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Ultraculture With Jason Louv

Ep. 152: Psychedelic Tibetan Magick With Lama Michael Crowley

Apr 3, 2023
Lama Michael Crowley, author of the groundbreaking book on psychedelic Buddhism, explores the intersection of Buddhism and psychedelics. He discusses the incorporation of psychedelics into Buddhist practice, the use of psychedelics encoded in Vedic and Buddhist scriptures, and the importance of cultivating positive attitudes in meditation techniques. The podcast also delves into Buddhist symbols, ceremonies, deities, and initiations, as well as the role of psychic powers in the Buddhist tradition.
01:38:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Psychedelics have been used in a controlled and ritualized manner in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Vajrayana tradition, to enhance meditation and spiritual experiences.
  • The use of Amrita, the sacred nectar of immortality, during empowerments in Vajrayana Buddhism is believed to enhance the transformative and enlightening effects of the rituals and empowerments.

Deep dives

The use of psychedelics in Tibetan Buddhism

Psychedelics have been used in Tibetan Buddhism in a controlled and ritualized manner. The practices of Vajrayana, the Thunderbolt Vehicle, include the use of psychedelics such as Amrita during empowerments. The tradition of taking psychedelics has been kept secretive in Tibet, but there are indications in Tibetan texts and iconography that suggest the use of psychedelics in certain rituals and practices. These practices involve setting and rituals designed to enhance meditation and spiritual experiences. While the use of psychedelics is known in Tibetan Buddhism, the full extent and details of their use may not be widely discussed or emphasized in mainstream teachings.

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