Program Notes
Guest speaker: Myron Stolaroff
(Minutes : Seconds into program)
03:13 “My talk is about the future of human consciousness.”
08:18 ” The discovery of who we are and what our potential can be was given an enormous boost when Dr. Albert Hofmann came forward with LSD.”
11:11“What is it like to enter the dimensions of higher consciousness? … I have been unusually blessed to have the privilege of entering dimensions never previously imagined… just having experienced glimpses is enough to muster determination to press forward, for it is now clear that our Real Self, the true I that resides in the heart of each of us, is present and available, and is worth far more than anything one could possibly imagine.”
14:45“There is no question that the appropriate use of LSD can open many important doors.”
16:51 “The greatest sources of pain come from mistreatment, particularly at a young age where comprehension has not yet developed. Fear, pain, neglect, accidents, forced restrictions, are all sources of such discomfort that our psyche buries these feelings deep into the unconscious. A good psychedelic experience can open us to these restricted levels, and permit discharging these uncomfortable feelings.”
20:36“It is essential to put into action what one has learned. Otherwise our inner self can get discouraged, and depression can follow.”
23:13“The more we progress, the more we learn to open up and resolve inappropriate material. In general, most of us don’t care for pain. but I have learned that pain is an excellent teacher.”
28:51“Since 1965 I learned that psychedelic substances were the most powerful learning tools available to mankind. Complex, powerful, they are easily misused and abused. Yet for the sincere seeker, armed with honesty, courage, and an unquenchable thirst for Self discovery, I know of no other means that can so readily provide self-understanding, and the ultimate nature of Reality. Nor that can so readily reveal the source of most of the difficulties of the human race, and the most appropriate path to their resolution.”
Photos by Higinio Gonzalez
Previous Episode
059 - Creativity and Imagination (Part 1)
Next Episode
061 - Creativity and Imagination (Part 2)
Similar Episodes
- 363 - A Venice Beach Salon - score: 0.78909
- 579 - Meditation and Psychedelics - score: 0.76919
- 238 - A Tribute to Albert Hofmann Part 2 - score: 0.75355
- 100 - Psychedelics and Spirituality Conference – 1983″ (Part 1) - score: 0.74262
- 154 - Mind States 2003 LSD Panel - score: 0.73929
- 614 - Meditation and Psychedelics - score: 0.73929
- 403 - Sasha Shulgin_ In His Own Words - score: 0.73224
- 160 - The League for Spiritual Discovery - score: 0.73187
- 645 - hamanism & Cognitive Liberty - score: 0.73069
- 117 - The Importance of Psychedelics - score: 0.72803
Transcript
00:00:00 ►
Greetings from cyberdelic space.
00:00:19 ►
This is Lorenzo, and I’m your host here in the Psychedelic Salon.
00:00:27 ►
Lorenzo and I’m your host here in the Psychedelic Salon. If, like me, you wanted to make it to Basel, Switzerland last January for the celebration of Dr. Albert Hoffman’s 100th birthday, but you
00:00:33 ►
couldn’t afford it, well then I suspect that you will really enjoy today’s program. As you probably
00:00:40 ►
know, the celebration included a series of workshops and lectures by most of the world’s leading experts on LSD and altered states of consciousness.
00:00:49 ►
And one of those experts was my friend Myron Stolaroff.
00:00:53 ►
To put Myron’s experience into perspective, let me ask you where you were on April 12, 1956, when he had his very first LSD experience.
00:01:07 ►
1956, when he had his very first LSD experience. Unless I missed my guess, most of you were still trying to decide whether or not you were actually going to incarnate for another round of the Earth
00:01:13 ►
game here. Maybe a few of you were already toddling around in diapers, and I know that there are some
00:01:20 ►
of you who were already out of college and starting out on your own by then. Where
00:01:25 ►
was I way back then, you ask? Well, I was in eighth grade and being subjected on a daily
00:01:32 ►
basis to the brainwashing of the cult that I was trapped in. You know the one I’m talking
00:01:38 ►
about? It’s called the Catholic Church. It wasn’t until I was over 40 years old and found
00:01:44 ►
LSD myself that I was able to
00:01:45 ►
break free from all the mental conditioning that I was subject to by the nuns and priests.
00:01:51 ►
But I’ll bet that Myron Stolaroff was the only one of us who, on that April day over 50 years ago,
00:01:57 ►
was having his first LSD experience. That’s right. Myron had his first experience with that magic medicine over 50 years ago.
00:02:07 ►
At the time of that experience, he was on the fast track in what one day would be called Silicon Valley.
00:02:15 ►
Only it wasn’t silicone he was working with, it was videotape.
00:02:19 ►
In fact, the scientific and engineering contributions Myron made during the 15 years he spent with Ampex
00:02:26 ►
led directly to the first practical videotape recorder and player,
00:02:30 ►
without which we probably never would have evolved into DVDs and beyond.
