The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge

Style and Technique

"The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge" is written in the genre of documentary prose, presented as the author's journal entries documenting his interactions with the Yaqui shaman Don Juan Matus. The narrative style is characterized by scientific objectivity and a commitment to accurately conveying dialogues and events. The language of the book blends elements of scientific discourse with artistic storytelling, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the mystical practices and philosophy of the Yaqui Indians. Literary techniques include the use of direct speech, which adds liveliness and immediacy to the narrative. The book's structure alternates between descriptions of the author's personal experiences and theoretical explanations provided by Don Juan to Castaneda. This creates a dynamic interplay between practical experience and philosophical reflection, which is a key feature of the work.