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Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences
In the early 1960s, scientists openly advocated for experimentation with psychedelics. This effort, however, quickly turned into a discredited enterprise involving recreational drug use. But what if a study of psychedelics was undertaken with trusted scientific rigor? William A. Richards does just that in Sacred Knowledge, the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences. Richards argues that, if used responsibly and legally, psychedelics have incredible potential to assuage human suffering and constructively contribute to the quality of life on our planet. His work is based on nearly three decades of legal research with volunteers aged twenty-four to eighty-one.
Sacred Knowledge enriches humanities and scientific scholarship, expanding work in philosophy, anthropology, theology, and religious studies, as well as in mental health, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. Richards's analysis also contributes to social and political debates over the responsible integration of psychedelic substances into modern society. His book is an invaluable resource for readers who, whether spontaneously or with the facilitation of psychedelics, have encountered meaningful, inspiring, or even disturbing states of consciousness and seek clarity about their experiences. Testing the limits of language and conceptual frameworks, Richards makes the most of experiential phenomena that stretch our concepts of reality and advances new frontiers in the study of belief, spiritual awakening, psychiatric treatment, and social well-being.
Sacred Knowledge enriches humanities and scientific scholarship, expanding work in philosophy, anthropology, theology, and religious studies, as well as in mental health, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. Richards's analysis also contributes to social and political debates over the responsible integration of psychedelic substances into modern society. His book is an invaluable resource for readers who, whether spontaneously or with the facilitation of psychedelics, have encountered meaningful, inspiring, or even disturbing states of consciousness and seek clarity about their experiences. Testing the limits of language and conceptual frameworks, Richards makes the most of experiential phenomena that stretch our concepts of reality and advances new frontiers in the study of belief, spiritual awakening, psychiatric treatment, and social well-being.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 4, 2017
I had the good fortune to meet Bill Richards while attending his workshop at MAPS 2017. It was a happy moment for me and now a great memory. To be honest about my 5 star rating, I was already biased towards Bill after watching him in the fantastic documentary called, Psilocybin: A New Understanding. Meeting him and briefly studying under him only reinforced my sense of how important this guy is. His therapeutic finesse and regard for others is so inspiring. His work spans decades, both before and after the psychedelic prohibition. Together with his colleagues, their work at Johns Hopkins is cutting edge and helping to drive forward what is being called the "psychedelic renaissance."
In my eyes, Bill is one of the wisest living voices within the psychedelic community. As I read this thoughtful and unique book I couldn't help but wish I could have had access to it back in my early twenties. As far as I'm concerned this piece is required reading on these topics, and I will recommend it to anyone with an interest in entheogens.
In my eyes, Bill is one of the wisest living voices within the psychedelic community. As I read this thoughtful and unique book I couldn't help but wish I could have had access to it back in my early twenties. As far as I'm concerned this piece is required reading on these topics, and I will recommend it to anyone with an interest in entheogens.
June 17, 2016
A gentle manifesto for the value of psychedelics, both for medical and psychological research and for the expansion of consciousness in members of the general public. The author, a psychologist and seminary graduate, took part in psychedelic research in the 1960s and 70s, until all possession and research with these substances were outlawed, and he has now resumed research since it has again been permitted in the late 1990s. There were sections of the book with insights or information that made reading it worthwhile to me; but Richards' deistic language and the value he placed on organized religion - though he was never militant or intolerant - grated on me. He made a strong case for legalizing use in controlled therapeutic settings. His experience with these substances have clearly been central to his sense of himself and his view of the cosmos and life. He is not an impartial pleader and his speculations on entheogens' potential for transforming society and people's consciousness and psychology widely struck me as naive. The book has a good bibliography.
December 16, 2015
Richards, a now retired professor, has written his vade mecum on psychedelics, chemical stimulants and the history of a variety of psychological-social experiments, some of which hold hope for curative sessions with the psychically wounded. The field is not without its doubters and government intervention (for government’s purposes) is not particularly laudatory. He writes from the background of psychotherapy, theology and comparative religion…a broad range indeed. To those who are caregivers this is a good book to keep on your reference shelf. He writes clearly, dispassionately (some may dispute this) and appears to have no hidden agenda.
I received an electronic copy in return for an honest review.
