A Yaqui Way of Knowledge (Arkana) by Carlos Castaneda (1990-02-22)

Mr. Castaneda used a vast amount of halucinogens (Datura, mushrooms, and Peyote) to name only three various halucinogens he used.
There is no need to to take halucinogens to participate in Shamanic journeying.
Here are four ways that are just as valid, and more importantly SAFER.
Drumming (listening to a real drummer or drumming tape), Fasting, meditation, or thirst. All three will move the brain into the Shamanic state of consciousness and open the doorways without adding toxins to your system.
Your body is a temple, treat it as such.

I wondered what all the fuss was, guessing at the time this came out it was kinda revolutionary. But if you've read books like Seth Speaks, any of the Abraham-Hicks literature or several other heavy metaphysical books this one could fall flat. I got to a certain point & put it down.

This book fundamentally changed the way that I think about myself and the world around me. It is engaging, inspiring and all encompassing. I couldn't imagine a better purchase for $7. Shipped on time in wonderful condition. I may actually purchase additional copies to hand out to my friends and family.

This book can assist you in developing your relatioship with Infinite Source. The captivating point is the use of special herbs and plants for this purpose. Some spritualist may refer to this process as the dark side, however, the use of spiritual desciplines to tap and nurture your inner self cannot be underrated.

If you want to gain an understanding of the power of the human brain coupled with faith, then this is the book for you. It is not religious, but it is about belief and tapping into your power. Nothing great in life comes easily, but when it does, it is well worth the work.

When I ordered it I was expecting a hardcover and what was received was a paperback. I've noticed the description has since changed, so they corrected the error. The return was easy. I had to follow up once to let them know the package was available for them to pickup and they immediately refunded my money.

I would definitely purchase from this seller again.

I first read this book & then the subsequent 2 others that followed when I was 18 years old. Forty years later I still attribute this work as one of the pivotal works that set me on my own personal life journey to discover more than meets the eye. Recommend this to anyone.

The book was readable, but I would not consider it to be above poor in condition. I was surprised to get such a raggedy book but it was readable, so I guess it served its purpose. As far as the story itself, it was weak. What gave it some interest to me was the authors background, and mysterious death( he became a reclusive cult leader of sorts).

It was recommended by a friend and I approached reading with an open mind. When I skipped ahead to a section describing sewing shut a lizard's eyes and mouth, I stopped reading the book in disgust. This path of spirituality is not for me!

It's a cheap, mass-market paperback that contains many pages of black letters strung out in a very specific order, an order that I desired and for which I was willing to pay the requested amount. Good enough.

I received my book very quickly (2days) and it was in like new condition, just as advertised. I am still waiting for my orders from other suppliers one full week later. I would use this dealer preferentially next time, if possible.

I have not read that many books on shamanism. But I loved this one. I assume that this was part of a doctoral thesis because in my
edition, it says copyright is owned by the University of California.

Castaneda does not answer the question whether you can be a self-help shaman. I personally thought that spirits chose the shaman.
That you had to recover from an incurable illness to be considered a shaman.

The book is beautifully written. Castaneda meets Don Juan, whom he learns is a shaman. He takes many notes.
The question people ask is whether any of this is real or not. I would say it is. I would even venture to say
that when the sorceress tries to off Castaneda is also not imagined.

It is another worldview. For example people in China live with the worldview of chi or energy, whereas in the West, people in
general are ignorant of chi energy. That does not mean that some people do not feel it.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

There is some who believe this is fiction and some who believe it is not. Was Don Juan a real man, was he a collection of teachers the Carlos Castaneda studied under, did it all really even happen? Who know. The story is also tainted by path Castaneda's live took later with is "cult of witches" and such. I did not let that taint my enjoyment of the book. Don Juan has such a simple calm voice in the book, full of wisdom. Carlos is the opposite, full of impatience and questions. We had a very good discussion at book club regarding our experiences about the book, from "life changing" from a member who read it in the 70 while in his teens to "eh" from a member who is a HS history teacher to all in between. Read it from your own point of view, an interesting story, a true path to knowledge or anything in between.

Beautifully written and fascinating, but Castaneda wrote fiction and passed it off as fact -- duping generations of readers. What a shame because he had the talent to tell a great tale. The first rule of spirituality: don't tell lies. Richard de Mille, the son of the director, and other people worked to debunk the books and pointed out that the Yaqui don't use peyote, for example, plus compiled a long list of spiritual sayings from other writers and sages that Castanada reworded (in other words, he plagiarized). I read several of the books a long time ago and didn't realize the author made them up, plus the money goes to a cult he founded. On principle, I wish I hadn't bought it now.

Carlos Castaneda wouldn't know the numinous if it hit him square in the face. I'm so glad I listened to the free audio book before buying any of his books because they are not worth the paper they're printed on as far as a seeker is concerned. He must have said non ordinary reality 100k times in his first book. Please put me out of my misery.

Anyone interested in shamanism and nature magic would be wise to read this book and the subsequent books by Carlos Castaneda. The most authentic books on Earth sorcery I have ever found. No New Age fluffiness. Don Juan exemplifies the gritty nature of shamanism.