Full Description
In this user's guide to Psychedelic Buddhism, Lama Mike Crowley presents techniques for Buddhists who wish to incorporate psychedelics into their practice as well as for psychonauts who are interested in the maps of inner space provided by Buddhism. The author details how psychedelics have led to spontaneous awakening experiences, such as "Indra's net" and universal voidness, that were once thought to be available only to advanced meditators. He explores the use of psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, in a Buddhist context, sharing the kind of spiritual experiences and benefits that can be gained with each. The author also looks at the use of psychedelics encoded in Vedic and Buddhist scriptures, particularly in the Vajrayāna tradition, from the Middle Ages until the present day.
Presenting an informed summary of Buddhism for psychonauts, the author explores the key beliefs of Buddhism, the life of the Buddha, and the practices followed in various yānas, or paths. He describes meditation techniques, with special attention being given to the generation of the Four Positive Attitudes: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, each being taken from their personal to their universal forms. He looks at Buddhism symbols, ceremonies, deities, and initiations, as well as psychic powers in Buddhist tradition, and how these ideas and practices can be used in the exploration of the inner realms of consciousness.
Providing a complete guide to integrating psychedelics into Buddhist practice, this book reveals how the ancient Buddhist teachers discovered their universal maps of consciousness and how you can use their wisdom to guide your journey.
Contents
PREFACE
What Is a Psychedelic?
An Email to My Seven-Year-Old Granddaughter
Merging Psychedelics and Buddhism
A Note about This Book
INTRODUCTION
The Lineage of Psychedelic Buddhism
PART 1
PSYCHEDELICS FOR BUDDHISTS
FOREWORD TO PART 1
A Return to Nothingness
Dr. Ben Sessa
1 Prerequisites
2 Psychedelic Drugs to Enhance Your Buddhist Practice
3 Where and with Whom to Trip
4 Managing Experiences
5 A Few Last Words on Psychedelics for Buddhists
PART 2
BUDDHISM FOR PSYCHONAUTS
FOREWORD TO PART 2
The Shared History of Buddhism and Psychedelics in the West
by Gwyllm Llwydd
6 A Brief History of Buddhism
7 Buddhist Beliefs
8 Symbols in Buddhism
9 So . . . What Is a Buddhist?
10 A Few Last Words for Psychonauts Who Want to Explore Buddhism
PART 3
BECOMING A PSYCHEDELIC BUDDHIST
11 Foundations
12 Vows Taken by Buddhists
13 Traditional Practices
14 Sitting Meditation Practice
15 Group Meditation Practice
16 Daily Practices
17 The Four Positive Attitudes
18 Yoga of the Dream Path
19 Psychic Powers and Magic
20 Tales of Psi-chedelics
21 Poems for Contemplation
22 A Final Wish
APPENDICES
RESOURCES FOR THE READER
APPENDIX 1
Suggested Ceremonies
APPENDIX 2
The Formal Refuge Ceremony for Becoming a Buddhist
APPENDIX 3
Refuge Formulas
APPENDIX 4
Bodhisattva Vows
APPENDIX 5
Dedications of Merit
APPENDIX 6
Buddhist Festivals
Further Reading
Glossary
Index
