Graham Hancock's latest experiences with ayahuasca

[Corncrake]

I have been to several Graham Hancock lectures and have a lot of respect for him. Read here about his latest experiences with Ayahuasca in Brazil.

'These five letters, originally written as status updates for my facebook community (here and here) describe a series of sessions with Ayahuasca, the “Vine of Souls” that I participated in in Brazil in January and February 2013. They are written in real time and reflect the changing dynamics of these unusual experiences over a period of two weeks. Something very strange happened in sessions four and five, something sinister that I could not have anticipated from my previous work with Ayahuasca and looking back through the whole sequence of letters now I am struck by how it took me, and others, by surprise and how we at first sought to intellectualize it and even explain it away.'

Read more at http://www.grahamhancock.com/forum/H...e-Far-Side.php

[Cidersomerset]

I don't know why the link won't connect ? is this the link below ?

Its working this morning i can see the letters cheers,


Graham Hancock, January 2013

The experiences described in this article were also the subject of a talk I gave at a
recent TEDx conference in London. Please see the video below:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=9WaeMyC86Dw

Published on 13 Feb 2013


Graham Hancock tells the story of his 24-year relationship with cannabis brought to
an abrupt halt in 2011 after an encounter with ayahuasca, the sacred visionary
brew of the Amazon. Along the way he explores the mystery of death, the problem
of consciousness, and the implications for the human future of a society that wages
total war on true cognitive liberty.

Graham Hancock is the author of The Sign and the Seal, Fingerprints of the Gods,
Keeper of Genesis, Heaven's Mirror, Supernatural and other bestselling
investigations of historical mysteries.

His books have been translated into twenty-seven languages and have sold over
five million copies worldwide. His public lectures and broadcasts, including two
major TV series, Quest for the Lost Civilisation, and Flooded Kingdoms of the Ice
Age, have further established his reputation as an unconventional thinker who
raises controversial questions about humanity's past. Hancock's first venture into
fiction, Entangled, was published in 2010 and his second novel, War God, on the
Spanish Conquest of Mexico, will be published on 30 May 2013. Hancock maintains
an active Facebook presence: http://www.facebook.com/Author.Graham.... His
website is: http://www.grahamhancock.com.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized
events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event,
TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection
in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x =
independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance
for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to
certain rules and regulations)



http://www.grahamhancock.com/forum/HancockG3.php

[Wind]

Another thread:
https://projectavalon.net/forum4/show...uasca-and-more

[ViralSpiral]

Posted by Cidersomerset (here)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=9WaeMyC86Dw

Powerful message! Thanks so much for posting.

[WhiteFeather]

I also have a great respect for this Alternative Anthropologist. Graham is just awesome. Asquali

Great video here IMO......

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ygWxXphYRos

[Youniverse]

I read through all the letters. Interesting thanks!

[vje2]

Wow!
The letters are very descriptive.
As I was reading I can almost felt I was the one experiencing everything.

I am a sentient being and back in 2011, I had a terrifying, yet powerful and loving experience with marihuana,(or God knows what was in the joint the rastafari gave me).
In hindsight I had a glass of rum and coke before + 4 puffs of the joint...and that was it.

I started to repeat "We Are All One", but even though I was saying it, I felt it was not me saying it...I could hear unified voices saying it and instilling me to repeat it.
Is complicated to explain.

The rastafari with whom I smoked told me the next day that he never experienced anything like that before. He kept on asking me questions and I kept on answering them.
I cannot remember many of the things he asked.

I have to admit that literature about ayahuasca entered my life in 2010 approx and it always have been at the back of my mind. But I never tried it, specially since this experience.

I recently had a psychic reading done by Carol Clarke and she told me that I have the ability to enter other realms of reality without the need to take any drugs. However, I have no idea how to trigger entering into these realms and what I may encounter.

With ayuhasca, at least you have a shaman that guides you, but by myself...well...frightening to say the least.
Although I've been told not to have any fear, there is no need to feel fear.

But...Graham Hancock has not made it any easier for me, after I've read his letters (4 & 5 especially).

Has anyone experienced something similar, with or without the use of drugs?
By the way, I do not smoke, neither marihuana, nor cigarretes...I only did it for the fun of it.

[Bill Ryan]

--------

I've never taken drugs in my life, but I'd venture to say that my mind is fairly wide open. There are other techniques which work extremely well, but none of them are shortcuts.

Read the brilliant and classic THE MASTER GAME, by Robert S. de Ropp.

The book describes (among much else) how for many first-time users of mind-expanding drugs, they find themselves propelled into an astonishing and unique experience.

The trap, de Ropp explains, is to continue taking the drug thinking that this is the path to follow. It rarely is. The internal biochemical responses become gradually more limited until one is [at least] emotionally addicted to trying to re-experience the initial breakthrough.

