I was reading Castaneda books around '78 too and what I remember is advice that Don Juan gives to Carlos (quoting approximately from my memory):

Don't indulge in self-pity. Drop your self-importance.
Take full responsibility for everything you do, feel and decide.
Live every day fully, as if it were your last day on Earth.

I still think it is a sound advice, so I pass it on. It is somewhat lacking on warmth and generosity, but there are other places for that.

As for mushrooms, teleporting, mind reading and similar Don Juan's stunts, I did not take these seriously. Did I miss something?

Rudif