Just started reading "Moksha" by Aldus Huxley. He uses the term - psychodelic.
Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
81–90 of 98 posts
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#82Earlier quoted context omitted.
> investigating consciousness with a more eastern philosophy lens Is taking drugs under controlled conditions something that’s especially Eastern?
Many people think psychedelics and meditation (commonly associated with eastern religions like Buddhism) are very similar.
There certainly is a large overlap between people who are advocates of one or the other. Though I think, coming from the eastern philosophy side of things, the association is kind of strange. Literally, withholding from intoxicants is part of the five householder precepts in Buddishm & Taoism, maybe in others as well . With good reason (my opinion). At least from a vipassana perspective, anything like psychedelics will just get in the way.
That being said, I like the idea of using these kind of tools in a controlled setting for treating certain psychological issues. I hope they're careful in not getting too many people zonked out on newly created mental constructions. Though I suppose its better to be happy than depressed, regardless of the conditions surrounding it.
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#83At minimum, those substances would be very useful in a therapy setting with a trusted therapist. They might also be useful on their own merits, as in, if you have severe depression and eat a bunch of mushrooms maybe you won't be so depressed anymore. Given the current state of anti-depressants, it certainly seems worth a shot.
Yes, these drugs show much promise for mental health. I'd love to see them used not only for those suffering from depression, anxiety, smoking, alcoholism, OCD, and so forth, but I'd be interested to see programmers, engineers, musicians, athletes, and all sorts of groups take these drugs and see how it affects their lives. Based on Michael Pollan's book, there's good reason to argue that neuro-typical individuals can benefit very highly, as well as those with disorders in need of treatment.
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#84This probably isn't the place for it, but here's my anecdote to give background to why I think this is a step in a more humane direction than most. Once upon a time, I chopped up a bag of dry mushrooms and mixed them with some general tso chicken. I really love my general tso. This particular meal occurred during a point in my life where I was near my lowest. I was depressed, burned out, reeling from failure. For abo…
The only place I'd disagree with you is where you say that this isn't the place for it -- I'd argue that this exactly is a great place for it.
Very well written, and feels similar to some of my own experiences. I'm impressed by your ability to use Blender, though!
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#85"I smoked pot with Johnny Hopkins! It was Sloan Ketterin and Johnny Hopkins and they were blazing that shit up every day."
This might be true.
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#86Earlier quoted context omitted.
> It is harmful in most cases. Are you able to substantiate this with evidence of some kind?
There's ample evidence that inhaling smoke is harmful, for example, for the same reasons why smoking cigarettes is harmful.
When you say harmful, what do you mean exactly? Is this harm observable and consequential in most cases?
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#87Earlier quoted context omitted.
Suspect Joe Rogan has also been a fair influence too. His podcast has a massive and varied fan base, and he's a pretty consistent promoter of the benefits of psychedelics.
I think it's just the world. Joe Rogan is popular because currently "Joe Rogan Things" are growing (Weed, fitness, nutrition, MMA, psychadelics). These are all trending.
It's still rare for a celebrity to be as gung-ho and upfront about drug use, while also being very healthy. Usually drug use and celebrities are mentioned together in tabloids along with calls for them to go to rehab.
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#88Earlier quoted context omitted.
Many people think psychedelics and meditation (commonly associated with eastern religions like Buddhism) are very similar.
There certainly is a large overlap between people who are advocates of one or the other. Though I think, coming from the eastern philosophy side of things, the association is kind of strange. Literally, withholding from intoxicants is part of the five householder precepts in Buddishm & Taoism, maybe in others as well . With good reason (my opinion). At least from a vipassana perspective, anything like psychedelics wi…
> Though I think, coming from the eastern philosophy side of things, the association is kind of strange.
I think the primary common interest is the meditation aspect due to the similarities in effects, but then out of that often comes similar viewpoints on life.
> At least from a vipassana perspective, anything like psychedelics will just get in the way.
No doubt they have an effect, but in what way do you think they "get in the way"?
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#89Earlier quoted context omitted.
Many people think psychedelics and meditation (commonly associated with eastern religions like Buddhism) are very similar.
There certainly is a large overlap between people who are advocates of one or the other. Though I think, coming from the eastern philosophy side of things, the association is kind of strange. Literally, withholding from intoxicants is part of the five householder precepts in Buddishm & Taoism, maybe in others as well . With good reason (my opinion). At least from a vipassana perspective, anything like psychedelics wi…
The key word here being, "intoxicants". All medicines are not intoxicating. Giving one access to pure nondualistic states of consciousness, in a safe, controlled, and intentional setting, as many entheogenic medicines are capable of doing, is the exact opposite of intoxicating.
Also, the Buddhist lineage it sounds like you are referring to is one of many. Because you mention vipassana, I'm guessing Theravada / Hinayana. There are other vehicles that have different precepts & ontologies, e.g. Mahayana and Vajrayana.
That being said, I do firmly believe that having a solid foundation will benefit any experience in expanded states of consciousness induced by psychedelic medicines. This foundation can be nurtured and supported through myriad means such as meditation, therapy, and other forms of mindfulness-based, somatically-oriented practices.
With this foundation in place, it is not uncommon for people to reach much deeper states of meditative capacity and awareness through the careful use of these substances. This is why, within the guide communities, it's often said that a single daylong guided experience can be equivalent to attending a 1-month silent meditation retreat, or 5 to 10 years of psychotherapy.
Re: Johns Hopkins Launches Center for Psychedelic Research
#90If you are in the Bay Area, and are interested in Fungi checkout the debut of renowned Mycologist Paul Stamets film called Fantastic Fungi. He will be speaking afterwards as well taking questions.