Hesychasm and Psychedelics: Altered States, Purgation, and the Question of Authentic Mysticism
Journal of Contemplative Studies February 29, 2024 Thomas Cattoi
Hesychasm, a monastic ascetic tradition rooted in the Desert Fathers and systematized by Gregory Palamas, describes mystical experiences that can be compared to altered states induced by psychedelic substances. The essay reviews hesychastic claims about ascetic practice and the methodological challenges psychedelic researchers face when assessing drug-induced experiences. Using Comparative Theology, it brings into dialogue the hesychastic understanding of deification through sacraments and the therapeutic impact of psychedelic experiences. While identifying points of contact, it foregrounds irreducible differences reflecting hesychastic anthropology and soteriology. The conclusion advocates for epistemic modesty against overhasty identification of mystical and psychedelic states, while inviting reciprocal openness between theologians and psychedelic researchers.