Literature & Fiction, Religion & Spirituality
The Author
Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his purported training in traditional Mesoamerican shamanism. His 12 books have sold more than 8 million copies in 17 languages. The books and Castaneda, who rarely spoke in public about his work, have been controversial for many years. Supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy and descriptions of practices, which enable an increased awareness. Academic critics claim the books are works of fiction, citing the books’ internal contradictions, discrepancies between the books and anthropological data, alternate sources for Castaneda’s detailed knowledge of shamanic practices and lack of corroborating evidence.
Castaneda died on April 27, 1998 in Los Angeles due to complications from hepatocellular cancer. There was no public service, Castaneda was cremated and the ashes were sent to Mexico. It wasn’t until nearly two months later, on June 19, 1998, that an obituary entitled A Hushed Death for Mystic Author Carlos Castaneda by staff writer J.R. Moehringer appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
The Books
Beginning with “The Teachings of Don Juan” in 1968 and ending with “The Active Side of Infinity” in 1998, Carlos Castaneda wrote a series of books that described his arduous training and associated awareness-expanding experiences under the guidance of Juan Matus and Genaro Flores from 1960 to 1973. Although sometimes inaccurately described as traditional Mesoamerican shamanism, these most ancient protocols or disciplines are more accurately referred to nowadays, thanks in large part to Carlos Castaneda, as “Nagual Shamanism”.
The books in suggested reading order:
A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
A Separate Reality
Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan
Tales of Power
The Second Ring of Power
The Eagle’s Gift
The Fire From Within
The Power of Silence
The Art of Dreaming
Magical Passes: The Practical Wisdom of the Shamans of Ancient Mexico
The Wheel Of Time : The Shamans Of Mexico Their Thoughts About Life, Death, And The Universe
The Active Side of Infinity
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.