Don Juan

It is not hard to wonder if Don Juan isn't pulling Castaneda's leg. The sorcerer certainly enjoys laughing at Castaneda, and although his protégé does not understand most of his contentions at first, he has a genuine affection toward Castaneda. Although it is never stated that Castaneda agrees to become Don Juan's apprentice, everything about the old Indian keeps him intrigued sufficiently to make him return. Some of the tasks he thrusts on Castaneda do seem ludicrous, and just picturing him in the bindes Don Juan places him in, make one laugh. The idea that one has to roll around scanning any area for a "spot of predilection" is hilarious. Yet, Don Juan's instructions pay off every time with magical results, because Castaneda is in Nirvana when sitting or lying on his "spot."

The happenings which Don Juan deems giant omens, such as a crow cawing...