00:02:34 ►
But that’s another story.
00:02:37 ►
The story we’re going to hear today is Myron’s summation of some of the lessons he has learned
00:02:42 ►
during his long and productive relationship with LSD and other sacred medicines.
00:02:48 ►
I’ll have more to say about Myron and his lovely wife, Jean,
00:02:52 ►
who is also one of the great psychedelic pioneers, after we hear Myron’s presentation.
00:02:58 ►
So let’s get on with today’s program and join Myron Stolaroff in a packed lecture hall in Basel, Switzerland,
00:03:05 ►
and listen to what he has to say about the future of human consciousness.
00:03:13 ►
My talk is about the future of human consciousness.
00:03:20 ►
Consciousness is undoubtedly the most valuable attribute of all of humanity’s possessions.
00:03:28 ►
From the beginning of human presence, consciousness has continued to rise in depth, comprehension, intelligence, skills, and creativity.
00:03:41 ►
and creativity.
00:03:44 ►
Looking at our world today,
00:03:47 ►
we cannot help but be enormously awed by the developments that have been made
00:03:49 ►
through the centuries.
00:03:52 ►
But for all of our growth in consciousness
00:03:54 ►
and incredible developments,
00:03:58 ►
humanity, for the most part,
00:04:00 ►
has a very long way to go
00:04:02 ►
to experience the higher levels
00:04:04 ►
of consciousness that await us.
00:04:09 ►
Let us briefly assess where humanity stands in their development
00:04:14 ►
and then examine to the best of our ability what may be waiting for us with expanded consciousness.
00:04:23 ►
First, in looking at what has been accomplished over the centuries,
00:04:27 ►
we cannot help but be awed at the astounding progress that has been made. A
00:04:33 ►
short list includes many who live in luxury and beautiful homes, plentiful
00:04:39 ►
food is available in a variety of forms. Transportation abounds from bicycles to automobiles to airplanes.
00:04:51 ►
Beautiful parks appear in a variety of cities. Entertainment abounds. Magnificent buildings
00:04:58 ►
house a variety of endeavors. Education is available in a vast diversity of choices. On the other hand, there
00:05:09 ►
is great pain and suffering throughout the world. There are committed believers who feel
00:05:15 ►
that their God is the only God, which means that it’s perfectly all right to kill those
00:05:20 ►
who hold a different belief. Large numbers of humans live in poverty
00:05:25 ►
and have no means of financial support.
00:05:30 ►
Many suffer from diseases and starvation.
00:05:34 ►
Education is beyond the reach
00:05:36 ►
of huge numbers of people.
00:05:39 ►
While there are organizations committed
00:05:41 ►
to help those in dire straits,
00:05:43 ►
there still remains large
00:05:45 ►
numbers of people beyond the reach of such helpers. These persons have very little access
00:05:51 ►
to greater understanding, development of wisdom, or reaching the bliss of realized beings.
00:05:59 ►
In fact, for the most part, they probably do not even know that higher levels of consciousness exist.
00:06:09 ►
Fortunately, there have been wise ones throughout the centuries who were moved to study life situations
00:06:16 ►
and find ways to overcome suffering.
00:06:21 ►
The Buddha is an outstanding example.
00:06:24 ►
the Buddha is an outstanding example quoting from my Tibetan Buddhist teacher
00:06:29 ►
Alan Wallace
00:06:31 ►
author of the book Boundless Heart
00:06:34 ►
the Buddha found from his own experiences
00:06:38 ►
that certain fundamental afflictions of the mind
00:06:41 ►
are the source of the distress we experience
00:06:44 ►
the most fundamental of these afflictions of the mind are the source of the distress we experience.
00:06:49 ►
The most fundamental of these afflictions is delusions.
00:06:54 ►
And from this delusion, other twistings of the mind occur.
00:07:02 ►
Selfish craving, hostile aggression, and a myriad of other derivative afflictions.
00:07:06 ►
The Buddha and masters that followed after him found ways to trim and develop the mind,
00:07:09 ►
I’m sorry, to train and develop the mind.
00:07:14 ►
Employing appropriate practices
00:07:15 ►
opens the door to the glorious potential of the spirit,
00:07:20 ►
revealing that love and compassion
00:07:22 ►
are the most appropriate answers.
00:07:25 ►
Here’s a list of guidelines.
00:07:29 ►
Avoid killing.
00:07:31 ►
Avoid sexual misconduct.
00:07:34 ►
Avoid taking what is not given.
00:07:37 ►
Avoid lying.
00:07:39 ►
Avoid slander.
00:07:41 ►
Avoid abuse.
00:07:43 ►
Avoid idle gossip. avoid malice, avoid avarice, avoid false views, or a mindset that denies fundamental truths.
00:07:57 ►
Over many centuries, Buddhists and other discoverers reached higher and higher levels of consciousness.
