Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America

Description

Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America by Douglas Osto explores the intersection between Buddhist practice and psychedelic experiences in the American spiritual landscape. Osto examines how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca have influenced Buddhist practitioners, particularly in the countercultural movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Drawing from historical accounts, personal narratives, and philosophical analysis, the book investigates the ways in which altered states of consciousness have shaped modern understandings of Buddhist meditation, enlightenment, and mystical experiences. Osto delves into the controversial question of whether psychedelic-induced states of consciousness can be considered genuine spiritual experiences in the Buddhist tradition. He examines the perspectives of prominent Buddhist teachers and scholars, some of whom embrace psychedelics as potential tools for insight and awakening, while others reject them as artificial or misleading. The book also explores how psychedelic experiences compare to traditional Buddhist practices such as Vipassana and Zen meditation, analyzing similarities and differences in their effects on perception, selfhood, and the nature of reality. Through a balanced and scholarly approach, Altered States offers a nuanced discussion of the role of psychedelics in contemporary spiritual practice, highlighting their potential benefits and risks. It is an essential read for those interested in Buddhism, psychedelic studies, and the evolving landscape of spirituality in America.