Psychedelic Sangha?

…and schedule for 5/15-5/21

There’s been more than a “casual interest” in psychedelics in the sangha recently.

From my research over the past several years, there seems to be a very clear history of the use of psychedelics throughout the history of Buddhism, from its earliest roots through the present. When we examine the imagery, root tantras, sutras and koans we can speculate that they may very likely have come from psychedelic experiences. The iconography of the mushroom in various guises appears constantly. References to “soma” and “amrita”, potent psychedelic drinks, appear as well as countless images of “sacred amrita bowls”. Buddhist literature abounds with references to magic mushrooms!

And, there are many perspectives to consider as well.

To quote Alan Watts: “Psychedelic experience is only a glimpse of genuine mystical insight, but a glimpse which can be matured and deepened by the various ways of meditation in which drugs are no longer necessary or useful. If you get the message, hang up the phone. For psychedelic drugs are simply instruments, like microscopes, telescopes, and telephones. The biologist does not sit with eye permanently glued to the microscope, he goes away and works on what he has seen…”

It would be fascinating to share our experiences and perspectives on this together as a sangha.

Here are a couple interesting sources:

From Trycycle:

https://tricycle.org/magazine/high-history-buddhism/

This is a really interesting read:

“The Secret Drugs of Buddhism..”

Here’s an interesting site: Psychedelic Sangha website

Heres the schedule:

Monday, 6:30AM, Zazen at the Tea House

Tuesday, 7PM, Dream Koan, at the Tea House or Zoom

Wednesday, 6:30AM, Zazen at the Tea House or Zoom with Zenho Sensei

Thursday, 6:30, Green Tara, In person at the Tea House

Friday, 6:30AM, Zazen at The Tea House with Victor opening.

It was so wonderful to gather as one heart Saturday! To practice samu, zazen, eat and share our thoughts and feelings with one another. Our hearts are filled with one another!

Jitsudo said; “I AM ONE WITH THE BREATH OF THE HEART.”

Deep Peace and gratitude for each of you and US together!

Issan & Zenho