Psychedelics and spirituality
QUESTION: Masters, what is the place of ancient indigenous medicines like ayahuasca in our human spiritual evolution, individually and collectively? My girlfriend and I have partaken in a few ceremonies and although I have had numerous beautiful realizations, I haven’t been able to ground them into my daily physical experience. She, on the other hand, has fared even worse (perceived) as she actually had quite a difficult experience and has seemed to shun anything reminiscent of spirituality ever since. Her depression and sadness often get the better of her and I’m worried. Should she delve back into the spirit world through the indigenous method, or is there a better way to heal herself? ~Matt, United States
ANSWER: The types of substances you mention are taken to diminish the ego-conscious restraints of the human body and allow your mind to move outward without restrictions. Some of these same acting materials are used by psychiatrists to manage depression, extreme phobias, and various other mental conditions.
The effect upon your girlfriend resulted from her not having a firm foundation for her human identity, and the ayahuasca removed any stability she had. The experience left her floating and imagining all the worst possibilities. Since she sensed the nonphysical beings around her, she could not differentiate between friendly and malicious and she fears the “bad guys” will attack her if she enters that state again. Therefore, she desires no contact with any nonphysicals, which to her means anything spiritual.
To maintain a connection with the spiritual beings you were able to access through the drugs, you need to re-create the conditions within your mind. That does not mean continued use of the substances but visualizing the state. Before beginning, have the intention to establish contact with your guides and advisors. Enter into a deep meditation where you completely shut off your mind and then invite the same beings to come for a visit.
When entering this space without the total release of your inhibitions through the drug you will be able to control whom you meet, what you learn, and easier ways to repeat your experiences. To answer your question, medicines are one means of knowing what is possible. But dependence on them keeps you from using your intention to format your connection.
Give your girlfriend time. Try having her enter meditation and ask for her protective guides to show themselves to reassure herself that not all nonphysicals are harmful and dangerous.