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Sacred Knowledge is the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences. Based on nearly three decades of legal research with volunteers, William A. Richards argues that, if used responsibly and legally, psychedelics have the potential to assuage suffering and constructively affect the quality of human life.
Table des matières
Foreword, by G. William Barnard
Preface: One Discovery of Transcendence
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Note to the Reader
Part I. Setting the Stage1. The Death and Rebirth of Psychedelic Research
2. Orientation, Definitions, and the Limits of Language
3. Revelation and Doubt
Part II. Mystical and Visionary Forms of Consciousness4. Intuitive Knowledge
5. Approaches to Unitive Consciousness
6. New Perspectives on Time and Space
7. Visions and Archetypes
Part III. Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics8. The Interpersonal and the Mystical
9. Experiences of Meaninglessness, Despair, and Somatic Discomfort
10. Religious Conversion and Psychodynamic Experiences
11. Discipline and Integration
12. Reflections on Death
Part IV. Present and Future Applications of Entheogens13. Psychedelic Frontiers in Medicine
14. Psychedelic Frontiers in Education
15. Psychedelic Frontiers in Religion
16. Maximizing the Probability of Safety and Benefit
Part V. Onward17. Fears of Awakening
18. Entering Into a New Paradigm
19. Movement Into the Future
Epilogue: A Concise Report of Insights from the Frontier Where Science and Spirituality Are Meeting
Selected Bibliography
A Hopkins Playlist for Psilocybin Studies (2008 Version)
Name Index
Subject Index
A propos de l'auteur
William A. Richards
Résumé
Sacred Knowledge is the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences. Richards argues that, if used responsibly and legally, psychedelics have incredible potential to assuage human suffering and contribute to the quality of life.
Texte suppl.
Part memoir, part manifesto, Sacred Knowledge charts the birth, death, and resurrection of psychedelic research. . . . The conclusion to be drawn from this book is that it’s time—in a safe setting and with careful guidance—that we started taking our miracles in tablet form.
Commentaire
Sacred Knowledge is not only timely and relevant to a whole host of current social/legal issues but also addresses, with seemingly effortless ease, many of the deeper/subtler metaphysical implications of psychedelics - their therapeutic and spiritual potential. Richards's clear prose makes articulating such difficult topics look easy. G. William Barnard, Southern Methodist University