00:08:06 ►
While followers of these teachers grew and gained much reward,
00:08:11 ►
the number of followers are still a very low percentage of the total population of our planet.
00:08:18 ►
The discovery of who we are and what our potential can be
00:08:22 ►
was given an enormous boost when Dr. Albert Hoffman
00:08:27 ►
came forward with LSD. Within a few years, persons all over the world began to discover
00:08:34 ►
enormous openings of consciousness. Vast areas of discovery opened up. Repressed material rose
00:08:43 ►
to the surface, in many cases revealing sources of discomfort
00:08:47 ►
that could now be released. Inappropriate behavior was recognized. Mates, family members, and friends
00:08:57 ►
were seen in greatly enhanced light. Heightened awareness opened the door to vast beauty and understanding.
00:09:06 ►
And most important of all, for open seekers,
00:09:11 ►
came the realization that one is truly one with the universe,
00:09:17 ►
immersed in pure bliss.
00:09:19 ►
And that’s what’s waiting for us.
00:09:23 ►
Unfortunately, there were many youngsters who managed to possess LSD
00:09:28 ►
and were anxious to explore without intelligent guidance.
00:09:32 ►
While naturally peaceful, contented, open-minded youngsters found riches from their experiences.
00:09:41 ►
More disturbed persons encountered deeply repressed material that was very painful
00:09:47 ►
and difficult to resolve. This often led to minds getting twisted and in some cases created
00:09:55 ►
unbearable pain. Sometimes such persons ended up in severe depressions and even in hospitals.
00:10:03 ►
Many physicians and their helpers did not have the knowledge
00:10:07 ►
to help such persons out of their dilemma.
00:10:10 ►
Parents were bewildered by the changes.
00:10:15 ►
In America, many uninformed physicians,
00:10:19 ►
who were unfortunately in the majority
00:10:21 ►
in the Punity Federal Drug Enforcement Authority,
00:10:26 ►
were happy to bitterly oppose such substances, resulting in the United States government making all such substances
00:10:33 ►
illegal.
00:10:36 ►
No research with psychedelic substances has been approved for over 30 years.
00:10:43 ►
Finally, starting within the last three years,
00:10:47 ►
several research projects employing psilocybin and MDMA
00:10:51 ►
have been authorized by our Food and Drug Administration
00:10:54 ►
with the possibility of research with LSD in the near future.
00:11:00 ►
Results are encouraging
00:11:02 ►
and it’s most likely that only a matter of time before these valuable substances can be put into use.
00:11:10 ►
What is it like to enter the dimensions of higher consciousness?
00:11:16 ►
Dr. Hoffman has presented a great deal of information from his own personal experiences in books he has written.
00:11:24 ►
from his own personal experiences in books he has written.
00:11:29 ►
In my own experience, I’ve been unusually blessed to have the privilege of entering dimensions never previously imagined.
00:11:35 ►
While I’ve not always been able to retain the full impact of these discoveries,
00:11:40 ►
if I did, I would be enlightened in the Buddhist sense,
00:11:44 ►
the impact of these openings has exposed such grandeur and vastness
00:11:50 ►
that the only acceptable response is incredible gratitude.
00:11:57 ►
Being human and still carrying burdens beyond my ability to resolve them,
00:12:03 ►
there still remains important work to be done.
00:12:07 ►
But just having experienced glimpses
00:12:10 ►
is enough to muster determination to press forward,
00:12:14 ►
for it is now clear that our real self,
00:12:18 ►
the true I that resides in the heart of each of us,
00:12:23 ►
is present and available,
00:12:25 ►
and is worth far more than anything one could possibly imagine.
00:12:32 ►
Entering this dimension is pure, indescribable bliss.
00:12:37 ►
We are one with the universe,
00:12:40 ►
including all other beings and creatures,
00:12:43 ►
and it is crystal clear that love is the only answer.
00:12:48 ►
It is really impossible to fully describe the remarkable essence of who we are.
00:12:55 ►
What I am presenting here are simply words, and we all know how easy it is to present words in all kinds of ways.
00:13:08 ►
know how easy it is to present words in all kinds of ways. But in each of us, the remarkable core that is one with all, and hopefully, as these words are stated, something deep
00:13:15 ►
within yourself will recognize a new reality, a reality that is the most worthwhile thing we can possibly realize.
00:13:26 ►
Hopefully, just a taste of this can reveal what is possible and is ultimately real,
00:13:34 ►
the only reality that really matters.
00:13:38 ►
I do not mean that everyone can immediately enter into this state. I’m simply saying that just
00:13:45 ►
knowing that this is real and that its value surpasses anything else we could possibly
00:13:51 ►
imagine tells us that this is the most important endeavor that we can undertake. There are
00:14:01 ►
no doubt many who are not ready to accept such conclusions.
