Really interesting.

A great introduction to old school Yaqui shamanism delivered with an intriguing narrative. If you're interested in substance induced altered states of consciousness and enjoy learning from a good story, this'll do you well!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An interesting insight into the Mexican Indian’s mysticism.

Easy going book and narration with an interesting content diving into the realm of the mexican shamans.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

a brilliant story with many lessons

Would you consider the audio edition of The Teachings of Don Juan to be better than the print version?

have not read the book

What did you like best about this story?

being on a spiritual / shamanic path I have come across this book several times in the past and have considered reading it but have been put off by the bad reviews. I decided that alot of books especially on these type of topics have some bad reviews. These bad reviews are normally from academics or people from a religious back ground who are ignorant to the topic that they are criticising. Sometimes the bad reviews are from people who are not happy about outsiders wrting about a topic that they were not born into. I do not know if the story in this book is real or fictional. I do however know that I learned alot from the book and have come away with a much better understanding of the world of a Yaqui shaman. This book is great for someone who is on a shamanic path and wants to understand the heart and discipline that is required to be a true shaman. Most of us in the west may become shamanic practitioners but this is on a whole other level.

The second part of the book is more for a student of anthropolgy or someone who wants to know the ins and outs of the plants used in the book. There will not be many readers in that category who have the patience or understanding for this. This does not mean I will review this part of the book badly. I am glad I have finally bought this book and will definitely buy the other books from this author

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Captivating

A story that from the beginning felt like mumbo jumbo turned into a great story, like the ones we heard from our parents as kids.

At the same time it gives you a sensory impressions that words can not explain. It is a book one have to read for them selfs to find out what I'm talking about

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

most interesting

the first part was most interesting and enjoyable however the 2nd part I found difficulties to follow and to fishish and had to relisten to some parts.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Altered States and Strange Encounters in a Shamans World

I really like books that show the world from an unusual perspective. This is the (allegedly) true account of the apprenticeship of Carlos Castaneda, an anthropology student, to a Yaqui Shaman named Don Juan. It is well read and enjoyable.

What I liked best was the contrast of cultures. So, after Castaneda is scared witless by an encounter with the peyote god "Mescalito" who "teaches a man how to live", the following day he keeps asking "does Mescalito really exist?".

For Don Juan this question is totally missing the point "did you not see Mescalito?" His concern is on what Mescalito communicated and the significance of the encounter for a "man of knowledge". It is the clash of modern rational science with aboriginal religion, in a still enchanted world. In the end it becomes too much for the young student and, fearing he is going mad, he terminates his apprenticeship.

This is a book of its time, written in the early 1960s when people were experimenting with altered states and strange religions. It does give a glimpse of an aboriginal worldview populated by spirits and "powers" who can be called on for help as allies or must be confronted and overcome as adversaries.

I very much enjoyed the narrative section of the book, which raised many questions for me about religion, science and reality - and purpose in life. Sadly the "analysis" section at the end of the book avoids these ontological questions, attributing Casteneda's experiences to "suggestion" combined with the effect of powerful psychoactive plants, and thus is much less interesting, though luckily short.

I will be getting the next in the series, when he returns to his apprenticeship, but not for a while. Overall it is a thought provoking book, very well narrated, but a little strange.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

Good to sleep to

When I stay awake and away from the whisky I will have more to say.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Loved it!

I’m hooked, I’ll have to get the rest now... A delve into the world of the shaman, and psychedelic plants.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Classic Castaneda beautifully read

It has been many years since I was first introduced to the work of Carlos Castaneda in 1989. Since then having been an avid reader of his work it was with great pleasure that I discovered this Audible recording and the several others of his books now in the Audioble collection. Luis Moreno reads with a sincere depth of feeling which adds to the enjoyment and clarity of these classic works.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A good book, not a practical one

The nuggets of wisdom in the book are sparse, little is applicable for most people

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!