Good day,
My name is Yves Panneton and I am faculty with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. My field of expertise is yoga philosophy. Your enquiry on how cannabis can be a good catalyst for meditation has been forwarded to me.
My name is Yves Panneton and I am faculty with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. My field of expertise is yoga philosophy. Your enquiry on how cannabis can be a good catalyst for meditation has been forwarded to me.
Prior to delving into the topic, a disclaimer is probably required here. I do not use any drug, I do not promote the use of drugs and I do not approve of the use of drugs for the purpose of practicing yoga and meditation. From that perspective, I may not be the best person to assist you. That being said, I can try to bring a sober thought on the topic.
Prior to responding to your enquiry, I did a quick search to see what I could find on the topic. It is interesting to note that while there are mentions in the literature of the use of cannabis by spiritual groups, many of them use it for medicinal purposes. None of the articles I reviewed specifically detail how cannabis actually enhances the practice of meditation.
I am not a neurophysiologist but a quick review of the medical literature reveals that cannabis use is known to cause impairment which includes lack of motor coordination; cognitive dysfunctions such as incapacity to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions and remember; and poor control of emotions. In vulnerable individuals with a history of schizophrenia, it has the potential to trigger psychosis and exacerbate psychotic symptoms. Naturally, these effects vary based on individual susceptibility, the quantity consumed and duration of use among others. The effects induced by cannabis are therefore counter to the goal of meditation.
Meditation is often described as a means to enhance consciousness. In simple terms, it brings about modifications of the brain wave patterns which optimize the functioning of the brain. The benefits of meditation are derived from achieving this optimal brain pattern. In other words, it is about getting a “clear” mind, if you wish.
Now, it is true that cannabis has medicinal properties. In respect to meditation, cannabis could be used to alleviate symptoms that prevent the practice of meditation. Let me illustrate. If someone has acute pain, he/she will not be able to meditate. The use of a painkiller will alleviate pain. In turn, the absence of pain will allow for meditation to take place. In and of itself, painkillers do not enhance or contribute to the experience of meditation. In fact, some painkillers have counter effects (such as narcotics).
It is true that the rishis, the wise men at the foundation of Hinduism, are known to have used drugs to induce visions that helped them developing the ideas found in the Vedas. It is important to note that the main purpose of their practice was to induce visions and not for meditation per se. Although the drug used is not known, many scholars believe it was ephedrine, a stimulant that produces opposite effects to cannabis.
In short, the effect of cannabis is counter to the goal of meditation. In counterpart, it could be used to alleviate symptoms that prevent meditation to be practiced.
I hope this brings perspective to your research. If you choose to refer to the material I am providing you, please send a copy of your article to the CYA.
Cheers,
Yves
Yves