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Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments:
An Entheogen Chrestomathy
Thomas B. Roberts, Ph.D. and Paula Jo Hruby, Ed.D.
Author Index | Title Index
The Mastery of Consciousness:
An Introduction and Guide to Practical Mysticism and Methods
of Spiritual Development as given by Meher Baba.
Meher Baba. (Cohen, Allan Y., Compiler and Editor). (1977).
New York: Harper & Row.
ISBN: 0-06-090371-6
Description: Harper Colophon
paperback, xx + 202 pages.
Contents: Preface, introduction:
A Letter to the Reader, 15 chapters in 4 parts: 1. Preparation,
2. General Methods, 3. Specific Techniques: The Way of Meher Baba,
4. Reflections on the Way, and 5 appendices: A. Introduction to
the End of the Beginning, B. Prayers, C. Glossary,
D. Annotated Bibliography, E. Sources of Information about Meher
Baba, notes.
Excerpt(s): Mind-changing,
or "psychedelic" substances have been used in other
cultures to stimulate religious experiences,
and many Westerners, already preconditioned to the drug ethic,
saw them as shortcuts to enlightenment. Meher Baba acknowledged
that a few sincere seekers had aroused their spiritual longing
while using consciousness-altering chemicals. However, he was
explicit about the limits of drug induced spirituality.
["]All so-called spiritual experiences generated
by taking "mind-changing" drugs such as LSD, mescaline
and psilocybin are superficial and add enormously to one's addiction
to the deceptions of illusion which is but the shadow of Reality.
... The experience of a semblance of freedom that these drugs
may temporarily give to one is in actuality a millstone around
the aspirant's neck in his efforts towards emancipation from the
rounds of birth and death. ... Indulgence in drugs is harmful
physically, mentally and spiritually, and people should stop taking
them. They bring more harm than good. Tell those ensnared in the
drug-net of illusion to abstain.["]. (pages 58-59)
Compilation copyright © 1995 – 2001 CSP
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