Psychoactive Substances in Daoist Practice: A Cultural and Historical Perspective
Religions April 2, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/rel17040438 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychoactive substances in Daoist cultivation practices are used not just for their physiological effects but to facilitate mystical experiences and a union with the Dao. These substances, derived from botanicals or synthesized, are part of a broader ingestive culture that aims at achieving perfection in body and spirit. The study classifies these substances based on Daoist scriptures and highlights their role in integrating material practices with spiritual pursuits.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Daoism's use of psychoactive substances goes beyond physiological stimulation to support mystical experiences and the pursuit of perfection. |
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Abstract
This paper systematically investigates psychoactive substances and their ritual consumption practices within the Daoist cultivation tradition. As a category of Daoist ingestive (fushi 服食) culture, these substances, derived either from specific botanicals or through artificial synthesis, are ceremonially administered to induce mystical experiences in practitioners, ultimately facilitating their mystical union with Dao. Based on research into relevant Daoist scriptures, this article classifies Daoist psychoactive substances and analyzes how these substances are integrated into Daoist cultivation practices. Research indicates that Daoism’s utilization of psychoactive substances transcends mere physiological stimulation. Through a distinctive approach that integrates material practices with transcendental pursuits, it embodies the Daoist cultivation of achieving perfection in both body and spirit.