I received an electronic copy in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
Beautiful integration and scientific backing of the - usually inexplicable - experiences during psychedelic and mystical states of consciousness, and how it links to how religions talk about and deal with spiritual questions. Very insightful, makes you think twice, thrice, about existential and personal convictions of what 'reality' is. Recommend!!
July 31, 2018
This book was very psychedelic
April 13, 2021
2 stars
I guess by the title I assumed this book would be more of a collection of different experiences by different people. Perhaps a look into how psychedelics have been used throughout history in religion. Aside from some short uninformative mentions here and there, this was not the case. This was just an autobiographical account of one man's experiences with psychedelics and how they were sacred religious experiences that shaped his life. And in that sense it was a perfectly fine book, just not what I expected.
The problems I had with this book is that it was incredibly biased and presented information is a dishonest way to make his argument seem stronger. If you're argument is actually good, you shouldn't have to misrepresent the counter arguments. First off, I work in both neurosicence and psychological research. I support further research on the medicinal use of psychedelics and don't see strong arguments for illegalizing them. When he mocked scientific approaches by saying 'correlation isn't causation' I almost laughed out loud in disbelief. Yes, that is true. It's also the mantra of the scientific approach. It's a mentality science is literally based on... He then proceeded to mention areas where promising research was being done including work by two Norwegian researchers. I happen to know the exact paper he was talking about (which was a review paper, not original research since research on psychedelics is not legal here) because it was quite the scandal because the researchers published under false affiliations with our university (and she happened to have the same first name as me, which was fun!). He then admitted that religious experiences were not an ubiquitous occurrence, but with proper guidance and informing people of what to expect they could be more common. So... you have to be primed to get the religious experience. Like how on his first experience he began by thinking about god, being that he was already a religious person.
After several of these statements, it was hard to take much of his other arguments seriously. Especially when towards the end he concluded that research with psychedelics has unarguably shown that god exists and that this is a means to connect with that (talk about drawing causative conclusions without proper causative evidence!) Overall, this book read like someone who was an addict (but they aren't addictive! Maybe not physiologically, but psychologically any experience an be addictive) trying to argue for something he likes without properly and thoroughly researching both sides of the argument. He is dismissive of all science that might explain these experiences as a physiological reaction (and doesn't even mention any research showing that inducing activity in particular brain regions does indeed illicit the same thoughts/feeling/experiences across individuals - though these studies are severely limited given the ethical concerns related to placing electrodes in living human brains) but then is suddenly very supportive of science when it being used to show how psychedelics are non-toxic, non-addictive and could be used medicinally.
Overall, this book is a good personal account of one persons experience and his personal interpretations. The 'science' here is debatable. There are huge gaps in the arguments and the conclusions are unfounded.
I guess by the title I assumed this book would be more of a collection of different experiences by different people. Perhaps a look into how psychedelics have been used throughout history in religion. Aside from some short uninformative mentions here and there, this was not the case. This was just an autobiographical account of one man's experiences with psychedelics and how they were sacred religious experiences that shaped his life. And in that sense it was a perfectly fine book, just not what I expected.
The problems I had with this book is that it was incredibly biased and presented information is a dishonest way to make his argument seem stronger. If you're argument is actually good, you shouldn't have to misrepresent the counter arguments. First off, I work in both neurosicence and psychological research. I support further research on the medicinal use of psychedelics and don't see strong arguments for illegalizing them. When he mocked scientific approaches by saying 'correlation isn't causation' I almost laughed out loud in disbelief. Yes, that is true. It's also the mantra of the scientific approach. It's a mentality science is literally based on... He then proceeded to mention areas where promising research was being done including work by two Norwegian researchers. I happen to know the exact paper he was talking about (which was a review paper, not original research since research on psychedelics is not legal here) because it was quite the scandal because the researchers published under false affiliations with our university (and she happened to have the same first name as me, which was fun!). He then admitted that religious experiences were not an ubiquitous occurrence, but with proper guidance and informing people of what to expect they could be more common. So... you have to be primed to get the religious experience. Like how on his first experience he began by thinking about god, being that he was already a religious person.
