In rats, injection of LSD-25 produces autonomic effects including profuse salivation, urination, and defecation. Within minutes, the animals show initial hyperactivity followed by leg flexion and abdomen touching the floor, sometimes remaining motionless for long periods if undisturbed. For rats trained to climb a rope for food, climbing times increased with higher doses, and at the drug's peak effect some rats did not climb at all.
Injection of LSD-25 suppresses food intake in rats, and this effect depends on the dose given. Over ten daily injections, food intake remained suppressed each day, indicating that complete tolerance did not develop. These results suggest caution when interpreting behavioral effects of LSD-25 in experiments where behavior relies on food reinforcement.
Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, transformed from a clinical psychologist constrained by Western expectations into a free, embodied spiritual teacher who guided others toward loving awareness. His concept of self evolved through three stages: from a psychological object of study, to a shared experience of co-discovery, and finally to a witnessing soul recognizing the self as continuous, moment-to-moment spiritual transformation. This account describes his spiritual journey and the shift in identity that allowed him to bring Eastern wisdom to Western audiences through books and dharma talks.