Psychedelic Buddhism

Psychedelic Buddhism by Lama Mike Crowley is a guide to psychedelics and Buddhist practice.

This comprehensive guide offers techniques for Buddhists interested in incorporating psychedelics into their spiritual practice, as well as for psychonauts curious about the inner space maps provided by Buddhism. Lama Mike Crowley explores the spiritual experiences that psychedelics can facilitate, such as spontaneous awakening and the experiences of “Indra’s net” and universal voidness, traditionally thought accessible only to advanced meditators.

The book delves into the use of psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, within a Buddhist context. Crowley shares how these substances can enrich spiritual practice, discussing their benefits and the spiritual gains achievable with each. Drawing connections from Vedic and Buddhist scriptures, particularly within the Vajrayāna tradition, the author traces the use of psychedelics from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Crowley provides an informed summary of Buddhism tailored for psychonauts, covering core beliefs, the life of the Buddha, and various yānas, or paths. He emphasises meditation techniques focused on generating the Four Positive Attitudes: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, exploring each from personal to universal levels.

The book also examines Buddhist symbols, ceremonies, deities, initiations, and psychic powers within the tradition, illustrating how these elements can be employed to explore inner realms of consciousness.

Psychedelic Buddhism offers a complete guide to integrating psychedelics into Buddhist practice, revealing how ancient Buddhist teachers discovered universal maps of consciousness, and instructing readers on how to apply their wisdom to guide their own journeys.