00:14:06 ►
There are all kinds of people in the world, and many have already determined the objectives they prefer to pursue.
00:14:16 ►
And that’s fine. Pursue your own choices.
00:14:26 ►
but ultimately you will reach the point where you recognize that there is no other endeavor that can be as precious as unfolding your true inner self,
00:14:32 ►
whether in this lifetime or future lifetimes.
00:14:37 ►
If the goal that I’ve just described is accurate and therefore desirable,
00:14:42 ►
how can it be attained?
00:14:44 ►
and therefore desirable, how can it be attained?
00:14:50 ►
There is no question that the appropriate use of LSD can open many important doors.
00:14:57 ►
Unfortunately, many nations have outlawed LSD and similar substances.
00:15:04 ►
I’m ashamed to confess that the United States, supposedly the home of freedom,
00:15:08 ►
has been the major factor in outlining these precious materials.
00:15:14 ►
But there are places in the world where these restrictions do not exist.
00:15:20 ►
And hopefully, as current research produces favorable results,
00:15:24 ►
the day will come when appropriate applications will be permissible.
00:15:26 ►
In preparation for this time, let’s look at established procedures which can accomplish worthwhile results.
00:15:35 ►
As mentioned before, there are open, caring persons who naturally respond to the remarkable openings that are presented.
00:15:46 ►
There have been some who have been so enormously grateful
00:15:49 ►
for what they obtained in LSD
00:15:53 ►
and for what they have learned in a single session
00:15:56 ►
that they are content to never imbibe again.
00:16:02 ►
Those who have more difficult times
00:16:04 ►
can be greatly helped by experienced guides.
00:16:09 ►
This is an area I’m very familiar with,
00:16:12 ►
as it took me a number of years to clear up much of the garbage I was carrying.
00:16:17 ►
But the greater one is suffering, the more profound is the relief of getting free.
00:16:23 ►
the more profound is the relief of getting free.
00:16:30 ►
Those who have the hardest time are those who have powerfully repressed material,
00:16:34 ►
which the famous psychiatrist Carl Jung named the shadow.
00:16:39 ►
Carl Jung is no doubt one of the bravest men who ever lived,
00:16:46 ►
intentionally punching deeply into his unconscious to search out and resolve his inner conflicts.
00:16:49 ►
Shadow material can be very painful.
00:16:55 ►
The greatest sources of pain come from mistreatment, particularly at a young age where comprehension is not yet developed.
00:17:08 ►
fear, pain, neglect, accidents, forced restrictions,
00:17:15 ►
are all sources of such discomfort that our psyche buries these feelings deep into the unconscious.
00:17:22 ►
A good psychedelic experience can open us to these restricted levels and permit discharging these uncomfortable feelings.
00:17:26 ►
In addition, there can be feelings of joy as we contact our true center.
00:17:33 ►
There can also be an enormous relief of energy and well-being,
00:17:38 ►
as it takes a lot of energy to hold down the miserable unconscious feelings.
00:17:43 ►
My own experience is that as you clear up repressed material,
00:17:48 ►
which provides great relief,
00:17:51 ►
you then encounter deeper, more difficult layers.
00:17:55 ►
It can get so hurtful that many desire to go no further.
00:18:00 ►
On the other hand,
00:18:02 ►
complete freedom is won only by penetrating completely to the root of the discomfort.
00:18:10 ►
Fortunately, there are three powerful aids that can help gain resolution.
00:18:16 ►
The first is, as you sink deeper and deeper into your inner self, you are encountering your true being.
00:18:24 ►
deeper into your inner self, you are encountering your true being.
00:18:30 ►
The joy this provides makes it easier to confront the painful material.
00:18:35 ►
Another help is suggested by Leo Ziff,
00:18:39 ►
one of the world’s outstanding psychedelic therapists.
00:18:43 ►
Interviewed in my book, The Secret Chief Revealed,
00:18:47 ►
Leo tells us that if we can stop resisting and let go to the flow, the discomfort lessens,
00:18:52 ►
making it easier to reach complete release.
00:18:56 ►
This can end up with profound peace and joy.
00:19:02 ►
A third help is achieved by accomplished meditators who learn to withdraw into their true center
00:19:09 ►
and from this viewpoint look out into the spaces where the painful material is present.
00:19:15 ►
In the comfort of the inner self, they can observe the uncomfortable material as being on the outside
00:19:22 ►
and consequently not deeply felt.
00:19:27 ►
material as being on the outside and consequently not deeply felt. From this viewpoint, it is possible to identify the pain and find a way to resolve it. Each encounter with LSD or other
00:19:38 ►
similar useful substances as created by Alexander Sheldon should be carefully reviewed.
00:19:47 ►
It is extremely important that valuable discoveries
00:19:51 ►
which have been revealed are immediately put into effect.
00:19:56 ►
Those who have available access to LSD, for example,
00:20:01 ►
often neglect taking this step.
