Psychedelics and the Spiritual Path – critical voices and considerations

Originally presented at a conference on psychedelics, psychology, and spirituality, this paper offers critical perspectives on the role of psychedelics in the origins and development of transpersonal psychology. Reflecting on counter-culture figures such as Albert Hofmann, Abraham Maslow, and Ram Dass, the author highlights concerns and doubts they raised about the potential risks of psychedelics, arguing these concerns remain relevant today. The paper also examines varied positions on psychedelics within Buddhist, Jewish, Daoist, and Hindu spiritual traditions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper was originally presented at the British Psychological Society’s Transpersonal Psychology Section’s 19th annual conference – ‘Psychedelics, Psychology and Spirituality’. It was my intention, in the best spirit of academic debate and inquiry, to offer some critical perspectives and considerations related to the use of psychedelics in relation to the origins and development of Transpersonal Psychology. To this end I reflected on the work and lives of some influential counter-culture figures including Albert Hofmann, Abraham Maslow, Ram Dass and others – each of whom raised particular concerns and doubts in relation to the potential risks associated with psychedelics, which I will argue still resonate today. Where appropriate I have also included some of the varied positions one might encounter in relation to spiritual traditions and psychedelics (specifically Buddhism, Judaism, Daoism and Hinduism).