Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America

In the 1960s, Americans combined psychedelics with Buddhist meditation to achieve direct experience through altered states of consciousness. Some practitioners abandoned psychedelics in favor of stricter mental discipline, while others carried on with the experiment, advancing a fascinating alchemy called psychedelic Buddhism. This underground practice has evolved into a brand of religiosity as eclectic and challenging as the era that created it, and the book Altered States explores this phenomenon through interviews with well-known figures and personal stories of everyday practitioners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the vibrant decade of the 1960s, a remarkable fusion of psychedelics and Buddhist meditation emerged in the United States, paving the way for individuals to embark on a profound journey of direct experience through altered states of consciousness. As some practitioners delved deeper into the teachings of Buddhism, they embraced a stricter mental discipline, abandoning the use of psychedelics in favor of more rigorous practices. However, a select group of enthusiasts continued to explore the intersection of these two realms, giving rise to a captivating alchemy known as psychedelic Buddhism.

While some may argue that the exploration of psychedelics in Buddhism waned with the revolutionary spirit of the sixties, the truth is that the underground practice has evolved into a diverse and complex form of religiosity, as eclectic and challenging as the era that birthed it. This captivating documentary, Altered States, delves into the depths of this phenomenon, featuring insightful interviews with renowned figures in American Buddhism and psychedelic spirituality. Among these distinguished individuals are Lama Surya Das, Erik Davis, Allan Badiner, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold Sensei, Rick Strassman, and Charles Tart. Their profound insights and personal stories shed light on the evolving landscape of psychedelic religion in the United States, offering a nuanced perspective that adds critical depth to ongoing debates surrounding the controlled use of psychedelics and drug-induced mysticism.

Furthermore, Altered States opens up new avenues of inquiry into profound topics such as re-enchantment, the boundaries of rationality, the biochemical and psychosocial underpinnings of altered states of consciousness, and the nature of subjective experience. By exploring these themes, the book fosters a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the potential for spiritual transformation that lies within us.

In conclusion, Altered States serves as a testament to the enduring power of exploration and the boundless possibilities that arise when different belief systems converge. Through its compelling interviews and thought-provoking narratives, the documentary offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of psychedelic Buddhism, providing a valuable contribution to our understanding of religion, spirituality, and the human mind.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231177313