00:20:04 ►
As if one falls back, it is easy to repeat the experience.
00:20:09 ►
I personally fell into this trap myself. As I failed to put indicated action into practice,
00:20:16 ►
I could feel myself regressing and would consequently imbibe again.
00:20:23 ►
After a while, I felt this constant going up and down, very trying.
00:20:29 ►
It then became crystal clear that I was not using these valuable substances properly.
00:20:36 ►
It is essential to put into action what we have learned.
00:20:41 ►
Otherwise, our inner self can get discouraged and depression can follow
00:20:45 ►
an excellent way to ensure that we take full advantage
00:20:49 ►
of what we learn
00:20:51 ►
is to develop a good meditation practice
00:20:54 ►
many people find it difficult to follow this approach
00:20:59 ►
they are busy persons
00:21:01 ►
working for a living
00:21:03 ►
and in the beginning nothing rewarding seems to develop.
00:21:07 ►
When you start taking up meditation, people get bored because nothing is happening.
00:21:14 ►
Here is where intention comes into the picture.
00:21:18 ►
With dedicated intention, one sticks to the practice until results begin to occur.
00:21:24 ►
one sticks to the practice until results begin to occur.
00:21:29 ►
Having access to LSD at appropriate times can provide openings that considerably enhance
00:21:32 ►
the progress of mastering meditation.
00:21:35 ►
I think it is enormously worthwhile
00:21:38 ►
to find a good meditation teacher
00:21:40 ►
who is skilled enough to teach essential techniques
00:21:44 ►
and properly monitor you on your journey.
00:21:49 ►
Excellent advice can come from the books by the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron, Eckhart Tolle, and my own teacher, Alan Wallace.
00:22:07 ►
teacher, Alan Wallace, it is often difficult to get started with meditation, but once you begin to make contact with your deep self, you begin to feel more peaceful and that something
00:22:14 ►
worthwhile is happening.
00:22:17 ►
Staying with it, one begins to find deeper relaxation, then more mental stability, and then finally clarity. As you increase your
00:22:29 ►
ability to hold your mind still, the door to the unconscious becomes more open and repressed
00:22:37 ►
material can surface, providing wonderful release. You then generate more energy,
00:22:45 ►
as it takes energy to hold down repressions.
00:22:49 ►
If you earnestly pursue such a practice,
00:22:52 ►
you will find yourself developing calmness,
00:22:55 ►
which can progress to peace,
00:22:57 ►
then euphoria,
00:22:59 ►
and in due time, even ecstasy.
00:23:02 ►
And all of this can, at appropriate times, enhance psychedelic explorations,
00:23:08 ►
which can further deepen your meditation practice. The more we progress, the more we learn to
00:23:16 ►
open up and resolve inappropriate material. In general, most of us don’t care for pain.
00:23:23 ►
In general, most of us don’t care for pain.
00:23:27 ►
But I have learned that pain is an excellent teacher.
00:23:31 ►
I’ll admit that this requires real intention.
00:23:38 ►
But one learns that the relief, freedom, and greater awareness
00:23:43 ►
makes one grateful for mustering the will which brings such great relief.
00:23:48 ►
So I consider it very worthwhile to learn to sit with one’s pain and stay with it until the source
00:23:51 ►
arises to consciousness, which is a great revelation.
00:23:56 ►
Then it can be dealt with. Once you know what it is
00:23:59 ►
and where it came from, then it’s easy to deal with it.
00:24:04 ►
This technique is well described in Chapter 6 in Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now.
00:24:12 ►
It’s well worth reading.
00:24:15 ►
One morning, a couple of years ago, I was sitting on the sofa, letting my mind rest in its natural state,
00:24:22 ►
when I became aware of a great discomfort in my abdomen.
00:24:27 ►
In the past, I would have tried to draw away from this feeling, but now I knew to put my
00:24:34 ►
intention directly on it and hold my full attention there.
00:24:40 ►
All of a sudden, a sequence of events began to flow through me.
00:24:43 ►
All of a sudden, a sequence of events began to flow through me.
00:24:50 ►
The result was a much greater understanding of how things work.
00:24:55 ►
As the discomfort rose, I became agitated and began to look for the source of the misery.
00:25:00 ►
Then it struck me right between the eyes.
00:25:04 ►
My very clever ego began searching and searching to find the cause of the difficulty.
00:25:12 ►
But as soon as I did this, it became crystal clear.
00:25:16 ►
The pain is the result of separating from a person, from an animal, from a place.
00:25:24 ►
From a person, from an animal, from a place.
00:25:31 ►
Suddenly I recognized my ego was deliberately searching to find the cause of the discomfort.
00:25:38 ►
It seemed imperative to find someone or something on which to place the blame.