After several of these statements, it was hard to take much of his other arguments seriously. Especially when towards the end he concluded that research with psychedelics has unarguably shown that god exists and that this is a means to connect with that (talk about drawing causative conclusions without proper causative evidence!) Overall, this book read like someone who was an addict (but they aren't addictive! Maybe not physiologically, but psychologically any experience an be addictive) trying to argue for something he likes without properly and thoroughly researching both sides of the argument. He is dismissive of all science that might explain these experiences as a physiological reaction (and doesn't even mention any research showing that inducing activity in particular brain regions does indeed illicit the same thoughts/feeling/experiences across individuals - though these studies are severely limited given the ethical concerns related to placing electrodes in living human brains) but then is suddenly very supportive of science when it being used to show how psychedelics are non-toxic, non-addictive and could be used medicinally.
Overall, this book is a good personal account of one persons experience and his personal interpretations. The 'science' here is debatable. There are huge gaps in the arguments and the conclusions are unfounded.
December 29, 2015
Many people associate the term 'psychedelics' with LSD, hippies, and the sixties. But these drugs have a long and controversial history outside of that context, including the MK-Ultra secret government mind control experiments. This class of drugs' history fascinates me, and so I was looking forward to reading about the religious and ceremonial uses throughout history.
The author has worked in research for many years, directly with psychedelics. He has also taken psychedelics on several occasions, experiencing the trip for himself. He clearly knows his topic. In this book, he shares many stories from his research. We meet the people, who are all quite ordinary, and we learn about what the psychedelic trips were like for them, as well as how the experience impacted their lives.
I was a little disappointed that Richards didn't cover more of the history of using psychedelics for religious purposes. Instead, his approach here mostly concerns modern use, as a method of religious or spiritual enlightenment. He also touches on research for using psychedelics in the treatment of medical issues such as alcoholism and depression.
At times Richard's exuberance is a little much, as if psychedelics are the ultimate panacea. Still, he does not advocate going out to your neighborhood drug dealer and buying a bunch for personal use. He advises caution, emphasizing the right state of mind, setting, and a trusted escort for your psychedelic journey.
This book offers some fascinating insight into a class of drugs that has yet to give up all of its secrets.
*I was provided with an ebook copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
The author has worked in research for many years, directly with psychedelics. He has also taken psychedelics on several occasions, experiencing the trip for himself. He clearly knows his topic. In this book, he shares many stories from his research. We meet the people, who are all quite ordinary, and we learn about what the psychedelic trips were like for them, as well as how the experience impacted their lives.
I was a little disappointed that Richards didn't cover more of the history of using psychedelics for religious purposes. Instead, his approach here mostly concerns modern use, as a method of religious or spiritual enlightenment. He also touches on research for using psychedelics in the treatment of medical issues such as alcoholism and depression.
At times Richard's exuberance is a little much, as if psychedelics are the ultimate panacea. Still, he does not advocate going out to your neighborhood drug dealer and buying a bunch for personal use. He advises caution, emphasizing the right state of mind, setting, and a trusted escort for your psychedelic journey.
This book offers some fascinating insight into a class of drugs that has yet to give up all of its secrets.
*I was provided with an ebook copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
December 2, 2015
Instead of Tuning In and Dropping Out, SacredKnowledge by Williams takes a good long look at Tuning In and Staying In by riding the wave of a serious mushroom trip. Decades ago, when such study was possible, he began to study of the healing aspects of psychedelics, mostly the active ingredient in ‘shooms, but also other similar drugs. He advocates further study in how these chemicals can aid in mental illness, addiction and spiritual growth and exploration. He isn’t suggesting a weekend high, but a guided trip through he conscious with the goal of working with and through the images and sensations presented in the presence of a trainer guide.
The intersection of faith and the sacred, psychedelics, science and psychology is fascinating. I really enjoyed the book and have already recommended it to several people. It is well annotated and there is a fine endnotes sections. Publish date 12/8/15
An honest review in exchange for an ARC via netgalley.com 12/3/15
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The intersection of faith and the sacred, psychedelics, science and psychology is fascinating. I really enjoyed the book and have already recommended it to several people. It is well annotated and there is a fine endnotes sections. Publish date 12/8/15
An honest review in exchange for an ARC via netgalley.com 12/3/15
www.netgalley.com
www.meesh-stuff@tumblr.com
www.goodreads.com
www.amazon.com
www.facebook.com
www.linkedin.com
March 31, 2016
This book is an awesome introduction and overview of what has and is currently going on in terms of psychedelic research. A great read if you are as passionate as I am on the subject, or, have had personal experiences with psychedelics that you would like some more information on. Great read! Loved every page, the writing is on point as well!
