaqui Indians and the beginning of a movement that Castaneda pioneered. In this book, Castaneda deals with his way of getting to know Don Juan and accepting his apprenticeship. According to the formal Yaqui tradition, in the last years of his life, a nagual (teacher and guide) transfers part of his knowledge to a disciple. The selection of the disciple is not based on personal desire but is done by an impersonal force. The book has two parts. The first part is a first-person narrative of events in chronological order, and the second part is a systematic explanation of the teachings in the previous part.

**The Teachings of Don Juan**

The main core of Don Juan's teachings is to reach the state of a "man of knowledge." But what is a man of knowledge in Don Juan's view? In the first stage, he is a warrior who is full of flaws. As soon as the disciple or the chosen one steps on the path of the man of knowledge, he enters into a battle with the four main enemies. The four enemies of the man of knowledge in Don Juan's language are:
- **Fear**: It is the first enemy, terrible and traitorous. Fear hides at every stage, waits patiently, and attacks. If the man surrenders and flees, the first enemy marks the end for him. The battle with fear takes time, but the result of the battle appears suddenly.
- **Clarity of Consciousness (along with pride)**: As soon as fear is overcome, clarity takes the place of darkness in the mind. The man gradually gains more self-confidence and thinks that nothing can cover him. The light makes him believe that he will never doubt anything and will ignore the signs. It gives him the confidence that he can do anything. If the man reaches this state of self-confidence, his awareness and vigilance become blind, and the enemy has defeated him. Clarity is the second enemy, and the man must fight it like fear.
- **Power**: Eventually, a moment comes when the warrior realizes that his clear vision is not empty in front of his opponents. In this way, he defeats his second enemy. Now he obtains real power and will be able to do anything, and this is the third enemy: power. Power is the strongest enemy, and naturally, the easiest thing is to give in to it. A man who is defeated by power has no control over himself. Power is only an obstacle in the warrior's destiny.
- **Old Age**: It is the last and most cruel enemy of the man of knowledge. It is the only enemy whose defeat is impossible, but still, the battle with it continues. When the man has no more fear, no more pride in his clarity of consciousness, and all his power is at his disposal and under his control. At this time, the man has a hopeless desire for rest. If he gives in to his desire, sits down, and comforts himself under the pretext of fatigue, he has passed the last stage and has turned his enemy into a useless old being.

The warrior needs an **ally** to win in his battles. The ally is the spirit of power and the magical personality hidden behind the traditional Yaqui plants, which can raise the individual's level of awareness and thus improve his life. The ally is a power that the man can consult in his life with the help of a rattlesnake, learn from it, and apply its teachings - right or wrong, good or bad. Depending on its type, the ally appears as a protector, an avenger, and a leader of the man of knowledge. The selection of the ally requires the establishment of a relationship and acceptance by the ally. Don Juan introduces two allies in this part: the plant Datura and the smoke (the smoke obtained from smoking mushrooms of the Psilocybe family). Another source for receiving guidance and supernatural power is the ingestion of mescaline or peyote. Mescaline, unlike Datura and smoke, cannot be used as an ally because it is not permanent and is not exclusive. An ally reveals itself within the person, but the encounter with the spirit of mescaline takes place outside the individual and is only for the purpose of teaching and guiding.

The man of knowledge, in addition to being a warrior, must have power, will, self-confidence, and clarity of consciousness (the power of discrimination and recognition). In this way, he can identify the right path (the path of wisdom) and follow it until the end of his life.

In the last part of the book, Castaneda divides reality into two parts: ordinary reality and non-ordinary reality. The teachings of Don Juan refer to non-ordinary reality. That is, although they occur in the real world, understanding them requires a higher level of awareness and a different perception, and they cannot be examined by the logic and science that belong to the field of ordinary reality.

