Mind Altering Substances for Religion https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/t12529 Runboard| Mind Altering Substances for Religion en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:41:19 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:41:19 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233221,from=rss#post233221https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233221,from=rss#post233221Uhmmm... Well,... Having tried it both ways, I will say that my distinct preference is for spiritual development without the drugs. There are a couple of reasons for this: A. I have only found one thing that I do better stoned than sober. While that one thing is very entertaining, it hasn't been particularly useful in my spiritual development. Everything else I do is worse when stoned - much worse. B. I have known a lot of people who use drugs for spiritual purposes - known them very well,- but I haven't seen any particular development going on. The drugs act more as a distraction than as a focus, and ten years down the road, they're still distracted. C. Everything that can be gained by using drugs can be gained without them - by pretty much anybody. There's little point in making yourself weak by using an aid you don't really need. Stephen Hawking's wheelchair is very good for Stephen Hawking, but would be very bad for anybody who doesn't actually need it. D. Drugs MAY be useful for opening a door, but you will need great discipline to actually enter the room, and to make use of what you find there. Drugs have a very powerful tendency to break down discipline, so people who use them often end up standing in the door, looking in, and imagine that that is an accomplishment. Cultures that have a history of using drugs also have developed methods and techniques for using them well. If somebody actually wants to use drugs, they will also need to learn the techniques of those cultures - but usually don't. Fatal flaw. The problem as I see it is that drugs suppress the rational part of an experience, while accentuating the non rational. To actually develop on any path requires both rational and non rational thinking to be balanced. Drugs, by their very nature, throw off the balance. I have nothing against drugs for entertainment purposes - but entertainment is entertainment, and shouldn't be confused with serious work. You wouldn't imagine that watching a enjoyable movie is the same as having the experience depicted in the movie, would ya?nondisclosed_email@example.com (de Corbin)Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:09:33 +0000 Re: Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233214,from=rss#post233214https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233214,from=rss#post233214The Sin Tax, the same as alcohol and tobacco. The government could make a lot of money, so much so they could/should do away with some of the more ridiculous taxes such as personal property tax.nondisclosed_email@example.com (tickranch)Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:04:50 +0000 Re: Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233207,from=rss#post233207https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233207,from=rss#post233207I think it is fine. Many of these drugs have been used for hundreds of years. Tobacco was often used in cermony but since the great "white man" approved of this one it became main stream. Incas use Choclate which also became desirable so therefore acceptable. Many of the earlier incense had hallutional or calming influences. I think as a culture we are way to up tight. If it does not fit into our little idea or mold of how the world should run then ban it, smash it, make laws to stop it. I agree make it legal and regulate it. Not sure I want anymore taxes though.nondisclosed_email@example.com (playfultree)Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:03:38 +0000 Re: Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233192,from=rss#post233192https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233192,from=rss#post233192To each his own is what I say. Personally I think most (and most definitely alcohol) mind altering drugs would hinder your connection to the higher powers but I can see how certain drugs in certain ceremonies could be useful. I feel all drugs should be made legal, regulated, and taxed.nondisclosed_email@example.com (tickranch)Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:25:27 +0000 Re: Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233188,from=rss#post233188https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233188,from=rss#post233188i personally think the use of mind altering substances for religious or other purposes are just a crutch, a barrier to true enlightenment but for those that wish to use them for religious spiritual purposes i dont have a problem. just dont get stoned/high and then drive home and crash into my car.nondisclosed_email@example.com (heritage ranch)Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:27:10 +0000 Mind Altering Substances for Religionhttps://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233158,from=rss#post233158https://bthepaganporch.runboard.com/p233158,from=rss#post233158Some religions make use of various mind altering substances to heighten the spiritual experience. Modern society typically looks down on many mind altering substances (alcohol being 'acceptable') and there is often a fight between religious freedoms and the laws of the land. Some Native American cultures use peyote during ceremonies to connect with the spirit world, either through a vision quest or some other means. The use of peyote has a long history, and the desire to ban it has been around a long time too! Spanish conquistadors considered its a punishable crime against God. Rastafari sanctions the use of marijuana by its followers. They too believe that it puts them in a mindset that is closer to God and heightens their spirituality. What do you think of the use of mind altering substances for spiritual purposes? Should it be regulated like the usage for recreational reasons? Do you use anything for this purpose? How?nondisclosed_email@example.com (TexasMadness)Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:41:43 +0000