Entheogens: True or False?
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2003 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2003.22.1.1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca Mysticism Shamanism |
| Keywords | Trance Consciousness Spiritualism Religious studies Hinduism Psychoanalysis Hallucinogen Religious experience Faith Literature |
| Citations | 36 |
| Key points | Argues that some psychedelics can induce genuine mystical experiences sometimes in some people, and that the current tendency to label these chemicals as entheogens may be appropriate. |
Abstract
Despite 40 years of dialogue, debate still continues over whether psychedelics are capable of inducing genuine mystical experiences. This paper first reviews the arguments against this possibility and shows that all of them contain shortcomings. One reason the debate still continues is that there has been no adequate theory of mystical states and their relationship to the factors which produce them. Consequently a theory of mystical states based on Charles Tart’s systems model of consciousness is proposed. This theory suggests how identical states of consciousness can be induced by very different means, including contemplative practices and chemical substances, and yet have different after-effects. Taken together, these ideas lead to the cautious conclusion that some psychedelics can induce genuine mystical experiences sometimes in some people, and that the current tendency to label these chemicals as entheogens may be appropriate.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Of Roots and Fruits: A Comparison of Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic Mystical Experiences Journal of Humanistic Psychology October 24, 2016
- The Renewal of Psychedelic Research: Implications for Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology. The Humanistic Psychologist 2006
- Psychoactive Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Comprehensive Review International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2012
- Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2023
- Do Drugs Have Religious Import? A 40-Year Retrospective Journal of Humanistic Psychology April 1, 2004
and 15 more in the library
Cites 4
- The Problem of Pure Consciousness March 29, 1990
- Religion, Altered States of Consciousness, and Social Change Review of Religious Research 1976
- Do Drugs Have Religious Import? The Journal of Philosophy October 1, 1964
- Psychedelics and Psychological Well-Being Journal of Humanistic Psychology July 1, 1982