**A Dark Look at Feminine Characteristics**

Generally, Don Juan attributes supernatural powers to personality traits and describes personalities with masculine or feminine terms. Everything that is negative, deadly, painful, tempting, and an obstacle on the path of the man of knowledge is called feminine. For example, the poisonous plant Datura, which can kill the consumer (has very severe side effects and unpleasant hallucinations), is considered feminine (possessing feminine spirits). When explaining one of the arts of sorcery, going to the middle world (meeting the world of men and the world of spirits) and finding an assistant to help the sorcerer is explained. Don Juan warns that the sorcerer is always faced with the danger that he may mistakenly choose an assistant of the female gender, in which case returning from the world of spirits is unlikely and impossible.

One of the interesting points of the book (for me) is the narration of a Yaqui myth about the transformation of a person. According to the belief of the Yaqui people, there is a kind of sorcery that can rob the spirit of the warrior. After discovering the magic, the warrior must fight with the sorcerer, and if he loses, he will lose his spirit forever. The sign of this magic is the combination of the warrior's soul and thoughts with moving objects. For example, if a person under the spell looks at a river or listens to the sound of the wind, the river and the wind will carry his soul away with them.

**Criticism of Castaneda's Works**

This part is completely reviewed.

So in the 1960s, an anthropologist (presumably) served as an apprentice to a Yaqui brujo (sorcerer). Based on this experience, he wrote a book that went on to sell millions of copies and had a profound impact, inspiring countless hippies to explore the realm of hallucinations.

At first, it seemed like a rather fascinating book to read. When the author took mescaline and transformed into a dog that urinated on another dog, it was quite an unusual and attention-grabbing scene. (One might even wonder if Trump was under the influence of mescaline when he allegedly peed on prostitutes in Moscow?) However, as I delved deeper into the book, it quickly lost its charm and began to bore me.

As a strange and somewhat outlandish type of book, it fails to deliver on its initial promise. Castaneda, the author, comes across as a rather dull individual. Personally, I much prefer the works of Hunter S Thompson or Ken Kesey. Their writing styles are more engaging and their perspectives more captivating.

From a scientific standpoint, Castaneda's claims seem rather suspect, almost bordering on quackery. The effects of hallucinogenic drugs are indeed very interesting, especially when they are intertwined with religion. In some cases, it is possible that such drugs may have played a role in initiating religious experiences. For example, a person might venture into the desert, a grove, or a mountain, consume a mushroom, and claim to have seen God. However, this book fails to do justice to this fascinating subject matter and is ultimately a disappointment.

Astonishingly concise reading of shamanism, which in my opinion is mainly an introduction to a new philosophical thought that will surely be developed in the other books of the author.

This extraordinary reality and the very existence of Don Juan are not that important. One has to read the narrative with a completely different state of mind to understand its essence.

I had to suppress the rationalist in me to appreciate this reading, which I do not regret!

It is a fascinating exploration that challenges our conventional ways of thinking and invites us to step into a world beyond the ordinary.

The author's unique perspective and vivid descriptions make this a captivating read.

Whether you are a believer in shamanism or simply interested in expanding your intellectual horizons, this book offers much to discover and ponder.

It is a journey of self-discovery and a reminder that there are other ways of experiencing and understanding the world around us.

So, if you are ready to open your mind and embrace the unknown, give this book a try.

You may be surprised by what you find.

Absolutely fascinating.

My main concern is whether or not Carlos had permission by Don Juan and the Yaqui people to share this knowledge in a public way or write a book about his experiences and the teachings. It is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked.

On one hand, if Carlos did have the proper authorization, then his work could potentially open up a whole new world of understanding and learning for many people. It could provide valuable insights into the Yaqui culture, their spiritual beliefs, and their unique way of life.

On the other hand, if he did not have permission, then there could be ethical and moral implications. The Yaqui people may have their own reasons for keeping certain knowledge private or for only sharing it within their own community.

Overall, I highly recommend this topic for further exploration and discussion. It raises important questions about cultural appropriation, respect for indigenous cultures, and the role of the individual in sharing knowledge.

By delving deeper into these issues, we can gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between different cultures and the importance of protecting and preserving their unique traditions and ways of life.