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Carlos Castaneda
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The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, The Original Teachings in a Deluxe 30th Anniversary Edition Hardcover – September 8, 1998

by Carlos Castaneda (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 2,046 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Native American Religion
Thirty years ago the University of California Press published an unusual manuscript by an anthropology student named Carlos Castaneda. The Teachings of Don Juan initiated a generation of seekers dissatisfied with the limitations of the Western worldview. Castaneda's now classic book remains controversial for the alternative way of seeing that it presents and the revolution in cognition it demands.

In a series of fascinating dialogues, Castaneda sets forth his partial initiation with don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian shaman from the state of Sonora, Mexico. He describes don Juan's perception and mastery of the "non-ordinary reality" and how peyote along with other plants sacred to the Mexican Indians were used as gateways to the mysteries of "dread," "clarity," and "power." The Teachings of Don Juan is the story of a remarkable journey that has left an indelible impression on the life of more than a million readers around the world.

"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

"Carlos Castaneda, under the tutelage of don Juan, takes us through the moment of twilight, through the crack in the universe between daylight and dark into a world not merely other than our own, but of an entirely different order of reality."—Walter Goldschmidt, from the Foreword
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  1. Book 1 of 12
    The Teachings of Don Juan
  2. Print length
    215 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    University of California Press
  5. Publication date
    September 8, 1998
  6. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0520217551
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0520217553
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Original publisher University of California Press here offers a 30th-anniversary edition of Castenada's Teachings. Along with the original text, this sports a new introduction by the author, who, it was revealed recently, died earlier this year. Though this is reasonably priced for a hardcover, libraries needing multiples copies may opt for the paperback.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Castaneda's sanity lends to even the most lurid experiences the force of data. It compels us to believe that don Juan is one of the most extraordinary figures in anthropological literature, a neolithic sage. It helps us to accept, from the continent we stole, a mysterious gift of wisdom." -- Life

"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

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Carlos Castaneda's books. . . . One can't exaggerate the significance of what he has done." -- Roger Jellinek, The New York Times

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of California Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 8, 1998
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Subsequent
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 215 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0520217551
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0520217553
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.02 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  • Book 1 of 12 ‏ : ‎ The Teachings of Don Juan
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 2,046 ratings

About the author

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Carlos Castaneda

Carlos Castaneda

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Born in 1925 in Peru, anthropologist Carlos Castaneda wrote a total of 15 books, which sold 8 million copies worldwide and were published in 17 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 mysterious death in California in1998, his books continue to inspire and influence his many devoted fans.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,046 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a riveting story that provides a unique perspective on life, with one customer noting it's particularly valuable for understanding shamanic experiences. Moreover, the writing is well-executed and easy to read, and customers consider it worth the price. However, the pacing receives mixed reviews, with one customer noting it's not based on facts.

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92 customers mention "Readability"92 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and mesmerizing classic that is a joy to read.

"Nice to read, interesting and enterteining." Read more

"...This mesmerizing book by Carlos Castaneda offers a remarkable glimpse into the world of Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer, and his teachings..." Read more

"...an interest in anthropology, sociology, and or, just plain...entertaining reading." Read more

"this is a great book that i read 40 years ago, but Amazon only delivers *half of it* with Kindle...." Read more

59 customers mention "Insight"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, appreciating its unique perspective on life and how it expands their understanding.

"Nice to read, interesting and enterteining." Read more

"...Prepare to be captivated by the profound wisdom and transformative journey presented in "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge."..." Read more

"...Yet it all seems very plausible for those that have undertaken deep spiritual meditative journeys or from talking with others who has experimented..." Read more

"...Regardless of my somewhat prejudicial summary, there are some very good points of wisdom handed down by Don Juan that should be remembered by any..." Read more

34 customers mention "Adventure"29 positive5 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and entertaining, describing it as a riveting story that takes them on a journey through history.

"Nice to read, interesting and enterteining." Read more

"...The Teachings of Don Juan" takes readers on a thought-provoking adventure that challenges our perception of reality and offers deep insights into..." Read more

"...None the less, the book remains a major pioneering feat, and is interesting especially, if you are reading it for the first time...." Read more

"...Is this a factual scholarly refrence? Probally not. Is it a very entertaining and intresting book? Without a doubt!" Read more

14 customers mention "Writing quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with one customer particularly appreciating Carlos Castaneda's writing style.

