DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's
Revolutionary Research into the Biology of
Near-Death and Mystical Experiences
Strassman, Rick (2001)
Rochester, VT: Park Street Press.
ISBN: 0-89281-927-8
Description: xxx + 358 pages.
DMTE "It is the spirit molecule." ...
A spirit molecule needs to elicit, with reasonable reliability,
certain psychological states we consider "spiritual." These are feelings
of extraordinary joy, timelessness, and a certainty that what we are experiencing
is "more real than real." Such a substance may lead us to an acceptance
of the coexistence of opposites, such as life and death, good and evil; a knowledge
that consciousness continues after death; a deep understanding of the basic unity
of all phenomena; and a sense of wisdom or love pervading all existence.
A spirit molecule also leads us to spiritual realms. These worlds
usually are invisible to us and our instruments and are not accessible using our
normal state of consciousness. However, just as likely as the theory that these worlds
exist "only in our minds" is that they are, in reality "outside"
of us and freestanding. If we simply change our brain's receiving abilities, we can
apprehend and interact with them.
Furthermore, keep in mind that a spirit molecule is not spiritual
in and of itself. It is a tool, or a vehicle. Think of it as a tugboat, a chariot,
a scout on horseback, something to which we can hitch our consciousness. It pulls
us into worlds known only to itself. We need to hold on tight, and we must be prepared,
for spiritual realms include both heaven and hell, both fantasy and nightmare. While
the spirit molecule's role may seem angelic, there is no guarantee it will not take
us to the demonic.
Equally important is that DMT occurs in our bodies. We produce
it naturally. Our brain seeks it out, pulls it in, and readily digests it. As an
endogenous psychedelic, DMT may be involved in naturally occurring psychedelic states
that have nothing to do with taking drugs, but whose similarities to drug-induced
conditions are striking. While these states certainly can include psychosis, we must
also include in our discussion conditions outside of mental illness. It may be upon
endogenous DMT's wings that we experience other life-changing states of mind associated
with birth, death and near-death, entity or alien contact experiences, and mystical/spiritual
consciousness. ...
The Futures of Psychedelic Research
Understanding religious sensibilities in as deep, a manner as possible
also is necessary for being fully supportive and understanding while supervising
psychedelic sessions. This does not mean simply having spiritual or religious experiences
oneself, with or without a psychedelic. Rather it ought to include training and background
in religious sensibilities. Education in theology, ethics, and ritual additionally
will help in empathizing with and understanding important aspects of the full psychedelic
experience. (pages 337-338)
In addition to the treatment of clinical disorders, psychedelics
could be used to enhance characteristics of our normal state of being, such as creativity,
problem-solving abilities, spirituality, and so on. The research institute I envision
will carefully and responsibly take the lead in such studies. This work may ultimately
serve more people, and have greater overall impact, than strictly pathology-based
therapy projects.
We are seeing an ever-increasing availability of relatively side-effect-free
antidepressants, sexual performance enhancers, stimulants, and mood stabilizers.
These new, easy-to-take chemical agents are forcing us to reevaluate the risks and
benefits involved in making us better than average. Why not use psychedelics, too,
for indications other than treating the sick? (page 340)
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