Home


History


Physical effects


Biological effects


Psychological views


Characterisation


Synthesis


Using LSD


References and Further Reading

Below is a selection of Psychological views and Pseudo-religious opinions on LSD.
Many people have referred to LSD as a mind-expanding drug, widening our horizons and perceptions. In fact it was the opinion of many, including Leary that we had a duty to use such drugs for perceptual growth. It was also thought by many that LSD held many religious insights that could be accessed through hallucinogenic images and experiences.
Although these issues are not covered in detail here there are plenty of references for further reading and research should you be interested in the issue. Bellow are some opinions and, quotes with varying views on the 'mind expanding' ability of LSD:

'I hesitate to attempt a summary of my drug experience as I am acutely aware of the inability of linguistic symbols to contain, or even accurately reflect, the dynamics of
"mystic" consciousness. In the words of the Russian poet Tyutchev, I feel as though "A thought that's spoken is a lie". To seek to condense any of my experiences into
words is to distort them, rendering them finite and impure. In so acknowledging the profound ineffability of my experience, I am not trying to write poetry - although in
the final analysis this may well be the only possible means of verbal expression - but intend only to convey the feelings of frustration and futility with which I begin this
report…

Now, four days after the experience itself, I continue to feel a deep sense of awe and reverence, being simultaneously intoxicated with an ecstatic joy. This euphoric feelings including elements of profound peace and steadfastness, surging like a spring from a depth of my being which has rarely, if ever, been tapped prior to the drug experience. The spasmodic nature of my prayer life has ceased, and I have yielded to a need to spend time each day in meditation which, though essentially open and wordless, is impregnated by feelings of thanksgiving and trust. This increased need to be alone is balanced by what I believe to be a greater sensitivity to the authentic problems of others and a corresponding willingness to enter freely into genuine friendships. I possess a renewed and increased sense of personal integration and am more content simply to "be myself" than previously.'

'. . . Relatively soon after receiving the drug, I transcended my usual level of consciousness and became aware of fantastic dimensions of being, all of which possessed a profound sense of reality … It would seem more accurate to say that I existed "in" these dimensions of beings as I had not only transcended my ego, but also the dichotomy between subject and object.

It is meaningful to say that I ceased to exist, becoming immersed in the ground of Being, in Brahman, in God, in "Nothingness," in Ultimate Reality or in some similar religious symbol for Oneness....

The feelings I experienced could best be described as cosmic tenderness, infinite love, penetrating peace, eternal blessing and unconditional acceptance on one hand, and on the other, as unspeakable awe, overflowing joy, primeval humility, inexpressible gratitude and boundless devotion. Yet all of these words are hopelessly inadequate and can do little more than meekly point towards the genuine, inexpressible feelings actually experienced.'
-DeBold, Richard C., and Leaf, Russell C. extract from LSD, Man & Society. (See References and further reading)

LSD'… 'lowers the efficiency of the brain as an instrument for focusing the mind on the problems of life on the surface of our planet' this interference with the brain's efficiency '… seemed to permit entry into consciousness of certain classes of mental events which are normally excluded because they possess no survival value.'
- Aldous Huxley from his book The Doors of Perception

"I captured the all-pervading significance of hallucinogens to the cultural evolution of the human race"
- Louis Lewin on talking about a specific experience while on LSD from 50 Years of LSD: Current Status and Perspectives of Hallucinogens. (See References and further reading)
'…achieve profound new insights into themselves, or even into the nature of God and the universe.'
-Fred Carmaa (a minister from the church of enlightenment)

"our consciousness is nothing but an insignificant floating piece of island in the ocean encircling the earth. But it is through this little fragment of land that we can look out to the immense expanse of the unconscious itself."
- Suzuki on talking about his feelings on LSD.

Turn up.

Tune in.

Drop out.

-Timothy leary