"...It is all written very well and surprising when reading the second portion how intense all the ideas really are...." Read more

"Easy read about the difficulties of being different and yet, normal" Read more

"...Herein lies the advantage of shamanistic writing, in that it does not require one to first believe in anything in order to gain benefits from it...." Read more

"...As for the quality of writing, it strives not to get in the way of the ideas, which, in a work about ideas, is a good thing...." Read more

12 customers mention "Value for money"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth the money, with one mentioning that the quality is good for the price.

"The first book in an amazing series for a very reasonable price with a minimum writing on the early pages" Read more

"...lessons the author shares with his readers are an important and valuable treasure." Read more

"...I am very happy too. The price was great, the shipping time wasn't too bad considering and the recipient loved it! I would buy from you again!" Read more

"I got this set (used), for my moms birthday. The used price was so much more realistic and the copies do look older, but are in good condition...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.

"I love this author. He was one of my first esoteric or mystical authors in my life. Humor mixed with powerful teachings." Read more

"...Which means it is not based on facts. How naive and stupid I was in my youth. Don’t waste your time and money buying and reading this book!" Read more

"Classic book, a bit yellowed with age, as expected of 1968 1st edition...." Read more

"I like the manners of the old Indian, a better rendition of a naturalist as he actually lives out there...." Read more

Arrived on time and in good quality
5 out of 5 stars
Arrived on time and in good quality
I bought both, the Mass Paperback version and the Paperback version. The Mass Paperback is as expected, a cheap version so it is small and the pages are like newspaper material, but they are all printed well and with margins on the sides, the size of the letters are small but legible, and I liked more this cover's design than the Paperback version. On the other hand, the Paperback version is also as expected, it has better quality in terms of the cover material, the pages material and the size of the letters and the book itself are a bigger than the Mass Paperback version. The only thing I didn't like so much is that the books weren't sealed on plastic, they were all without protection. However, they arrived completely safe and in excellent conditions, no marks, no sports, no anything weird. All new, all good. The Mass paperback is for me and the Paperback for a gift =)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Lea Goldman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy reding
    Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Nice to read, interesting and enterteining.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Review Expert
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ✨ Embark on a Mind-Expanding Journey with "The Teachings of Don Juan" ✨

    Prepare to be captivated by the profound wisdom and transformative journey presented in "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge." This mesmerizing book by Carlos Castaneda offers a remarkable glimpse into the world of Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer, and his teachings that transcend the boundaries of conventional knowledge.

    "The Teachings of Don Juan" takes readers on a thought-provoking adventure that challenges our perception of reality and offers deep insights into the human experience. Through Carlos Castaneda's vivid storytelling, we are introduced to the ancient wisdom and shamanic practices of Don Juan, providing a unique perspective on life, consciousness, and the mysteries of the universe. It's a journey that will expand your mind, awaken your curiosity, and ignite your thirst for knowledge. 🌌📚💫
    19 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Eric Dunn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Learn more…
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Expanding and exploring the world we live in can help us bring healing to this world, to humanity! Than you!
    Helpful
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  • Roberto Shidokan Curtis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don Juan revisited: Adventures in Paradise
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Without knowing why and after nearly 30 years of first reading this book I suddenly discovered an urge to visit with Don Juan again. Carlos takes us on an entertaining journey to become a man of knowledge. As Don Juan advises you have no need to visit with Mescalito, Humito or other allies if you have the experience, or can imagine the experience. Carlos' clear narration makes it so that one has no need to visit the allies personally. I suspect if your imagination remains challenged or your adventurous side gets the best of you..... yet you won't have a guide for the journey! Here again you experience Don Juan through Carlos' descriptive narration.

    Don Juan teaches that to become a true man of knowledge one must overcome:
    1. Fear, then
    2. Clarity, that then gives them
    3. Power, and finally
    4. age

    If you wonder about Mescalito or Humito and other allies, the narrative of Carlos' journey should suffice without having to find your own man of knowledge and guide.

