http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/drugs-alcohol/dn9522-magic-mushrooms-really-cause-spiritual-experiences.html
2007-11-21 01:05:45 · 18 answers · asked by The Mad Padishah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let me point out that it is still not a disease of the mind... lol ;-)
2007-11-21 01:06:07 · update #1
I wouldn't recommend them in most cases. Drugs, even perscription drugs, can seriously screw up ones trains of thought. Case in point is myself. I have several auto-immune problems (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and fibrmyalgia) The drugs I need for pain ( and there's a great deal of it) can cause memory loss -- which I already have due to a car accident and PTST.
Now, I need the drugs but have the memory loss... I have the memory loss yet get more from the drugs I need for pain. I have an IQ of 138 and some days I sound like a blithering idiot because I can't form a coherant sentace in under two minutes.
I can "see the future" -- if one chooses to believe in such things -- and have since I was a small child but if I can't get the words out, what good is it?
Although the Oracle of Delphi sat above some very potent fumes, she had to be "interpeted" by priests because she too, couldn't be understood.
Drugs? I'd stay away from them.
Now I hope I made sense.
2007-11-21 05:47:37 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why the need to have that kind of an experience?? I think "experiences" are overrated. Having your feelings all stirred up and excited isn't that big of a deal....the most important experience we can have is getting our sins paid for by Jesus Christ. If you've done that the rest will fall into place, and your priority should be walking with God rather than getting spiritually (or literally!) high. And if you need to be trained to have that experience, how genuine is it really? If it was genuine it would happen without being forced by the believer.
Drugs won't give you a spiritual experience....they will make you stoned. There's a big difference! LOL
2007-11-21 01:48:20 · answer #2 · answered by Blue Eyed Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask Native Americans about Payote, Yes if you are looking for a spiritual experience, drugs could help. Be careful of which ones though, and never to the point that may cause you harm.
2007-11-21 03:22:25 · answer #3 · answered by ruriksson 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion...
A person may think they're having a spiritual experience while under the influence of drugs (such as mushrooms), but since these kind of drugs tend to cause hallucinations, it wouldn't be considered a true spiritual experience.
Edit: By the way, you don't have to be "naturally trained" to have a spiritual experience. If you open your heart and mind, then you will receive the Holy Ghost.
2007-11-21 01:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Luv My Babies 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
They can be a useful tool in some circumstances. However, efforts to use them for such are best undertaken under the supervision of someone that is experienced in such matters and after a considerable amount of training and discipline so that the one undertaking such a usage can not only maintain a certain level of control over the experience, but be able to remember it and understand what they encounter.
This sould not be attempted by the untrained as it can lead to disastrous results.
2007-11-21 03:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by kveldulf_gondlir 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to be trained to have a spiritual experience, and in a lot of cases can't be trained.
Either way, drugs should be *avoided*.
It has now been established that documentation of Witches 'flying' were actually halucinations caused by the ointments they applied to their bodies ~ the potions contained plants and herbs known to cause halucinations.
2007-11-21 06:06:45 · answer #6 · answered by Lady Silver Rose * Wolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drugs wont help you in anyway.You dont need someone to train you either. To be spiritual, take to obedience to God's commandments, learn the word of God and pray with fasting. Ask God for His Holy Spirit and guidance.
Ask and you will be given.
2007-11-21 01:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by Franked 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many shamanistic traditions use psychotropic herbs to aid their spiritual work. However, it is very strongly stressed in these traditions that there is a heavy price to pay for the use of psychotropics. The usual price is mental breakdown and madness. It's better to stay with natural as techniques as possible
2007-11-21 01:12:17 · answer #8 · answered by Robin Runesinger 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, nevertheless, there are degrees of spiritual experiences and it is worth the extra effort to learn to have and enjoy them without the use of chemicals that also have detrimental side effects.
2007-11-21 01:14:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have tried many drugs in my youth from alcohol to cannabis to the heavy psychedelic ones. I never once had what (I think) could be termed a 'spiritual experience'. Unless certain neurons misfiring is a spiritual experience.
2007-11-21 01:10:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