00:25:46 ►
Then with an enormous impact, I realized that this created further separation which produced even more pain
00:25:49 ►
so the very clever ego
00:25:52 ►
searches even further
00:25:54 ►
which creates more separation and more pain
00:25:57 ►
it became quite clear how much pain and suffering
00:26:01 ►
is being created around the world
00:26:04 ►
particularly for those persons how much pain and suffering is being created around the world,
00:26:10 ►
particularly for those persons who feel their own God is the only true God and it’s perfectly all right to kill those who support different religions.
00:26:14 ►
How’s that for separation?
00:26:18 ►
Will there ever be any end to their agony
00:26:20 ►
as they keep creating more and more the very cause of their own pain?
00:26:26 ►
For the truth is, we are all one.
00:26:30 ►
So when we separate ourselves, we break our connection.
00:26:36 ►
And breaking this connection results in pain, even if we’re unwilling to acknowledge it.
00:26:44 ►
Recently, I was blessed to experience a further element
00:26:47 ►
to help open the doors of realization.
00:26:50 ►
My very good friend, Sasha Shogun,
00:26:54 ►
in years past, observed me struggle
00:26:57 ►
through some of the uncomfortable situations
00:26:59 ►
I often found in myself.
00:27:02 ►
He would ask me,
00:27:04 ►
are you above the line or below the line?
00:27:08 ►
Often I was too uncomfortable to reply to him.
00:27:13 ►
I finally discovered that being above the line
00:27:15 ►
was a great deal more satisfying than being below the line.
00:27:19 ►
And more important, I began to understand ways to stay there.
00:27:24 ►
I spent quite a bit of time in meditation simply being still and observing.
00:27:30 ►
This is often quite satisfying, but in some ways it seemed there were things I was missing.
00:27:37 ►
Heavy feelings would return.
00:27:40 ►
The wonderful states of clarity would fade away.
00:27:43 ►
There seemed no way to maintain this above-the-line space.
00:27:48 ►
Then it came to me that I was not producing enough intention.
00:27:53 ►
It was important to focus more clearly,
00:27:57 ►
carefully avoiding grasping,
00:27:59 ►
but somehow applying purpose without straining.
00:28:03 ►
Then the higher levels of consciousness began to appear.
00:28:08 ►
Sitting on the deck of my house,
00:28:11 ►
looking up at the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada,
00:28:14 ►
and looking above the mountaintops to the crystal clear blue of the sky,
00:28:18 ►
I was filled with the awe and beauty of that very alive heaven.
00:28:23 ►
with the awe and beauty of that very alive heaven.
00:28:28 ►
It becomes more clear all the time that there is no end to consciousness.
00:28:31 ►
It will expand and expand and expand,
00:28:36 ►
leading us to new heights,
00:28:38 ►
new realizations,
00:28:40 ►
new incredible bliss.
00:28:43 ►
It is patiently waiting,
00:28:46 ►
waiting for us to apply the necessary intention.
00:28:51 ►
Since 1965, I have learned that psychedelic substances
00:28:56 ►
were the most powerful learning tools available to mankind.
00:29:01 ►
Complex, powerful, they are easily misused and abused
00:29:06 ►
yet for this sincere seeker
00:29:09 ►
armed with honesty, courage
00:29:12 ►
and an unquenchable thirst for self-discovery
00:29:16 ►
I know of no other means
00:29:18 ►
that can so readily provide self-understanding
00:29:21 ►
and the ultimate nature of reality
00:29:24 ►
nor that can so readily reveal self-understanding and the ultimate nature of reality,
00:29:31 ►
nor that can so readily reveal the source of most of the difficulties of the human race and the most appropriate path to their resolution.
00:29:37 ►
Following are some of the points that I consider to be my most valuable learning experiences.
00:29:42 ►
to be my most valuable learning experiences.
00:29:44 ►
Number one.
00:29:50 ►
Many aspects of life expand as our consciousness expands.
00:29:55 ►
This includes improvement in communication and relationships,
00:29:59 ►
developing skills, sensory enhancement,
00:30:04 ►
free flow of thought, appreciation of nature, and growth in inner strength and well-being.
00:30:10 ►
Number two, the source of life is utterly real.
00:30:16 ►
Those who have the strength and courage to explore this dimension
00:30:20 ►
will find an incomprehensible beauty almost beyond the strength of humans to
00:30:26 ►
gaze upon. Number three, the universe is created in unconceivable love, a vast, endless, timeless love
00:30:38 ►
that is in the heart of every living creature that awaits within each of us to be discovered by those who earnestly seek it.
00:30:49 ►
Number four, we are truly all one.
00:30:54 ►
Our brother’s welfare is our welfare.
00:30:57 ►
His or her pain is our pain.
00:31:00 ►
And there is no private salvation.
00:31:13 ►
The Buddhists are right. There is no way to advance spiritually without committing oneself to the happiness and
00:31:21 ►
welfare of all living beings.
00:31:43 ►
Thank you very much.
