Open Post: Doors of Perception

[in_a_dark_time]

I began Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception today. I'd read Brave New World as a teenager--that explains a lot!--and wanted to read him again as an adult

Comments

[hindarochel]

So I ask this, humble members--can an acid (or other) trip bring you to the Meaning of Life?Firstly, I don't believe that the MEANING OF LIFE, in terms of each individual, is fully understandable to anyone living. Complete claification on ones purpose in this world is something, I think, that is explained only after one has lived out ones life. Nor do I really think we can fully understand why we are all here in the first place except to say that either G-d or the accidental and spontaneous conjunction of various chemicals brought us here

[in_a_dark_time]

Thanks for the first official reply to the community, and I'm sorry it took so long to write back...first day off work in quite a while.

Do you believe in reincarnation? If the meaning of our life is explained to us after our lives are passed, what is the purpose? If no amount of trying can allow us to figure out our lives beforehand, do we get another chance? Does it matter, if we won't understand it all over again? I guess I'm asking if we ever get a chance to live as truly aware beings. If not, is there a purpose to being here, or is all vanity, as in Ecclesiastes? And if it is pointless, is it still worth it to search for meaning, if only for the experiences derived from searching? (A friend and I have been discussing this in relation to the search for self, which is, I suppose, why I have so many questions

[queenofmadness]

If you ask me I say it's totally dependant of circumstance. What I mean is if you were raised in a shamanistic tribe in the Amazon (or some other remote region) that has hallucinogenic plants or substances used in their spiritual rituals then yes, you may very well have an epiphany. But this is more due to the culture then the drug. Most of the said tribes spend their entire lives preparing and getting to know what to expect and the 'trips' are usually combined with rituals and chanting. There's a reason for that.. It's so each member will have similar experiences, it's directing them on the right path per se. Otherwise I would think it wouldn't do much for most and might actually lead you farther from "The Truth." That's my two cents. I'm still really fascinated by reading what different people experience but as for myself.. I'll keep my feet settled happily on the ground.

[in_a_dark_time]

I think that's an interesting viewpoint--and I see what you're getting at. But does that mean a Westerner, with the right amount of mental and spiritual preparation and instruction, could also have an epiphany?

Anyway, thanks so much for your input!

[queenofmadness]

I guess it would depend on your personal beliefs. I mean every culture is going to have different beliefs and come to different conclusions. Does this mean they are all wrong or that only one is right? Or does this mean they all have peices of a much greater puzzle? I don't know, maybe there is a common thread in all of them. Maybe epiphanies come in all forms and are at the root of a greater knowledge no one person can fully comprehend. I'm not one to say. I do however know that there are a lot of things used as hallucinogens and they all have different effects. Some make you look inside yourself, some make you look outside yourself, some are mild while others are extreme. Mix this fact with different cultures and the world begins to spin even when you're sober

[in_a_dark_time]

I have limited internet access right now, so sorry for the long wait. I promise to reply ASAP.

Peace.