(no subject)
In the Vedic Ages, a mythical herb called Soma was highly sought after for its god-like manifestations. The word Soma is derived from the Proto-Indo-Iranian word “sauma”, which comes from the Sanskrit root word “sav”, meaning “to press”, which actually has to do with the preparation of the drug. The plant would be brought to where ever the ceremony was to be held; and there it was cleaned, then the stalks would be smashed by a mortar and pestle. After being crushed, the wounded remnants were laid between rocks or wood to be pressed. This stage caused the potent juices to be extracted. Usually into something like lamb’s wool, this acted like a final filter. Then the juice would be strained, and the real celebration would begin.
This wasn’t just any junkie’s fix though. It was reserved by the gods for the sole purpose of the Brahmin to connect with them. And was held in the highest spiritual name, as it was even believed that the plant had a god of its own dwelling inside, cleverly named Soma. So, that whoever was to drink its nectar, would actually be taken over by the spirit. Not only did these psychedelic experiences open the mind to a god-like consciousness, but it was believed that the gods themselves would partake in the delight of Soma regularly. As time went on though, these resourceful people began to seek a higher plain of transcendence; one that no drug could ever hope of reaching. Soon the use of Soma started dwindling; eventually dying out altogether. With its use now completely halted, the secret [of this once essential aspect of Hinduism] would be lost forever.
Contemporary scholars have speculated several different plants as being Soma. A common theory is that Soma was a psychedelic mushroom, more specifically Amanita muscaria, or Fly Agaric Mushroom. Though in the book “The Food Of The Gods”, Terence McKenna argues that A. muscaria is too much of a disassociative rather than psychedelic to be Soma. He prefers the theory of Psilocybe cubensis, which houses the more psychedelic chemical Psilocybin. Another popular candidate; and not a hallucinogen, but stimulant, is Ephedra. Harry Falk brought up that “there is nothing Shamanistic or visionary either in early Vedic or in Old Iranian texts,” He believed that the texts implied an enhanced state of alertness and awareness, that isn’t accompanied by the consciousness achieved by an entheogen.
Several other botanical psychoactives are suspect: Cannabis, Peganum harmala (Harmal), and Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus). Like the aforementioned substances, these all have their own trouble conforming to the idea of Soma. It’s probably best that this is the case. We have enough outlandish figures fighting for our minds, bodies, and souls, which that resolving something like Soma would only add to our confusion. Maybe someday we will know the Truth.
This wasn’t just any junkie’s fix though. It was reserved by the gods for the sole purpose of the Brahmin to connect with them. And was held in the highest spiritual name, as it was even believed that the plant had a god of its own dwelling inside, cleverly named Soma. So, that whoever was to drink its nectar, would actually be taken over by the spirit. Not only did these psychedelic experiences open the mind to a god-like consciousness, but it was believed that the gods themselves would partake in the delight of Soma regularly. As time went on though, these resourceful people began to seek a higher plain of transcendence; one that no drug could ever hope of reaching. Soon the use of Soma started dwindling; eventually dying out altogether. With its use now completely halted, the secret [of this once essential aspect of Hinduism] would be lost forever.
Contemporary scholars have speculated several different plants as being Soma. A common theory is that Soma was a psychedelic mushroom, more specifically Amanita muscaria, or Fly Agaric Mushroom. Though in the book “The Food Of The Gods”, Terence McKenna argues that A. muscaria is too much of a disassociative rather than psychedelic to be Soma. He prefers the theory of Psilocybe cubensis, which houses the more psychedelic chemical Psilocybin. Another popular candidate; and not a hallucinogen, but stimulant, is Ephedra. Harry Falk brought up that “there is nothing Shamanistic or visionary either in early Vedic or in Old Iranian texts,” He believed that the texts implied an enhanced state of alertness and awareness, that isn’t accompanied by the consciousness achieved by an entheogen.
Several other botanical psychoactives are suspect: Cannabis, Peganum harmala (Harmal), and Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus). Like the aforementioned substances, these all have their own trouble conforming to the idea of Soma. It’s probably best that this is the case. We have enough outlandish figures fighting for our minds, bodies, and souls, which that resolving something like Soma would only add to our confusion. Maybe someday we will know the Truth.