00:31:47 ►
Intentionality is the bottom line.
00:31:56 ►
We act, create, accomplish, and love according with the depth of our intention.
00:31:59 ►
Number six. The most glorious experience can fade away unless we take full responsibility for bringing it into realization in our lives.
00:32:12 ►
And seven and last, gratitude and appreciation are the star steps to heaven. Thank you.
00:32:53 ►
God bless you. Thank you.
00:33:13 ►
As you may have noticed, Myron, for the most part, read his remarks from an essay he wrote specifically for the occasion of Dr. Hoffman’s birthday celebration.
00:33:24 ►
But I should point out that if you ever have the pleasure of visiting with him in person, you’ll find that his conversation follows in much the same vein as his writing, and I hope to be able to share some recent conversations that I had with Myron in a future podcast.
00:33:31 ►
Just last month, my wife and I were guests of Gene and Myron at their lovely home in the high desert,
00:33:37 ►
where the majestic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains can be seen in almost every direction.
00:33:43 ►
I did record some of our talks that
00:33:45 ►
weekend, but haven’t had a chance to listen to them yet and see if they came out okay.
00:33:50 ►
But if the goddess has blessed us, then one day you will be able to hear some of the great stories
00:33:55 ►
that Jean and Myron told us as I pestered them with every question I could think of to ask.
00:34:01 ►
And by the way, I’m sure that they would both love to hear from any of you who
00:34:05 ►
would like to contact them, and I’ll be happy to forward your emails on to them if you like.
00:34:11 ►
Since spam is such a problem these days, I don’t want to be the cause of them getting even more
00:34:16 ►
unwanted email sent to them, so I don’t feel comfortable giving out their email addresses in a podcast, but I do promise that
00:34:25 ►
if you send an email to lorenzo at matrixmasters.com with a subject line that reads,
00:34:32 ►
For Myron and Jean, I’ll be sure to send it on to them. And speaking of email, I hope that your
00:34:40 ►
messages to me are getting through as I really enjoy hearing from my fellow psychedelics
00:34:45 ►
and I’m learning a lot from your comments. For example, Tor wrote to remind me that it
00:34:52 ►
isn’t just the rave and dance community where there’s some good psychedelic music floating
00:34:57 ►
around. And he points out that rock music isn’t dead yet and that new groups continue to build
00:35:03 ►
on some of the earlier work by bands
00:35:05 ►
like the Grateful Dead, the Birds, and others.
00:35:08 ►
And I have to admit that during my solo journeys into Entheospace, well, some of those groups
00:35:13 ►
are definitely on my playlist as well.
00:35:17 ►
So thanks for pointing that out, Tor, and it’s good to know that I’m not the only rock
00:35:21 ►
and roll guy here.
00:35:23 ►
And Daniel from Copenhagen wrote to give me a little different perspective on part of the rave scene in Europe.
00:35:31 ►
You know, I guess I’ve been a little over the top talking about the rave scene here in the States,
00:35:37 ►
primarily because my tangential involvement in it is primarily through the Burning Man community.
00:35:44 ►
But as Daniel points out,
00:35:45 ►
not all is well with the dance community, at least parts of it. And one of the things he mentions is
00:35:51 ►
something that I once heard Terrence McKenna say, and that is the fact that far too many ravers are
00:35:58 ►
using the wrong drugs. Among other things, he said, is that most people are on bad ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines, and usually also alcohol.
00:36:10 ►
Man, that’s a really bad combination, in my humble opinion.
00:36:15 ►
And in truth, that describes a lot of the scene over here, too, I’m afraid.
00:36:31 ►
I just try to not think about how much potentially good psychedelic energy is being wasted by some of the candy ravers who are evolving along the meth and coke and alcohol lines.
00:36:42 ►
And if that’s the scene you’re into, you might want to check out a little of the mushroom and acid consciousness and contribute some positive energy to the noosphere while you’re out there dancing.
00:37:05 ►
For one thing, it’s a lot more fun and pleasurable than the coke and alcohol path. Thank you. we hope it’s heading, that there are a lot of you highly aware people out there who are doing your best to nudge our species along to a better way of living.
00:37:10 ►
And before I go, I also want to mention the fact that I’m not always the best organized
00:37:15 ►
person around.
00:37:16 ►
I make these work lists to help me feel like I’ve got control of my life, and then I bury
00:37:22 ►
them somewhere and forget to read them.
00:37:26 ►
Thankfully, you guys are willing to put up with me even when I’ve screwed up. What am I talking about, you ask?
00:37:31 ►
Well, I got a call from a metal salonner the other day, and he was very kindly and gently
00:37:38 ►
asking if I’d received an order he placed for my book a couple of months ago. Wow. Did I ever screw up on that one?