Here's a quote from one Amazon reviewer:

Don't let the subtitle "Transcending the drug experience" alienate those who are too young to remember psychedelia.

The Master Game is not about using drugs; it's about going beyond them to personal enlightenment.

It details the games people play [much like Eric Berne] then it defines the Master Game: one in which the person is not so involved with their life that their view is blinded by personal situations, much like Dyer's observer.

If you got beyond the drugs in Castaneda, you can discover the genius of The Master Game. It is truly a book to base your attitude on.

Re ayahusaca in particular, I know someone personally here in Ecuador who has over-used ayahuasca and as a summary it can be said that he is "no longer himself." It seems that there is another being in his body now, and he is no longer at home. Be very careful... you can open the door to anything, and anything may come in and make itself very much at home. After that, it can be difficult or even almost impossible to get it to go back where it came from.

[Curt]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
--------

I've never taken drugs in my life, but I'd venture to say that my mind is fairly wide open. There are other techniques which work extremely well, but none of them are shortcuts.

Read the brilliant and classic THE MASTER GAME, by Robert S. de Ropp.

The book describes (among much else) how for many first-time users of mind-expanding drugs, they find themselves propelled into an astonishing and unique experience.

The trap, de Ropp explains, is to continue taking the drug thinking that this is the path to follow. It rarely is. The internal biochemical responses become gradually more limited until one is [at least] emotionally addicted to trying to re-experience the initial breakthrough.

Here's a quote from one Amazon reviewer:

Don't let the subtitle "Transcending the drug experience" alienate those who are too young to remember psychedelia.

The Master Game is not about using drugs; it's about going beyond them to personal enlightenment.

It details the games people play [much like Eric Berne] then it defines the Master Game: one in which the person is not so involved with their life that their view is blinded by personal situations, much like Dyer's observer.

If you got beyond the drugs in Castaneda, you can discover the genius of The Master Game. It is truly a book to base your attitude on.

Re ayahusaca in particular, I know someone personally here in Ecuador who has over-used ayahuasca and as a summary it can be said that he is "no longer himself." It seems that there is another being in his body now, and he is no longer at home. Be very careful... you can open the door to anything, and anything may come in and make itself very much at home. After that, it can be difficult or even almost impossible to get it to go back where it came from.

Thanks, Bill. I'd be interested in taking a look at this, especially as I've recently had my curiosity piqued to try these substances (at some point in the future, and in a correct and legal setting, I should add). I've got to think it's good to know all sides of the issue.

[SilentFeathers]

I personally think Mr. Hancock has went too far, seems all he talks about lately is tripping!

I enjoy his work, but tripping in excess and doing this crap to one's body and mind in excess would not be the wisest choice for me IMO.

[christian]

I have made some experiences with psychotropics, helpful and positive throughout. I always knew that I would not become addicted and I really only did it for the sake of the experiment, as an inspiration to explore consciousness. I knew that I would only do this in my youth and most definitely not continually throughout my life. I didn't need to do any of that, but it was an option and I chose to experience it. If you think you need to do psychotropics to develop and grow, you've lost the plot, in my opinion. I don't plan to do any psychotropics in the foreseeable future anyways, that time seems over for me.

That's also what Juan Matus told Carlos Castaneda early on, he only gave him psychotropics to shatter his narrow-minded worldview. After that was accomplished, they've been doing all the following journeys sober. All of us still have some constructs and programs running that need to be undone for us to become really free. Figuring out ways in that regard that do not involve psychotropics is generally preferable, but a zealous abstinence from something then again is just as much of an attachement as any other addiction, I figure. It's delicate!

One day in the HealingCastle there came a guy from Australia, Steven Guth, who is a type of modern day monk, pilgrim, something like that. We were talking about all kinds of things, including psychotropics. He said he knew many intelligent people who out of boredom and curiosity tried a lot of stuff and decades later had really fried brains. He said all kinds of substances can propel you into other realms, but actually it's important to go there consciously, with a clear intention of why you venture there, because it's all populated. If you do it right, your guides will be with you, if you do it irresponsibly, you'll be prone to be a victim of who- or whatever wants to take advantage of you there. That being said, in some regard it's surely possible to experience both, a responsible exploration of consciousness and psychotropics.

Now where's my point in all that? Keep a cool eye, use discernment, and know that every positive thing that psychotropics can do to you, you can do by yourself.

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by christian (here)
every positive thing that psychotropics can do to you, you can do by yourself.

Fully agreed: this is the heart of it.

[Whiskey_Mystic]

I have been a serious student of shamanism with a very accomplished teacher for about ten years now. It is my opinion that if you are using psychotropics, you can have great mystical experiences, but you are not in control. You are wide open to influence and infiltration. You are just along for the ride.

