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Journey To Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,127 listener ratings
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Synopsis
Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan, published in 1973, is part auto-biography, part surrealist tale, written by author and anthropologist Carlos Castanada. This audiobook is narrated splendidly by Luis Moreno.
This is the third in a series of books about Carlos Castanada's experience with his teacher Don Juan Matus, an alleged shaman. While Castanada was a student of anthropology, he was inspired by this Mexican-Indian teacher to create these three texts which relate his challenges of perception when in the presence of Don Juan.
It is the first in the Don Juan series that does not feature the use of psychedelic drugs for a hallucinogen. Some of the original philosophies of Don Juan are omitted by Castaneda in this third installment. Here we find him always taking notes and asking questions. There are many discussions of death and personal past, self-discipline and preparation.
Castaneda narrates these tales in first person, and though some critics call them fictional works, others who support him say that they are either true or, if nothing else, of great value to philosophy and awareness expanding rituals and habits. A book full of humor and wisdom, one can self-examine and ponder life and death and the dimensions of reality, whether false or true, in the ways we believe in the image about ourselves.
Castaneda was born on Christmas Day 1925 in Cajamarca, Peru. He moved to North America in the 50's and was naturalized soon after. He was married and has one son biologically, and one adopted. He married again, though never divorced from his first wife. He sometimes calls what he does sorcery, sometimes magic, sometimes shamanism.
"This book offers a different way in which to experience reality that is both uplifting and enlightening. In telling the story of a young academic seeking knowledge to inform his research, the story guides the reader through a philosophy which nurtures peace and acceptance, and ultimately happiness. Once one has made this philosophy a way of life, he or she may never return "home"."
— Nicole (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“We are incredibly fortunate to have Carlos Castaneda’s books. Taken together, they form a work which is among the best that the science of anthropology has produced. The story they tell is so good, and the descriptions so vivid, that I was utterly fascinated as I read.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“If anything, it is more strangely beautiful and provocative than his first two books. It is truly another world, foreign enough to make us suspend judgment, and Castaneda’s achievement is that he makes it tangible for us.”
— Saturday Review -
“Simply as literary items, the Don Juan books have a separate, altogether dislocating reality—meticulous scholarship as the vehicle for a vision that can’t be fixed in space and time.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Journey To Ixtlan Listener Reviews
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" This is the Castaneda book that many of my friends say is their favorite. So if you are only planning on reading one, pick this one. You don't need to read the first book, for IXTLAN to make sense. "
— Sam, 2/6/2014 -
" I read this as a young man in 1992, 20 years after it published. 20 years later I am more grateful than ever for the many gifts it bestowed upon me. Most of all it gave me a deep sense of the diversity of human experience and culture - and the common threads that nevertheless exist among us all. "
— Brad, 1/11/2014 -
" You only read this book once. The many subsequent times you return to it are for study in how to think, how to live. "
— Ramon, 12/23/2013 -
" So bummed I didn't bring my peyote with me when I read this. Whoa.... Sort of meanders for a while. Hard to follow after too many spirits and time/space loops. Interesting, but I'm done with finding my inner-Warrior for now. "
— Nick, 11/24/2013 -
" I love this book. I would go into the park on purpose to read this, climbing past barricades so i could sit in hollowed out trees or by ponds where no one could see me. It's a special book with essential information about the world we materialists choose not to see. SO recommended! "
— SeaGreen, 11/19/2013 -
" A magic book! "
— Olga, 10/19/2013 -
" its a bit out there, but it definitely stretches the mind "
— Yotamhod24, 10/15/2013 -
" khob , bazi az nazaraye DON KHOVAN - rahnemaye kastanda- kheili darkhore tafakor va gah kheili shabihe aghayede khodemoone! "
— Hoda, 9/19/2013 -
" I learned so much for this book. It opened my eyes. It answered the questions that I had been seeking the right words for. "
— Dina, 6/29/2013 -
" I just truly enjoy this author, his writing style speaks to me on another level, positive and honest. "
— Kristen, 3/1/2013 -
" This is a series that compelled me to change my life energetically. "
— Steve, 2/7/2013
About Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda (1925–1998) was an American author with a doctorate in anthropology. He wrote many bestselling books on shamanism, beginning with The Teachings of Don Juan. He wrote a total of fifteen books, which sold millions of copies worldwide and were published in seventeen different languages. In his writings, he describes the teaching of Don Juan, a Yaqui sorcerer and shaman. His works helped define the 1960s and usher in the New Age movement.
About Luis Moreno
Luis Moreno, a voice actor, has narrated several audiobooks throughout his career.