PSYCHEDELICS &
THE CONTEMPLATIVE PATH
Interdisciplinary Dialogs
Recordings available via the Contemplative Resource Center
Buddhism and psychedelics share a deeply intertwined history in the West. The 1950s and '60s saw the rapid popularization of both, often among the same communities. Today psychedelic therapies are at the forefront of a revolution in psychological research and clinical treatment.
Scientific legitimation has inspired a renewed and robust debate about the nature of psychedelic experience, how to harness its potential towards the alleviation of suffering, the authenticity of its insights, and their relevance to the contemplative path. This is especially because the most commonly reported "mystical" experiences on psychedelics or "entheogens" are selflessness and connectedness or interdependence––two of the Buddha's most definitive realizations.
This series features renowned experts in diverse disciplines and traditions, each of whom will offer an individual talk before convening together for a final dialog. The audience will have the opportunity to pose questions throughout. See full details below.
multiple viewing options: live-stream & VOD
7x 90-minute sessions
10.5 hours of rich content
robust discussions
with audience Q&A
final interdisciplinary dialog with all speakers
The Dichotomy of Perception and Reality:
Psychedelic Experience & the Nature of Mind
Psychedelics can intensify and transform sensory phenomena such that their status as the mere play of the mind, apparent yet unreal, becomes experientially obvious. Moreover, many users report life-changing experiences of selflessness and interdependence, which are closely correlated to therapeutic outcomes. Can “plant teachers” point out the true nature of mind and reality? Or are these moments that only appear profound under the influence of a drug? Rinpoche will discuss the relevance of these experiences to the contemplative path.
Dr. David Vago
Neuroscientist & Professor of Psychology
Director, Contemplative Neuroscience and Mind-Body Research Lab
Vanderbilt University
Self-Transformation through Self-Integration:
Common Neurobiological Pathways
Supporting Meditation and Psychedelics
Both meditation and psychedelics are described to have transcendent effects on self-related processing, each with the potential to dissolve the sense of self, facilitate a non-dual state of awareness, and enhance a sense of connection between self and others. This talk presents the latest neuroimaging that supports the phenomenological similarities of meditative and psychedelic experiences, and proposes a theoretical model for self-integration that supports self-transformation.
Jamie Beachy, PhD MDiv
Chaplain, Clinician & Professor
Director, Chaplaincy Program
Co-Director, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Program
Naropa University
Psychedelic Chaplaincy:
Insights and Opportunities
Psychedelics are shown to relieve suffering from depression, severe PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and end-of-life existential distress. Drawing from current research and stories from psychedelic therapy sessions, Dr. Beachy will explore how spiritually integrated psychedelic care best supports transformative psychedelic experiences.
David Germano, PhD
Professor of Tibetan Studies
Executive Director, Contemplative Sciences Center
University of Virginia
Tibetan Buddhist Meditations
on Self-Emergent Sensory Experiences
Psychedelics can produce powerful autonomous sensory experiences that unfold beyond one’s internal intentions or the external stimulation of specific sensory objects. The Great Perfection (dzokchen) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism offers a variety of meditative techniques that elicit precisely such self-emergent experiences. Professor Germano will explore the nature of these meditations in the hope of contributing to discussions of how best to practice psychedelics, as well as how to develop broader theoretical frameworks for understanding their significance.
A. Raven Cruz
Curandero (Native Healer), Medicine Carrier & Nutritionist
Three of Life
Ceremonial Magic:
Best Practices from Native Traditions
Diving into the nature of indigenous ritual traditions, we will explore what has been lost from ancient practices, what is being remembered in the modern day, and what lies ahead for humanity through the ceremonial application of these sacred medicines.
Psychedelics, Contemplation, and Realization:
State of the Fields
This introductory talk sets up the series by surveying the limited evidence of psychedelics in ancient religions, exploring the deeply intertwined history of psychedelics and Buddhism in the West, touching upon the current revolution in their scientific study, and posing questions about the nature of truth, perception, insight, reality, and transcendence from diverse perspectives.