00:37:47 ►
Poor Dave placed his order a week, I guess about the week after I returned from Burning
00:37:52 ►
Man, and to tell the truth, I was completely fried, and his order just slipped through
00:37:57 ►
the cracks, which is no excuse. And I wish I could say that I’m always as understanding
00:38:03 ►
as Dave was, but when somebody screws something up like that on me, I get really testy about it.
00:38:09 ►
So, thank you, Dave.
00:38:11 ►
Not even in the midst of that big storm they’re still digging out from in the Midwest did you get upset with me.
00:38:18 ►
And now the reason I’m telling this story on myself is that I’m afraid that Dave may not be the only one whose order or email or something like that that I’ve messed up.
00:38:28 ►
So if that’s the case with any of the others of you, please let me know.
00:38:32 ►
As I said, my email address is Lorenzo at Matrix Masters.
00:38:37 ►
That’s M-A-T-R-I-X-M-A-S-T-E-R-S dot com.
00:38:42 ►
And put the word podcast in the subject line, if you will.
00:38:46 ►
And that should get through most of my spam filters.
00:38:48 ►
And I’ll fix the problem as best I can, as fast as I can.
00:38:53 ►
I guess I should also mention that this and all of the podcasts from the Psychedelic Salon
00:38:58 ►
are protected under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Sharealike 2.5 license.
00:39:04 ►
Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Sharealike 2.5 License.
00:39:06 ►
And if you have any questions about that,
00:39:11 ►
you can click on the link at the bottom of the Cyclodelic Salon webpage,
00:39:16 ►
which may be found at matrixmasters.com slash podcasts,
00:39:20 ►
or by going directly to the creativecommons.org website.
00:39:24 ►
If you still have questions, you can send them to me in an email as well. Again, I want to thank Jacques Cordell and Wells, Thank you. and recorded to help promote a new meme that has sprung up in Africa.
00:39:46 ►
Ghana, to be exact.
00:39:49 ►
The campaign is called Stop Killing Us,
00:39:55 ►
and details about this may be found on the Internet at stopkillingus.org.
00:39:58 ►
And I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check it out and maybe even make a small donation and get one of their T-shirts,
00:40:01 ►
which are being used to get this important message out
00:40:05 ►
as we just heard myron stolaroff say there is no way to advance spiritually without committing
00:40:12 ►
oneself to the happiness and welfare of all living beings it’s a simple truth but one that
00:40:20 ►
can change the world if we all take it to heart. For now, this is Lorenzo, signing off from Cyberdelic Space.
00:40:29 ►
Be well, my friends.
00:40:52 ►
I have my dream of cleaner air A home and food that I can share
00:40:57 ►
Will you give me a reason to believe
00:41:03 ►
This world can be
00:41:06 ►
A place where I can breathe
00:41:09 ►
Stop killing us
00:41:12 ►
Stop killing us
00:41:14 ►
Stop killing us
00:41:17 ►
Stop killing us
00:41:20 ►
Stop killing us
00:41:23 ►
Stop killing us Stop killing us. Stop killing us.
00:41:26 ►
Stop killing us.
00:41:29 ►
Stop killing us.
00:41:43 ►
We are the whales. We are the whales
00:41:45 ►
We are the seas
00:41:48 ►
We are the winds
00:41:51 ►
We are the trees
00:41:54 ►
We are the earth
00:41:56 ►
We are the sky
00:41:59 ►
It’s up to you
00:42:02 ►
Do we live or do we die?
00:42:06 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:08 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:11 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:14 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:17 ►
Start seeing us
00:42:19 ►
Start hearing us
00:42:22 ►
Stop killing us Stop killing us
00:42:25 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:28 ►
Sister brother
00:42:30 ►
Come testify
00:42:32 ►
Sister brother
00:42:36 ►
Let’s do or die
00:42:39 ►
Stop killing us
00:42:42 ►
Stop killing us. We’re dying. Stop killing us.
00:42:45 ►
We’re crying.
00:42:46 ►
Start seeing us.
00:42:48 ►
We’re dying.
00:42:49 ►
Start hearing us.
00:42:51 ►
We’re crying.
00:42:51 ►
Start feeling us.
00:42:53 ►
We’re dying.
00:42:55 ►
Start feeling us.
00:42:56 ►
We’re crying.
00:42:58 ►
Stop killing us.
00:42:59 ►
Stop killing us.
00:43:01 ►
I have a face.
00:43:02 ►
Start seeing.
00:43:04 ►
I have a voice. Start hearing. You have a face, I have a voice, you have a face, you have a joy, start feeling love.
00:43:25 ►
Please, please, please, shock your mind. Please, please, please, shock your mind.
00:43:30 ►
Please, please, please, shock your mind.
00:43:36 ►
Please, please, please, shock your mind.
00:43:41 ►
Please, please, please, please, stop
00:43:46 ►
Please, please, please, please, stop
00:43:51 ►
Please, please, please, please, stop I’m I’m I’m
00:44:06 ►
I’m