Kann DAS tatsächlich zu spirituellem Erwachen führen?

Can altered states of consciousness actually lead to spiritual awakening? Spirituality and psychoactive substances are a sensitive topic that, depending on the decade, could not be more controversial in the continent and cultural circle. While numerous transmissions teach us that the use of psychoactive substances has been helping shamans and priests to connect with the divine for years, all kinds of drugs mainly have a bad image in our context. No one would come up with the idea of ​​meditation seminars or courses on awareness-building with LSD, marijuana or magic mushrooms, at least no serious providers. And yet the history of spirituality seems inseparable from the use of psychedelics. Reason enough to devote ourselves today to the dizzying and breathtaking worlds of toxic remedies that expand consciousness and provide a shortcut to divine closeness. 1. What are psychedelics? This means that psychoactive substances can evoke altered states of consciousness. They fog up our logical thinking and our perception. Psychedelics are usually eaten or chewed. However, some can also be smoked or injected. It is not uncommon to have severe hallucinations. Consumers lose all sense of time. But mainly mystical or spiritual experiences are desired. Aftereffects that can occur weeks or months later are not uncommon. However, some studies find these substances to be promising for the treatment of depression and anxiety. 2. Which psychedelics are used for spiritual purposes? A. Ayahuasca For this substance we have to travel to the Amazon rainforest. Various liana species are used to obtain this substance there. They contain the psychoactive compound DMT. Ayahuasca has been used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin for healing and spiritual purposes for centuries. B. Psychedelic mushrooms They contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that can evoke feelings of euphoria and expansion of consciousness. In addition, magic mushrooms strengthen our sense of connection to nature. C. LSD This drug, which was especially popular in the late 1960s, is actually much older. The chemical substance was already synthesized in the 1930s and was used in the Second World War, among other things, as flying chocolate for fighter pilots. LSD is still one of the strongest psychedelics and can cause profound changes in consciousness and perception. D. Peyote The inconspicuous cactus, which contains the psychoactive compound mescaline, seems harmless at first glance. The indigenous tribes in North America, however, have known and appreciated peyote for spiritual rituals for centuries. E. DMT DMT is a natural, highly hallucinogenic substance that occurs, for example, in ayahuasca lianas. It can evoke intense visual and acoustic psychosis and lead to profound spiritual experiences. F. Pineapple All of the world's about 14 known species of this nocturnal plant are highly toxic. The pineapple contains several psychoactive compounds, including atropine and scopolamine. It was often used for spiritual purposes in the past, but it is now well known that its ingredients are highly toxic and therefore dangerous. G. Marihuana In addition to LSD, it is said to be the most famous psychoactive drug. Its consumption is largely illegal, even if its use in plant healing is now so-called official. Cannabis is known to evoke feelings of relaxation, euphoria and a changed perception. 3. Can a changed state of consciousness provide divine enlightenment? In recent years, modern research has been able to gain new insights into the mechanisms that are evoked by psychedelics. Most people confirm intense spiritual experiences after the use of psychoactive substances. In fact, psychedelics seem to change the activity of the Defo Mode Network, abbreviated DMN, in our brain. This is activated, for example, when we daydream or think intensively about something. Psychedelics cause this region to be foamed. One therefore feels less strongly bound to one's ego and self-confidence, but detached from it. This can lead to deep spiritual experiences, such as a feeling of unity with the divine. However, not everyone will have the same experiences here, and as everywhere else, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. 4. The advantages of psychedelics a. New self-image The consumption of psychoactive substances can have a deeper understanding of our self-image and our place in the world. b. Spiritual experience Psychedelics can lead to deep spiritual experiences. c. Improved mental health Psychedelics help with depression, anxiety and PTBS to a certain extent. d. Foaming creativity Artists know the enormous impact that psychedelics have on their creative activity for centuries. e. Expanded consciousness Psychedelics can help people to break free from boundaries in their heads and to expand their consciousness and worldview. 5. The disadvantages, risks of the consumption of psychedelics a. Habitual effects and addiction potential Here the spirits separate, but especially in the case of marijuana and LSD, it is now generally known that they are classic entry drugs that can make you addicted quickly. But also nausea, headaches and vomiting are common side effects that are not pleasant. b. Horror trips, psychosis and nightmares Psychedelics can not only cause positive, but also severe negative experiences and regular horror trips. These can be traumatic and can have serious side effects. c. Conflicts of law In all spiritual search for meaning, we should not ignore the earthly laws completely. The consumption of most of the substances mentioned here is illegal in our context and therefore not necessarily a highly recommended leisure activity. Our conclusion today, artificial intervention or real insight? If there is actually a connection between psychedelics and spiritual awakening, the spirits separate on this. The opponents argue that these effects only cause chemically induced changes in consciousness that have no permanent effect. The advocates argue that psychedelic experiences reveal exactly those dimensions of reality and consciousness that remained hidden from our mind without these substances. If we look at the history of human spirituality, there are always stories of mystical revelations that have occurred during certain skeptical or hermetic phases. Fasting and dehydration, such as excessive sweating, are also well-known aids in bringing about states of consciousness expansion. Not everything that has arisen under the influence of psychedelic drugs may be bad. We would have to miss, for example, many works of art and great pieces of music, if there were no LSD and cannabis. Whether the divine radio necessarily needs hallucinogenic means to be unleashed must and may be decided by each and every one of us. If you liked our podcast today, please give us a thumbs up. 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