Common Misconceptions about Spirituality

Psychedelic drugs can induce mystical experiences

A recent news article discusses the effects of Entheogens — psychedelic drugs used in a religious context. The article assumes that these drugs can produce mystical experiences such as peak experiences, states of unifying consciousness, etc.

Psychedelic drugs cause a distortion of the five senses, giving rise to illusions, delusions, and hallucinations. Such delusions are experienced once the drug reaches a certain optimum level in the blood and last only so long as that level is maintained. Such experiences are not accompanied by any lasting, beneficial changes in the person. On the contrary, the drug user's tolerance for unhappiness or pain, as well as his capacity to deal with trying situations, gradually declines. Repeated use of such drugs results in dependence and addiction, and non-availability of the drug results in distressing and harmful withdrawal phenomena in the user.

The experiences arising out of spiritual practice are not distortions of the senses but are extrasensory, truly mystic phenomena. Those practicing Spirituality and consequently getting spiritual experiences are better able to deal with life situations than their counterparts in society. There is no question of addiction or withdrawal!