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A Mythical Analysis Of A Yaqui Way Of Knowledge - Term Papers

A Mythical Analysis Of A Yaqui Way Of Knowledge

In the summer of 1960, Carlos Casteneda, a UCLA anthropology student traveled to
the southwest to do research on medicinal plants. While at a bus station, he
met an extraordinary man. His name was don Juan Mateus, but I will refer to him
as don Juan. Don Juan, a Yaqui "brujo" or shaman, decides to teach Carlos the
"Yaqui way of knowledge." It is not known if these stories are fiction or non-
fiction and many critics still debate over his writings. I interpret his books
as modern mythological stories for several reasons. The "Heroic Journey
Archetype" and shamanistic ideologies, and also the general moral, explainative,
and philosophical content of his writings indicate that these ...

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I believe his stories are mythical in nature.

There are also many shamanistic idealogies that run throughout his stories.
Views of the natural world including plant life, animal life, and elements are
all personified. Everything is embodied with spirit. Concepts of reality are
altered through drug induced states. Mushrooms and peyote are mainly used in
rituals that don Juan uses to teach Carlos his way of knowledge: Mescalito, the
"spirit" of the peyote plant, indicated to don Juan that Carlos was the "chosen"
one, the person to whom don Juan should pass on his knowledge(CLC,87). Don Juan
speaks of many different spirits and separate realities. His teaching's gave an
explanation to man's view of existence and his ignorance resulting from
attachment to the material world.

Mythological proof is also found in don Juan's teachings, which compare Indian
folklore, mysticism, and philosophy. Don Juan explains that there are many
different planes of reality and that a warrior must ...

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A Mythical Analysis Of A Yaqui Way Of Knowledge. (2007, January 29). Retrieved January 17, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Mythical-Analysis-Yaqui-Way-Knowledge/59472

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 1/29/2007 07:15:51 PM
Category: Miscellaneous
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 574
Pages: 3

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