    As you read Carlos' narratives you may find yourself wondering about the veracity of what you read. As you discover the more you dive into his books he explains a reality distinct from our own. The arguments used to disprove his narratives seem unconvincing. If he were merely to have made these up then I can only stand back and marvel at his unique imagination. Yet it all seems very plausible for those that have undertaken deep spiritual meditative journeys or from talking with others who has experimented with mescaline and 'shrooms.

    Discussing this book with Gen X and Y folks leaves them staring at you slack-jawed as insects fly in their mouth to nibble on lunch remnants. Carlos' narrative, so widely read by Baby Boomers a long time ago and far away, has no resonation among the younger folks. So far, it seems that this partially explains their conviction that by just showing up they are ideally qualified to lead and decide. There is little questioning or wondering about the meaning of, or their perception of, reality.

    I bet you can't read just one of these books.

    Happy Travels!

    [...]
    38 people found this helpful
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  • Joseph R. Calamia
    4.0 out of 5 stars TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    "The Teachings of Don Juan A Yaqui Way of Knowledge" by Carlos Castaneda was a real pioneering anthropological study of shamanism, and a door-opener into the prevailing 1960's and early 1970's sub- drug culture.

    Carlos Castaneda gave us a new look into the possibilities of various realities and perceptions not really understood, and only discussed at late evening dinner parties, or in the dorm rooms of various colleges or, perhaps a sociology classroom here and there.

    For some reason, the fact that Castaneda was using drugs for research and personal understanding made the book easily more acceptable to a variety of his readers.

    I first read the book about 40 years ago. At the time I thought it was superb. However, upon re-reading it (at age 62), it simply didn't have the same powerful grasp it once held.

    The initial meeting between Castaneda and the alleged "Don Juan" is interesting reading as is the recruitment process into the shadow-world of the shaman. Naturally, there are psychotropic drugs involved, but it seemed to me that page after page, after page was nothing more of recounting his "trip" experience from the three major sources of Yaqui wisdom; Peyote, Jimson Weed, and Mushroom.

    The use of such drugs obviously enhances the ideas of what we today would call; "Shape shifting," Astral Projection, and various other rather well known terms in today's
    "witchy" terminology.

    Although, Mr. Castaneda followed this publication with numerous other related stories, I think he probably spent too much time and focus on the drugs for surely...there was much more knowledge passed on other than the collection, preparation, and usage of various hallucinogens.

    None the less, the book remains a major pioneering feat, and is interesting especially, if you are reading it for the first time. It is a contemporary real life story of "The Sourcer's Apprentice" with Carlos Castaneda playing the role of Walt Disney's "Mickey Mouse."

    Regardless of my somewhat prejudicial summary, there are some very good points of wisdom handed down by Don Juan that should be remembered by any generation who has an interest in anthropology, sociology, and or, just plain...entertaining reading.
    18 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • !?
    5.0 out of 5 stars 値段が嬉しい!!
    Reviewed in Japan on October 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    このボリュームの本の朗読が、この値段で手に入るのはとても嬉しい。出来る事なら “カスタネダ” の他のシリーズの朗読もこの値段のCDで出してもらいたい。（Audible版は高いので）
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  • Gray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless wisdom
    Reviewed in Germany on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Nowadays we know that Castaneda made Don Juan up. Still, these lessons are timeless. It's a worthwhile read. This is the first book in a 12 book series. I recommend also reading book 3 "Journey to Ixtlan". In my oppinion the best one in the series, but it makes more sense if you read this one first. Happy reading!
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  • Sabina.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible.
    Reviewed in Spain on August 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Life changing book.
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  • Victor Cezar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mudou minha percepção sobre realidade
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Quer um livro para mudar abalar a sua base?

    Pegue essel livro, ele vai te abrir o olho para o impossivel!
    Report
  • Vesta
    1.0 out of 5 stars Research before buying
    Reviewed in Italy on January 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I regret not having done research on the author before buying this. It's a nice fantasy book written by a cult leader, but do NOT count on what is written and don't take it seriously, it's a work of fiction
    Report