One of the most under-taught lessons in shamanic training is self protection. My teacher requires a foundation in self protection which involves not only energetic technique, but psychological clearing and grounding, which can take years and great effort for some. Psychotropics are the opposite of grounding, self control, and self protection.

[greybeard]

Depends what you are looking for.
A great experience is not enlightenment which is a continuous state.
Even those who have a NDE come out of it--- though they are changed greatly.
Even the deepest spiritual experience in meditation is not it --- though it is very beneficial.
If there was a short cut or easy way to enlightenment it would have been found by now.
Im not taking away from the experiences of Graham Hancock.

Chris

[EYES WIDE OPEN]

Ayahuasca got rid of my asthma in a single 5 hour session. Now that's a shortcut!

ANY drug when not used in a sensible way will end up being detrimental. Moderation and respect is the key. Ayahausca is safer than almost all "drugs". Legal or illegal.
Its certainly beneficial.
It has stopped diabetes, tumors and other things dead in their tracks.

Its not really even a drug, it is a plant teacher. I think over the last 100 years or so only 2 or 3 people have directly died from it and that was due to pre-existing conditions and not following the pre-diet.

Its something to be experienced, not explained IMO.

Its an amazing detox for the body and leaves you feeling filled with golden energy for days later.

It gives you what you need which is usually not what you want. And that is a good thing.

Approach with respect.

[Curt]

Graham Hancock, Terence McKenna and others have stated plainly that these botanicals are not for everyone. And that they aren't to be taken lightly or to be used recreationally. Ever.

Whiskey Mystic's comment about the need for grounding and protection in altered states seems reasonable also, especially in light of the experience Graham referenced in the OP.

I haven't made up my mind about these substances, and have not ruled out their use.

Something Joe Rogan said in his interview with Graham (in a post above) has caught my attention. They were words to the effect that 'getting through all one's own misgivings and apprehensions about ayahuasca and arriving at the decision to try it is a first test of sorts, (to weed out the merely curious, perhaps.)'

This seems true of any potentially dangerous course of action that might result in greater knowledge. It doesn't mean it should be avoided out of hand.

Also, I'm wondering whether the term 'shortcut' is really apt in describing the use of these substances.

It seems a sort of judgement-laden term that frames the debate in a less than objective way.

It may not be a shortcut at all. It may be a direct and viable route for some people.

[Joseph McAree]

Hi Bill, I love Graham Hancock' s work but I am not sure he is sending the right message on the use of drugs to his many followers, his work in my humble opinion is brilliant but I am not sure what pushed him in this direction as up until his last visit to South America he did not take the notion seriously that ET's had interacted with humans to help build great cities and buildings along with advanced intelligent civilisations, as his thoughts had always been that humans had done all this themselves but had somehow lost the knowledge and skills that they once possessed.

In the interview with David Wilcock back in early part of 2010 about his book Fingerprints of the Gods he mentions the whereabouts of the ark of the covenant I thought this should have been investigated further as it was quite intriguing. This video may have been put on before but I have added as a contrast to his current stance versus that shown on the video.

http://youtu.be/WvNEVvHgOOY


Kindest regards and best

[Youniverse]

Posted by christian (here)
I have made some experiences with psychotropics, helpful and positive throughout. I always knew that I would not become addicted and I really only did it for the sake of the experiment, as an inspiration to explore consciousness. I knew that I would only do this in my youth and most definitely not continually throughout my life. I didn't need to do any of that, but it was an option and I chose to experience it. If you think you need to do psychotropics to develop and grow, you've lost the plot, in my opinion. I don't plan to do any psychotropics in the foreseeable future anyways, that time seems over for me.

That's also what Juan Matus told Carlos Castaneda early on, he only gave him psychotropics to shatter his narrow-minded worldview. After that was accomplished, they've been doing all the following journeys sober. All of us still have some constructs and programs running that need to be undone for us to become really free. Figuring out ways in that regard that do not involve psychotropics is generally preferable, but a zealous abstinence from something then again is just as much of an attachement as any other addiction, I figure. It's delicate!

One day in the HealingCastle there came a guy from Australia, Steven Guth, who is a type of modern day monk, pilgrim, something like that. We were talking about all kinds of things, including psychotropics. He said he knew many intelligent people who out of boredom and curiosity tried a lot of stuff and decades later had really fried brains. He said all kinds of substances can propel you into other realms, but actually it's important to go there consciously, with a clear intention of why you venture there, because it's all populated. If you do it right, your guides will be with you, if you do it irresponsibly, you'll be prone to be a victim of who- or whatever wants to take advantage of you there. That being said, in some regard it's surely possible to experience both, a responsible exploration of consciousness and psychotropics.

Now where's my point in all that? Keep a cool eye, use discernment, and know that every positive thing that psychotropics can do to you, you can do by yourself.

