HERE AND NOW: DISCOVERING THE SACRED WITH ENTHEOGENS
Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science September 2, 2014 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1111/zygo.12108
Summary
Entheogens can reliably induce mystical consciousness in healthy volunteers, which may have significant implications for religious scholars studying mysticism. The article defines mystical consciousness and distinguishes it from other altered states. It also discusses safe practices for using entheogens and suggests directions for future research in the field of mysticism.
Study at a glance
| Population | healthy volunteers |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Entheogens can facilitate mystical forms of consciousness with a high degree of reliability. |
Abstract
Renewed research with entheogens (psychedelic substances) has been able to facilitate the occurrence of mystical forms of consciousness in healthy volunteers with a high degree of reliability. This article explores the potential significance of this development for religious scholars, especially those interested in the study of mysticism. The definition of “mystical consciousness” employed in this research is presented and differentiated from visionary/archetypal and other types of alternative mental states. The ways in which entheogens may be employed with skill and maximum safety are discussed. Implications for clarifying confusion in the study of mysticism are considered, along with suggestions for future religious research on this frontier of knowledge.