Throughout human history, seekers have experimented with ways to expand their minds and enhance their wellbeing. Practices of ingesting psychedelic substances or applying meditative techniques have been employed by humans for thousands of years. Most recently, over the past several decades, there is a significant body of research that is describing mystical experiences that emerge from psychedelics and meditation. Such mystical or spiritual experiences are rated by those who have undergone such experiences as among the most significant experiences in their lives. Contemplative traditions from around the world have developed incredibly diverse practices to transform human consciousness and induce flourishing, and in parallel, Indigenous peoples have cultivated sacred settings and practices for ingesting psychedelics.
Given these vast contexts and shared experiences, this panel explores consonance and difference with psychedelics and meditation from historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. We discuss how psychedelics and meditation induce mystical experiences, the importance of mindset and community, the potential cultural impact of psychedelic medicines, and how such human transformations make sense in the modern world.
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************A special thank you to our sponsors: The 12th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.