August 10, 2023
“Sacred Knowledge” is a remarkable book that offers a rare glimpse into the history and potential of psychedelic substances for enhancing human consciousness and well-being. William A. Richards, a clinical psychologist and a pioneer in psychedelic research, shares his personal and professional journey with these substances, from his early experiments in the 1960s to his current work at Johns Hopkins University. He also provides a wealth of information and insights on the scientific, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of psychedelics, drawing from his own experiences, as well as from the testimonies of hundreds of volunteers who participated in his studies.
The book is divided into three parts: The Past, The Present, and The Future. In the first part, Richards recounts the origins and development of psychedelic research in the West, highlighting the contributions of various researchers, such as Albert Hofmann, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, Stanislav Grof, and others. He also describes the challenges and controversies that led to the prohibition of these substances in the 1970s, and the resurgence of interest and research in the 1990s. In the second part, Richards explains the methods and results of his current research at Johns Hopkins, where he and his colleagues have conducted controlled studies with psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. He reports on the effects of psilocybin on various aspects of human experience, such as perception, cognition, emotion, personality, creativity, and spirituality. He also discusses the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for treating various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and existential distress. In the third part, Richards explores the implications and possibilities of psychedelic research for the future of humanity and the planet. He addresses some of the ethical and legal issues involved in the use of these substances, as well as some of the philosophical and theological questions that arise from their profound effects on consciousness. He also envisions a world where psychedelics are integrated into society in a responsible and beneficial way, fostering personal growth, social harmony, and ecological awareness.
“Sacred Knowledge” is not only a book about psychedelics; it is also a book about human nature and human potential. Richards writes with clarity, compassion, and wisdom, blending scientific rigor with personal reflection. He invites us to open our minds and hearts to the mysteries and wonders of existence, and to discover our true selves and our connection with others and with the divine. This book is a must-read for anyone who is curious about or interested in psychedelics, or who simply wants to learn more about themselves and their place in the cosmos.
The book is divided into three parts: The Past, The Present, and The Future. In the first part, Richards recounts the origins and development of psychedelic research in the West, highlighting the contributions of various researchers, such as Albert Hofmann, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, Stanislav Grof, and others. He also describes the challenges and controversies that led to the prohibition of these substances in the 1970s, and the resurgence of interest and research in the 1990s. In the second part, Richards explains the methods and results of his current research at Johns Hopkins, where he and his colleagues have conducted controlled studies with psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. He reports on the effects of psilocybin on various aspects of human experience, such as perception, cognition, emotion, personality, creativity, and spirituality. He also discusses the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for treating various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and existential distress. In the third part, Richards explores the implications and possibilities of psychedelic research for the future of humanity and the planet. He addresses some of the ethical and legal issues involved in the use of these substances, as well as some of the philosophical and theological questions that arise from their profound effects on consciousness. He also envisions a world where psychedelics are integrated into society in a responsible and beneficial way, fostering personal growth, social harmony, and ecological awareness.
“Sacred Knowledge” is not only a book about psychedelics; it is also a book about human nature and human potential. Richards writes with clarity, compassion, and wisdom, blending scientific rigor with personal reflection. He invites us to open our minds and hearts to the mysteries and wonders of existence, and to discover our true selves and our connection with others and with the divine. This book is a must-read for anyone who is curious about or interested in psychedelics, or who simply wants to learn more about themselves and their place in the cosmos.
October 27, 2023
probably my favorite read of the year.
somehow about everything that deeply interests me lately at once: drugs, religion, mysticism, and psychology. if someone got me started i could speak about these things for hours. maybe one day i’ll share all my thoughts.
somehow about everything that deeply interests me lately at once: drugs, religion, mysticism, and psychology. if someone got me started i could speak about these things for hours. maybe one day i’ll share all my thoughts.
February 22, 2024
Loved this book. I’ve read many books on psychedelics and this one covered a lot of ground and in a personal and concise voice. At times it reads like a memoir which I really enjoyed. Recommend.
