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Complexity · 3719 days ago · link · · parent · post: Ask HubskI: Has anyone here tried Ayuhuasca? And if so, can you describe the experience?
FYI Jay Courtney Fikes, an anthropologist, investigated Castaneda's work and concluded that he had based the character of Don Juan upon Ramon Medina Silva, a Huichol shaman. He outlines some serious shortcomings in Castaneda's depictions of the yaqui as ciphers for the Huichol and concludes that: "he [Don Juan] is more allegorical than actual". It certainly doesn't stop one from enjoying the books but it's worth reading Fikes work alongside. Title: Carlos Castaneda, Academic Opportunism And The Psychedelic Sixties.
thenewgreen · 3719 days ago · link ·
Yeah, even back in the 1990's when I read the books I was aware that the scientific validity of his research was questionable at best. But you're right, it's worth the read, if nothing else, for enjoyment.