Carlos Castaneda (December 25, 1925 – April 27, 1998) was an American author and anthropologist best known for his controversial and influential series of books on the teachings of a Yaqui shaman named Don Juan Matus. Castaneda’s writings, commonly categorized as works of anthropology or ethnography, delve into shamanic practices, altered states of consciousness, and mystical experiences. However, the authenticity of Castaneda’s accounts has been a subject of debate among scholars.

Carlos Castaneda was born in Cajamarca, Peru, and later became a naturalized American citizen.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in 1962.

He pursued a master’s degree in anthropology at UCLA, and it was during this time that he began his interactions with Don Juan Matus.

Castaneda’s most well-known and controversial works are a series of books that purportedly document his apprenticeship with Don Juan, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer and shaman.

The first book in the series, “The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge,” was published in 1968 and gained widespread attention.

Castaneda’s works are often considered a blend of anthropology, philosophy, and fiction.

Critics have questioned the authenticity of the events and teachings described in his books, with some suggesting that they are a work of fiction rather than a factual account.

Carlos Castaneda continued to write and publish books throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

He founded Cleargreen, an organization that sought to promote and teach the principles and practices described in his books.

Carlos Castaneda died on April 27, 1998, at the age of 72, in Los Angeles, California.

The circumstances of his death and the handling of his remains were kept private by his associates, contributing to the mystery surrounding his life.

Despite the controversy surrounding the authenticity of his work, Carlos Castaneda’s books had a significant impact on popular culture and the New Age movement. The Don Juan series, in particular, remains influential for those interested in shamanism, mysticism, and alternative spiritual practices.