May 25, 2022
Richards outlines with great historical detail how psychedelics (entheogens is the term he mainly prefers) can induce states of mystical consciousness, and how these psychedelic induced states compare to religious experiences.
The key insight that this book offered me was the detailed examination of the different types of mystical consciousness, i.e. the technical difference between visionary consciousness (where the ego remains intact) and mystical consciousness (where the ego dissolves). This distinction helped me to contextualize my own psychedelic experiences better.
Also, since Richards has such a deep level of knowledge on the topic and doesn't shy away from citing his sources, this book has given me a LOT of new material to dive into.
The most valuable part of the book therefore perhaps starts at the epilogue, where Richards shares his key psychedelic insights to explore, a vast bibliography, and the complete playlist that was used in the Johns Hopkins psilocybin studies. I found that someone made a Spotify playlist of it named Psilocybin Research: Johns Hopkins, Sacred Knowledge, William A. Richards with over 90k followers, definitely worth checking out.
The key insight that this book offered me was the detailed examination of the different types of mystical consciousness, i.e. the technical difference between visionary consciousness (where the ego remains intact) and mystical consciousness (where the ego dissolves). This distinction helped me to contextualize my own psychedelic experiences better.
Also, since Richards has such a deep level of knowledge on the topic and doesn't shy away from citing his sources, this book has given me a LOT of new material to dive into.
The most valuable part of the book therefore perhaps starts at the epilogue, where Richards shares his key psychedelic insights to explore, a vast bibliography, and the complete playlist that was used in the Johns Hopkins psilocybin studies. I found that someone made a Spotify playlist of it named Psilocybin Research: Johns Hopkins, Sacred Knowledge, William A. Richards with over 90k followers, definitely worth checking out.
April 30, 2018
Psychiatrist Hanscarl Leuner was treating patients with psychedelic therapy in Germany up until his retirement in 1986. He started the European Society for Psycholytic Therapy in 1964, when 18 different treatment centers were in operation using this low-dose proto-psychoanalytic model. One of Dr. Leuner’s graduate students in the early sixties was Sacred Knowledge author Dr. Bill Richards.
After completing his studies in Germany the young graduate student returned home to the U.S. and would eventually be part of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center that opened in 1969 and was originally to be devoted to psychedelic research with the third floor focused only on basic chemistry. This book details some 52 years, front and center, at the heart of psychedelic research, therapy, spirituality and consciousness.
Tall, mid-western and genial, along with Myron Stolaroff, Dr. Richards always seems a dynamic opposite to the wild and irresponsible acid apostles like Ken Kesey and Dr. Leary. Being granted a surprising amount of respect, the latter is afforded his own chapter and described as a sincere and earnest, if not troubled individual, leading an eclectic band of rebels at the most rebellious time in history. “Millbrook urgently needed a wise and stern abbot and the position appeared vacant,” Dr. Richards concluded reasonably about Leary’s headquarters for the League for Spiritual Discovery in Millbrook New York. After all Dr. Richards reminds us that, “psychological and spiritual growth is indeed serious and sometimes gut-wrenching business.”
Sacred Knowledge dives deeply into the pain, nausea, fear, guilt, paranoia and even psychosis that are, not only part of psychedelic therapy but are often essential to achieve access to the realms of celestial ecstasy. Generally if the personal unconscious holds many conflicts and complexes these will have to be worked through before the numinous collective unconscious can take you.
“It has seemed to me that there is something within our minds that requires acknowledgment of our interconnectedness with and dependence upon other people in everyday life, at least on some occasions, before the doors to eternal realms of awareness can fully open.”
One client with a knee replacement discovered the psychodynamic root of his pain, “I came to fully realize, for the first time, that the surgeries on my left knee, especially the two during childhood were deeply traumatizing. I also realized that my subconscious wanted me to know this.”
