The Seat of the Soul. "DMT, The Spirit Molecule," by Rick Strassman

Why Read It

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is one of the most powerful psychedelics known to humanity. Its presence throughout the plant and animal kingdom is a true wonder. DMT is produced naturally in the human body, and it is naturally present in other mammals; marine animals; grasses and peas; toads and frogs; mushrooms and molds; and barks, flowers, and roots. Its ubiquitous presence in nature is utterly astounding.

Dr. Rick Strassman pioneered the research of DMT in the United States by securing DEA-approval in 1990 to carry out clinical research trials at the University of New Mexico. Over a 5-year period from 1990-1995, Strassman administered DMT to 60 study participants, and he then summarized and presented the research findings in this book, “DMT, The Spirit Molecule.”

The book presents a unique synthesis of scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration, an intersection highly relevant for those interested in the Perennial Philosophy. Strassman discusses the effect of DMT on human consciousness, and his presentation lays a strong foundation for understanding how psychedelic experiences might be integrated into a broader spiritual framework.

Overview

“DMT: The Spirit Molecule” by Rick Strassman is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection between psychedelics, consciousness, and spirituality. Strassman’s clinical research into DMT, a powerful psychedelic found in the human brain, reveals astonishing connections between science and the spiritual, challenging our understanding of reality. The book delves into the profound, often mystical experiences of the study’s participants, offering intriguing insights into the role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness, death, and the human psyche.

Strassman also explores the historical and cultural significance of DMT and its parallels in various spiritual traditions, the challenges of psychedelic research, and the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. The book is not only a scientific exploration but also a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, posing essential questions about the connection between the material world and spiritual realms. This work is an essential read for anyone interested in the interplay between science, religion, and altered states of consciousness.

Key Takeaways

DMT and Consciousness: Strassman’s exploration of DMT’s role in consciousness suggests it could be a biochemical basis for spiritual experiences. He speculates on its possible involvement in near-death experiences and dreams, tying it to broader questions about the human mind and spirit.
Neuroscience of Psychedelics: Strassman’s work contributes to understanding how psychedelics interact with brain chemistry to alter perception. He discusses the implications for our understanding of brain function and consciousness, proposing a biological basis for spiritual states.
Spiritual Encounters: The consistent reports of interactions with other entities during DMT experiences suggest a shared, non-ordinary reality. Strassman explores these encounters’ implications for understanding consciousness and the nature of reality itself.
Psychedelics and Mental Health: Strassman discusses DMT’s potential in psychotherapy, particularly in treating conditions like PTSD. He examines how the altered states of consciousness produced in the DMT psychedelic experience can provide new perspectives on personal trauma, allow us to rewrite our stories and facilitate healing.
Integration of Experiences: The book highlights the importance of integrating psychedelic experiences into everyday life for meaningful change. Strassman suggests that without proper integration, the potential benefits of these experiences might not be fully realized. Set and setting are of paramount importance and quite literally determine the healing potential of the psychedelic experience.

Quotes

~ “N, N-dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is the remarkable main character of this book. While chemically simple, this ‘spirit’ molecule provides our consciousness access to the most amazing and unexpected visions, thoughts, and feelings. It throws open the door to worlds beyond our imagination. DMT exists in all of our bodies and occurs throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. It is a part of the normal makeup of humans and other mammals; marine animals; grasses and peas; toads and frogs; mushrooms and molds; and barks, flowers, and roots.”

~ “There is growing physical evidence that many ancient cultures used psychedelics for their effects on consciousness. Archeologists have uncovered ancient African images of mushrooms sprouting from a human body, and recent discoveries of prehistoric northern European rock art strongly suggest the influence of psychedelically altered consciousness. Some authors have proposed that language developed out of psychedelically enhanced appreciation of, and associations with, early hominid mouth sounds. Others suggest that psychedelic states formed the basis of humans’ earliest awareness of religious experience. The visions, ecstatic states, and flights of imagination made possible by psychedelic drugs gave these substances an important role in many ancient cultures. Hundreds of years of anthropological research have demonstrated that these societies used psychedelics to maintain social solidarity, aid the healing arts, and inspire artistic and spiritual creativity. New World aboriginal people used, and continue to use, a wide range of mind-altering plants and mushrooms. Most of what we know about psychedelics comes from investigating chemicals first found in Western Hemisphere materials: DMT, psilocybin, mescaline, and several LSD-like compounds.”

~ “There is a lot to be learned from small doses of psychedelics. These ‘little trips’ receive scant attention, but they can have highly desirable effects. For example, many of the early psychedelic psychotherapy researchers preferred treating patients with low doses in ‘psycholytic,’ or ‘mind-loosening,’ psychotherapy because they were easier to use and patients better retained therapeutic effects.”

~ “In order to establish the close similarities between spiritual experience and what is possible with the spirit molecule, I will first review briefly the features of a mystical experience. The three pillars of self, time, and space all undergo profound transfiguration in a mystical experience. There no longer is any separation between the self and what is not the self. Personal identity and all of existence become one and the same. In fact, there is no “personal” identity because we understand at the most basic level the underlying unity and interdependence of all existence. Past, present, and future merge together into a timeless moment, the now of eternity. Time stops, inasmuch as it no longer ‘passes.’ There is existence, but it is not dependent upon time. Now and then, before and after, all combine into this exact point. On the relative level, short periods of time encompass enormous amounts of experience…some of these types of experiences occurred in our volunteers within the context of another more compelling category of encounter, such as mind-body healing, being contact, of near-death experiences.”

~ “I believe there are ways in which Buddhism and the psychedelic community might benefit from an open, frank exchange of ideas, practices, and ethics. For the psychedelic community, the ethical, disciplined structuring of life, experience, and relationship provided by thousands of years of Buddhist communal tradition have much to offer. This well-developed tradition could infuse meaning and consistency into isolated, disjointed, and poorly integrated psychedelic experiences. The wisdom of the psychedelic experience, without the accompanying and necessary love and compassion cultivated in a daily practice, may otherwise be frittered away in an excess of narcissism and self-indulgence. While this is also possible within a Buddhist meditative tradition, it is less likely with the checks and balances in place within a dynamic community of practitioners.”