PSYCHEDELICS - Sciencemadness.org

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____________________________________________________ Psychedelics
stances, he experiences a Self of which the intellect is only a
tool.
Like any other tool, the intellect is very useful for some
purposes, but of little or no value for others. If we are to
achieve this glimpse of the depths of awareness, or the
"Awakening," the intellect must be quieted in order that we
may go beyond it, to That which is its source.
Words are symbols of ideas, of concepts. Concepts, in turn,
are symbols that point to an experience. When our attention
is focused on words, or on concepts, we fail to achieve the
depths of the experience they represent. Meditation or silence
(inner as well as outer) is practice in going beyond concepts
to the Self, which is the reality underlying all thoughts, feelings,
and actions. "Be still, and know," the Psalmist says.
As one follows the path of inner exploration, it may happen
that psychic powers develop. These powers include such abilities
as clairvoyance, telepathy, precognition, healing, or communication
with the after-death level of life. Such powers
may, if properly used, be a help in turning our awareness from
the outer to the inner life; "biological radio," as discussed
earlier, was very helpful to me at one stage. However, if
sought as ends in themselves, psychic powers can be a hindrance
in our quest for That which is beyond all phenomena,
whether physical, mental, or psychic. It is well, for example,
that one should have a strong, properly functioning physical
body; but to become an Atlas, to make physical strength an
end in itself, is to be caught again in the trap of the ego.
Psychic powers may be useful, just as physical strength is
useful; but both are means rather than ends in themselves.
The primary purpose of the Church of the Awakening has
been stated to be the enhancement of growth in love and
understanding, and the concurrent diminution of egotism and
selfishness.
Our purpose may also be furthered by individual and group
participation in the psychedelic sacrament or mystical initia-
tion. We believe that this sacrament should be administered
only to those who have prepared and qualified themselves for
it, and only by properly trained monitors or ministers of the
Church. Such administration should be in accord with the
laws of the United States, and also of the state in which a