Kaitlin Blue:
Thanks for the concise response, that really helps achor these experiences down. I've had the sensation of spinning before but as far as the splits in the sense of self and easy connection, that's all pretty new.
Back in December I went on my first and last acid trip in celebration of my birthday. I've since given up drugs other than the occasional glass of wine or tea, but I'm wondering if the meditation I've been doing has been impacted because of that experience. Any thoughts?
i suspected as much.
a good number of people have gotten into arising and passing territory under the influence of psychedelic substances. i would even venture to guess that it's not uncommon, particularly among people who take these substances looking for spiritual/mystical/cosmic experiences to begin with, though as no studies or surveys on this have been conducted (and so statistics are lacking), i cannot say with any surety how common or rare an occurrence it actually is. anecdotally, however, it is far from unheard of; i personally know a number of people who almost certainly crossed the a&p for the first time on lsd or mescaline or something of the sort, some of whom have gone on to get stream-entry, and one of whom is currently, as of earlier today, very close. given this, i do not disparage the use, past or present, of mind-altering drugs in aid of one's practice. i am all for people 'cheating' their way into paradise.. provided they are willing to go all the way.
would you share the experiential details of your birthday trip? describe it in the same fashion as your meditation report above. if you are disinclined to write further about it on a public forum, you are welcome to send me a private message. i will attempt to answer your query about how your acid trip may have impacted your meditation subsequent to your reply (when i have more information which may - or may not - be diagnostically relevant).
tarin