Treating addiction, depression, PTSD, anxiety associated with terminal illness, personality and sexual disorders or just facilitating spiritual fulfillment are all part of the vast array of subjects and sessions Dr. Richards has supervised over his career. However, despite having the patience, compassion and faith to help his client’s through their “dark night of the soul”, it’s obvious the love, joy and light of psychedelic therapy are where he likes to reside. Now in his mid-seventies he is still on the faculty of Johns Hopkins, and 55 years since his hallucinogenic experiences in Germany, he’s still doing psychedelic research. A devout if mystically oriented Christian Dr. Richard’s book prepares us for the future –
“If we take mystical consciousness seriously and accept what appears to be a potential state of awareness that ultimately awaits all of us, then eventually we may all have to accept that we are spiritual beings, that there is indeed ‘something of God within us’, and that, whether we like it or not, the time is coming when we may have to put up with being unconditionally loved.”
Sacred Knowledge examines the past and illuminates the future.
After completing his studies in Germany the young graduate student returned home to the U.S. and would eventually be part of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center that opened in 1969 and was originally to be devoted to psychedelic research with the third floor focused only on basic chemistry. This book details some 52 years, front and center, at the heart of psychedelic research, therapy, spirituality and consciousness.
Tall, mid-western and genial, along with Myron Stolaroff, Dr. Richards always seems a dynamic opposite to the wild and irresponsible acid apostles like Ken Kesey and Dr. Leary. Being granted a surprising amount of respect, the latter is afforded his own chapter and described as a sincere and earnest, if not troubled individual, leading an eclectic band of rebels at the most rebellious time in history. “Millbrook urgently needed a wise and stern abbot and the position appeared vacant,” Dr. Richards concluded reasonably about Leary’s headquarters for the League for Spiritual Discovery in Millbrook New York. After all Dr. Richards reminds us that, “psychological and spiritual growth is indeed serious and sometimes gut-wrenching business.”
Sacred Knowledge dives deeply into the pain, nausea, fear, guilt, paranoia and even psychosis that are, not only part of psychedelic therapy but are often essential to achieve access to the realms of celestial ecstasy. Generally if the personal unconscious holds many conflicts and complexes these will have to be worked through before the numinous collective unconscious can take you.
“It has seemed to me that there is something within our minds that requires acknowledgment of our interconnectedness with and dependence upon other people in everyday life, at least on some occasions, before the doors to eternal realms of awareness can fully open.”
One client with a knee replacement discovered the psychodynamic root of his pain, “I came to fully realize, for the first time, that the surgeries on my left knee, especially the two during childhood were deeply traumatizing. I also realized that my subconscious wanted me to know this.”
Treating addiction, depression, PTSD, anxiety associated with terminal illness, personality and sexual disorders or just facilitating spiritual fulfillment are all part of the vast array of subjects and sessions Dr. Richards has supervised over his career. However, despite having the patience, compassion and faith to help his client’s through their “dark night of the soul”, it’s obvious the love, joy and light of psychedelic therapy are where he likes to reside. Now in his mid-seventies he is still on the faculty of Johns Hopkins, and 55 years since his hallucinogenic experiences in Germany, he’s still doing psychedelic research. A devout if mystically oriented Christian Dr. Richard’s book prepares us for the future –
“If we take mystical consciousness seriously and accept what appears to be a potential state of awareness that ultimately awaits all of us, then eventually we may all have to accept that we are spiritual beings, that there is indeed ‘something of God within us’, and that, whether we like it or not, the time is coming when we may have to put up with being unconditionally loved.”
Sacred Knowledge examines the past and illuminates the future.
October 18, 2019
Humorless throughout but at the very end he completely changes tone and boldly concludes this-
Psychedelics teach us that:
1. God/ultimate reality is
2. God awaits and embraces us
3. There is heaven and hell within us
4. The ultimate nature of matter/mind is love
5. Consciousness is indestructible
6. We are more than we know of ourselves and can experience visionary content that doesn’t arise from our personal history
7. God is mysterious, when we trust this we find meaning in our continual being as we are crafted into works of art
8. There is truth in myth
9. True humility is awe before the unspeakable being
10. Beauty can be absolute and objective
11. All life is connected
12. The desire for truth is encompassed into the temporal river leading to the eternal ocean (wha?)
13. What is, is
Psychedelics teach us that:
1. God/ultimate reality is
2. God awaits and embraces us
3. There is heaven and hell within us
4. The ultimate nature of matter/mind is love
5. Consciousness is indestructible
6. We are more than we know of ourselves and can experience visionary content that doesn’t arise from our personal history
