Description
Book SynopsisA nuanced portrait of a daring subculture that continues to push the limits of religious experience and intellectual possibility.
Trade ReviewAltered States genuinely moves forward in laying a path for new, insightful, and valuable information on the American Buddhism that is developing in our global society. Douglas Osto's groundbreaking research will be appreciated by scholars, and his accessible style will be enjoyed by nonacademic readers. -- Charles Prebish, author of Luminous Passage: The Practice and Study of Buddhism in America Altered States deftly guides us through the neglected territory of psychedelic Buddhism. This is a fascinating story, full of vivid characters and supported by solid research. Still, I believe it makes a greater contribution by situating these practices and persons within the larger contexts of tantra, of American religion, and of cutting-edge neuropsychology and consciousness studies. The result is-to use le mot juste-mind blowing. -- Franz Metcalf, author of What Would Buddha Do?: 101 Answers to Life's Daily Dilemmas "[Altered States] mixes statistics and surveys, historical overview, personal experience, and ethnographic texture to uncover the intertwining history of two fast-growing movements in American spirituality... This overview will appeal to anyone interested in Buddhism, psychedelic possibilities, and understanding how both are forging a controversial new American religious experience. Publishers Weekly Provocative... The book is worth buying, reading, and quoting. PsycCritiques
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Buddhism and the Psychedelic Connection 2. The Psychedelic Revolution 3. The Buddhist Revolution 4. Opening the Door: Psychedelics as a Gateway to Buddhist Practice 5. Closing the Door: The Fifth Precept and Graduating from Psychedelics 6. Keeping the Door Open: Psychedelics as an Adjunct to Buddhist Practice 7. Are Psychedelics "the True Dharma"?: Debates, Presuppositions, and Philosophical Issues Conclusions Postscript Notes Bibliography Index
