The Teachings of Don Juan

A Yaqui Way of Knowledge

By: Carlos Castaneda

Narrated by: Luis Moreno

For over 40 years, Carlos Castaneda’s The Teachings of Don Juan has inspired audiences to expand their world view beyond traditional Western forms. Originally published as Castaneda’s master’s thesis in anthropology, Teachings documents Castaneda’s supposed apprenticeship with a Yaqui Indian sorcerer, don Juan Matus. Dividing the work into two sections, Castaneda begins by describing don Juan’s philosophies, then continues with his own reflections.

©1969; 1996 Regents of the University of California; Carlos Castaneda (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"It's impossible to view the world in quite the same way after reading him.... If Castaneda is correct, there is another world, a sometimes beautiful and sometimes frightening world, right before our eyes at this moment - if only we could see." ( Chicago Tribune)

great book

great book for anyone interested in learning about different world views. Both the narrative and the analysis complement each other

very interesting way of accepting the world

this book helps remind me that there are many different ways to see each and every experience and to keep an open mind regardless of what's Happening

Motivational

I'm probably more enlightened than I am intellectual so the first 80% of the book I really understood and enjoyed while the last 20% I had trouble understanding. All in all, an incredible insight into the world of shamans.

I liked it better when I was in high school

The Teachings of Don Juan was an influential book for me in high school. It was my introduction to thinking about “the meaning of life” and the ephemerality of life... that we are all beings that are going to die. Castaneda says the real struggle of man is with infinity, and is actually an acquiescence to infinity. His key message that still resonates with me, even this second time through....that all paths lead nowhere, but the path with a heart makes you strong.

While I still relate to and embrace this message, the cadence of the book, and professorial-like instructions / teachings, especially at the end of the book, seemed less meaningful to me than they did in high school.

Maybe it’s just another reason why getting old sucks!

Fiction or Non Fiction? You decide

Lots of skepticism around this book. Worth checking out and deciding for yourself. I loved it and find relevance regardless whether it is a true account or not.