7. God is mysterious, when we trust this we find meaning in our continual being as we are crafted into works of art
8. There is truth in myth
9. True humility is awe before the unspeakable being
10. Beauty can be absolute and objective
11. All life is connected
12. The desire for truth is encompassed into the temporal river leading to the eternal ocean (wha?)
13. What is, is
September 18, 2019
Although I had high expectations from this book at the beginning, I felt quite unsatisfied at the end. Certainly it addresses an interesting issue of great importance, however at some points I was overwhelmed by the intricate details of religions and the inferences made regarding the possible effects of entheogens. I think there is a long way ahead until psychedelics be considered as truly therapeutic in certain contexts backed up by reliable research, but until then I got the impression that it is more of a wishful thinking.
February 14, 2016
Great read. I'm glad a mature dialogue about the mental health benefits of psychedelics is finally starting to happen after years of misinformed hysteria. The public deserves to better understand the reality of these medicines.
December 15, 2017
I would say that this book is very solid, A good book for psychonauts to read, not a must have, but definitely worth your time if you want to read it
September 14, 2021
Bill is obviously a lovely and compassionate man. It is rare to be able to read a book by someone who has been part of both the early research wave with psychedelics in the 50s-70s and to be part of the work at Johns Hopkins that has spearheaded the recent resurgence of psychedelic research since the mid 2000s.
Not particularly scientific but this is "sacred knowledge" and he attempts to give language to commonly occurring mystical phenomena during psychedelic experiences such as experiences of universal love, archetypal imagery (maybe of an indigenous nature although not always), feelings of oneness to name only a few. He approaches this through the frame of his training in comparative religion and his vast personal experience acting as a participating psychologist for patients and subjects undergoing psychedelic experiences in a research context.
I think this book is definitely valuable reading for anyone who wants to get into work with these substances or merely for anyone who is spiritually or religiously inclined that wants to more deeply understand the mystical experiences psychedelics occasion. It is not overly long-winded and Richards comes from a Perennialist view where even people who are interested in mysticism outside the purview of psychedelics may get value from the descriptions of certain phenomena that Richards goes into, although they might lose interest as psychedelics are undeniably the focus of Richards' inquiry.
As psychedelics and other consciousness altering "psycho-technologies" (as John Vervaeke calls them) begin to become more integrated into the modern world in an "aboveground" way as opposed to merely the "underground", Richards presents a deeply human and warm exploration of psychedelics and religious experience.
Not particularly scientific but this is "sacred knowledge" and he attempts to give language to commonly occurring mystical phenomena during psychedelic experiences such as experiences of universal love, archetypal imagery (maybe of an indigenous nature although not always), feelings of oneness to name only a few. He approaches this through the frame of his training in comparative religion and his vast personal experience acting as a participating psychologist for patients and subjects undergoing psychedelic experiences in a research context.
I think this book is definitely valuable reading for anyone who wants to get into work with these substances or merely for anyone who is spiritually or religiously inclined that wants to more deeply understand the mystical experiences psychedelics occasion. It is not overly long-winded and Richards comes from a Perennialist view where even people who are interested in mysticism outside the purview of psychedelics may get value from the descriptions of certain phenomena that Richards goes into, although they might lose interest as psychedelics are undeniably the focus of Richards' inquiry.
As psychedelics and other consciousness altering "psycho-technologies" (as John Vervaeke calls them) begin to become more integrated into the modern world in an "aboveground" way as opposed to merely the "underground", Richards presents a deeply human and warm exploration of psychedelics and religious experience.
August 16, 2021
In "Sacred Knowledge", Bill Richards provides us with a sweeping review of the state of the art of psychedelic therapy. Richards is a pioneer in the field and well positioned to do take us on this tour. From his beginnings in the early 60s, in Germany, as a student member of one of the pioneering teams who received a package of psilocybin from Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Richards went on to participate in studies at Maryland Psychiatric Research Centre until the lights went out of the golden age of psychedelic research with prohibition. Then in the late 90s at John Hopkins, together with Roland Griffiths, Richards launched the rebirth of psychedelic research after 32 years. In this book, Richards shares stories of the early days of psychedelic research and his partnership with Walter Pahnke and gets us up to date with the most cutting edge research of the day and finally speculates on where this might all be going. I am proud to say, I am currently a student of Bill's, as I am completing my own training with the California Institute for Integral Studies, where he is currently a professor. Very much recommended for those interested in the next wave of psychedelic research and the psychedelic renaissance that is only just beginning.
