Psychoactive Substances in Daoist Practice: A Cultural and Historical Perspective
Religions April 2, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/rel17040438 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Perfection Perspective graphical Consumption sociology Transcendental number Epistemology Environmental ethics Social science Jungian analytical psychology |
| Key points | Argues that Daoism's ritual use of psychoactive substances integrates material practices with transcendental pursuits to achieve perfection in body and spirit. |
Abstract
This paper systematically investigates psychoactive substances and their ritual consumption practices within the Daoist cultivation tradition. As a category of Daoist ingestive (fushi 服食) culture, these substances, derived either from specific botanicals or through artificial synthesis, are ceremonially administered to induce mystical experiences in practitioners, ultimately facilitating their mystical union with Dao. Based on research into relevant Daoist scriptures, this article classifies Daoist psychoactive substances and analyzes how these substances are integrated into Daoist cultivation practices. Research indicates that Daoism’s utilization of psychoactive substances transcends mere physiological stimulation. Through a distinctive approach that integrates material practices with transcendental pursuits, it embodies the Daoist cultivation of achieving perfection in both body and spirit.