You made some valuable points here Christian, as did Bill. Thank-you! As a person that has never done any drugs in my life(though I've used my share of alcohol if that counts, I don't drink anymore), I use a very cautious approach with those substances. Still I am very interested in the subject of entheogens and that is what led me to read [U]The Spirit Molecule[U] by Rick Strassman. I found that book very fascinating. I don't know if I'd ever try any psychodelic drugs, but if I did I would try to do it in the safest, most responsible way possible, with the help of an experienced guide. I would echo what Bill said, in that I feel I already have an open enough mind and awareness of things. I say that with a great deal of humility because I know there is so much I don't know as well. I also wanted to add that Rick Strassman concluded from his experiments that pure DMT was non-addictive and one cannot develop a tolerance to its effects. Still, it makes sense to me that someone could 'fry their brain,' when you consider that the body(without upgrades) at a given point in time can only process so much information and too great an influx could cause a short out! The other point about some malevolent entity entering your body and staying there is well taken as well. Though, given the proper methods and responsible use, such cases are probably rare. And as Strassman pointed out, many people in N.America took these plants/chemicals from S.America and abused them in recreational use, instead of the way and purpose they were traditionally used for.

I will sincerely keep your words, Christian and Bill, in mind, if I ever consider trying entheogens someday.

[blufire]

I have recounted my experience with ayahuasca and medicinal plants from the rain forest several times on the forum when this subject is brought up and so I will not do so here again. My personal education and experience is from an extended stay in Belize and Guatemala while studying medicinal rainforest plants and exploring the Mayan ruins.

I do want to say though it still totally mortifies and dumfounds me that people like Hancock are taken for granted that he knows what he is talking about.

Ayahuasca is a concoction of several plants and herbs from the rainforests. He (Hancock) speaks of ayahuasca as the ‘vine of souls’ . . . . the vine he speaks of that is most often used in brewing this complex tea is ONLY THE DELIVERY SYSTEM of the other herbs used in a true ayahuasca. It is the ‘other plants’ that in the mayan culture that enables the elders to have visions and insight.

“The vine” that he speaks of and that is sold all over the internet grows everywhere in the rainforests . . . .there is also the ‘false counterpart’ of this vine that also gets sold along with the true vine. So this vine is used in massive quantities because it is so readily available and dirt cheap.

This vine is also what causes the drinker to purge (vomit) . . . sometimes to the point of dehydration and collapse.

When I see individuals that have over used ayahuasca and especially for ego selfish purposes I am sadly reminded of my Mom who is currently in stage 3 Alzheimer’s. As Bill recounted . . . .they, as a coherent individual, are no longer there. I see the same blank look and inability to cognitively relate to reality and their own personhood. They are ‘gone’.

I have complete faith and belief that when we are ready to see the deeper Truths and Insight we will and do. I also believe strongly that we should work diligently to have patience for these Truths and Insight to come to us naturally. It is my experience when they come naturally as we are ‘ready’ to see and hear them . . . . they stay with us and become an integrated part of who we are and were.

Be patient and be still and wait and listen and hear . . . .

[Youniverse]

Posted by blufire (here)
I have recounted my experience with ayahuasca and medicinal plants from the rain forest several times on the forum when this subject is brought up and so I will not do so here again. My personal education and experience is from an extended stay in Belize and Guatemala while studying medicinal rainforest plants and exploring the Mayan ruins.

I do want to say though it still totally mortifies and dumfounds me that people like Hancock are taken for granted that he knows what he is talking about.

Ayahuasca is a concoction of several plants and herbs from the rainforests. He (Hancock) speaks of ayahuasca as the ‘vine of souls’ . . . . the vine he speaks of that is most often used in brewing this complex tea is ONLY THE DELIVERY SYSTEM of the other herbs used in a true ayahuasca. It is the ‘other plants’ that in the mayan culture that enables the elders to have visions and insight.

“The vine” that he speaks of and that is sold all over the internet grows everywhere in the rainforests . . . .there is also the ‘false counterpart’ of this vine that also gets sold along with the true vine. So this vine is used in massive quantities because it is so readily available and dirt cheap.

This vine is also what causes the drinker to purge (vomit) . . . sometimes to the point of dehydration and collapse.

When I see individuals that have over used ayahuasca and especially for ego selfish purposes I am sadly reminded of my Mom who is currently in stage 3 Alzheimer’s. As Bill recounted . . . .they, as a coherent individual, are no longer there. I see the same blank look and inability to cognitively relate to reality and their own personhood. They are ‘gone’.

I have complete faith and belief that when we are ready to see the deeper Truths and Insight we will and do. I also believe strongly that we should work diligently to have patience for these Truths and Insight to come to us naturally. It is my experience when they come naturally as we are ‘ready’ to see and hear them . . . . they stay with us and become an intergraded part of who we are and were.

Be patient and be still and wait and listen and hear . . . .

Thank-you very much! I believe that is great advice!