January 26, 2024
A well written book on William (Bill) Richards life’s work in psychedelic science. As someone with both a religious background (trained in theology) and science (trained as psychiatrist) he has a unique perspective on entheogens ability to facilitate and shed light on religion and religious experiences. His ability to mix rigorous scientific findings with the esoteric and metaphysical is a beautiful combination that blends well in telling the story of psychedelic research and their possible religious and social benefits. Much work is still needed on this intersection and Bill does an excellent job of highlighting the potential of future research. Academic in it’s approach and personal in its storytelling, “Sacred Knowledge” is well worth the read for anyone interested in entheogens, religion, psychology or just the history of consciousness as a whole.
April 6, 2021
Incredibly well written book on the past, present, and potential future states of psychedelic drug research. Richards really shows his expertise concerning the religious and psychological phenomena associated with the medicines. This book is not written as a light, easy to read dive into the world of psychedelia, but rather reads almost like a thesis: a culmination of 50 years of first hand experiences. However, Richards does sway from the factual side and make some (informed) conjectures about what these drugs could be used for in the future. 5/5 for content 4/5 for readability/accessibility.
June 11, 2019
Dr. Richards was at the forefront of psychedelic research in the 1960s. And in 1977 he was the last person in the US to administer LSD to a patient before psychedelics were made a Class 1 drug. As of 2001, Richards returned with Roland Griffiths at Johns Hopkins to begin studies in psychedelics again. This book traverses the historical, psychological, religious/spiritual, and social landscapes of psychedelics and gives a broad brush understanding of the profound and enlightening experiences people have when they partake in this substances. An excellent introduction by an excellent man.
November 23, 2021
A very rich and synthetic contribution to the phenomenological study of religious experiences induced by entheogens and their unprecedented therapeutic potential .
The author has brightly outlined the parallels between some contents experienced in psychedelic sessions and many notions from analytical psychology ( archetypes , collective unconscious .. ) and eastern religious philosophies ( The cosmic void , dance of Shiva .. )
The author has brightly outlined the parallels between some contents experienced in psychedelic sessions and many notions from analytical psychology ( archetypes , collective unconscious .. ) and eastern religious philosophies ( The cosmic void , dance of Shiva .. )
April 26, 2024
"It is a troubling manifesto: anti-scientific yet points to science for its validation, prioritizes feeling over reason and certainty over truth, is intolerant of and demeans competing models. As Richards’ model is essentially religious – proclaiming a new universal religion – he reserves his most damning remarks for Judaism, the particularistic religion that has perennially received the enmity of similarly universal creeds." (see Strassman, 2018).
March 3, 2018
A few things come to mind when I think of this book.
He relates several patient experiences that solidify the benefits of facing your anxieties and fears. It is then when you realize their root cause and understand how to cope.
He also talks about how we need to repair, or attempt to repair, our current relationships before we can achieve existential peace.
He relates several patient experiences that solidify the benefits of facing your anxieties and fears. It is then when you realize their root cause and understand how to cope.
He also talks about how we need to repair, or attempt to repair, our current relationships before we can achieve existential peace.
January 3, 2022
A fearless discussion from a sage healer! Through experience both personal and professional, Dr. Richards shares insights that so eloquently weave together the scientific and the spiritual. Incredibly convincing argument for the continued research into the potential of the responsible and ethical use of psychedelic substances to facilitate healing and growth. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2023
Not a great book due to it's lack of exploration outside of western and colonial approaches to inquiry. This book portrays itself to be a book about psychedelics and religious experiences but reads more like a personal memoir. And with that, it lacks the personal reflectivity that is commonly found in Western elite academia.
October 27, 2020
This book definitely presented some new information to me. I do get that it is a nonfiction textbook but to me this book was extremely heavy to read.
I learned new things, I don’t really know if they are usable to me but at least I know something new now.
I learned new things, I don’t really know if they are usable to me but at least I know something new now.
May 17, 2021
Jovial sweetheart, William Richards, provides a comforting introduction coupled with a wandering sense of curiosity that takes this book places others on this topic do. It's also a terrific read for the more experienced.
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