Description
Book SynopsisTrade 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. D. E. Osto's groundbreaking research will be appreciated by scholars, and their accessible style will be enjoyed by nonacademic readers. -- Charles Prebish, author of
Luminous Passage: The Practice and Study of Buddhism in AmericaAltered 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 *
Osto’s book is exceptional in its ability to focus the conversation about entheogens within religious perspectives. . . . They also point to more complex questions regarding the nature of subjectivity, experience, and scientific study. * Religious Theory *
Of interest to anyone who wants to explore the intersection between traditional religion and altered states of consciousness, be they induced by psychedelics or any other means. * OPEN *
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
