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Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics
Buddhism and psychedelic experimentation share a common concern: the liberation of the mind. Zig Zag Zen launches the first serious inquiry into the moral, ethical, doctrinal, and transcendental considerations created by the intersection of Buddhism and psychedelics. With a foreword by renowned Buddhist scholar Stephen Batchelor and a preface by historian of religion Huston Smith, along with numerous essays and interviews, Zig Zag Zen is a provocative and thoughtful exploration of altered states of consciousness and the potential for transformation. Accompanying each essay is a work of visionary art selected by artist Alex Grey, such as a vividly graphic work by Robert Venosa, a contemporary thangka painting by Robert Beer, and an exercise in emptiness in the form of an enso by a 17th-century Zen abbot. Packed with enlightening entries and art that lie outside the scope of mainstream anthologies, Zig Zag Zen offers eye-opening insights into alternate methods of inner exploration.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 21, 2017
The book Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics is a compilation of articles and interviews written and conducted by several respected people in both the Buddhist and psychedelic communities. The pieces explore the crossovers between Buddhism and psychedelics and offer an honest perspective about whether psychedelic substances have a place in a sincere Buddhist practice, and vice-versa.
Following a foreword written by Stephen Batchelor, a preface written by religious studies scholar Huston Smith, and an introduction written by the book's editor Allan Badiner, Zig Zag Zen is broken into three main sections: "Intersection", which explores the points common to both topics, "Concrescence?", which discusses the coalescence or "growing together" of Buddhism and psychedelics, and "Lessons", which offers advice from the elders in both movements for a beginning psychonaut or Buddhist.
The "Intersection" section covers topics like the Tibetan Book of the Dead and a 1964 psychedelicized version of it called The Psychedelic Experience, the concept of suffering, America's relationship with Buddhism, shamanism, spiritually-influenced artwork, and other various spiritual practices. The authors featured in this section include psychedelic researcher Ralph Metzner, professor Roger Walsh, anthropologist/writer Christian Rätsch, and Allan Badiner, among others.
The "Concrescence?" section begins with a thorough explanation of Buddhist and psychedelic artwork by visionary artist Alex Grey, followed by an explanation by Rick Strassman concerning his groundbreaking DMT research, and then features several chapters on various topics such as "psychoactivism", "leaning into rawness", ayahuasca, cannabis as a harm reduction practice, and a fantastic analysis of psychedelics' potential role in Buddhist practice by writer Erik Davis.
The final section, "Lessons", includes several discussions concerning whether psychedelics are a help or a hindrance on the Buddhist path, features an interview with the well-known psychedelic bard Terence McKenna, the work of Rick Doblin with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Lama Surya Das' "zen commandments", and more.
The book is extremely well-written and edited, and offers an honest look at whether psychedelics can play a valid role in a Buddhist practice. The authors (and speakers) in the book do not all agree on a conclusion, and so it is up to the reader to decide whether psychedelics would truly assist them in their spiritual path or not. Featured throughout the book are a plethora of breathtaking art pieces in full color. I would advise this book to anyone who has an interest in either Buddhism or psychedelics.
Following a foreword written by Stephen Batchelor, a preface written by religious studies scholar Huston Smith, and an introduction written by the book's editor Allan Badiner, Zig Zag Zen is broken into three main sections: "Intersection", which explores the points common to both topics, "Concrescence?", which discusses the coalescence or "growing together" of Buddhism and psychedelics, and "Lessons", which offers advice from the elders in both movements for a beginning psychonaut or Buddhist.
The "Intersection" section covers topics like the Tibetan Book of the Dead and a 1964 psychedelicized version of it called The Psychedelic Experience, the concept of suffering, America's relationship with Buddhism, shamanism, spiritually-influenced artwork, and other various spiritual practices. The authors featured in this section include psychedelic researcher Ralph Metzner, professor Roger Walsh, anthropologist/writer Christian Rätsch, and Allan Badiner, among others.
The "Concrescence?" section begins with a thorough explanation of Buddhist and psychedelic artwork by visionary artist Alex Grey, followed by an explanation by Rick Strassman concerning his groundbreaking DMT research, and then features several chapters on various topics such as "psychoactivism", "leaning into rawness", ayahuasca, cannabis as a harm reduction practice, and a fantastic analysis of psychedelics' potential role in Buddhist practice by writer Erik Davis.
The final section, "Lessons", includes several discussions concerning whether psychedelics are a help or a hindrance on the Buddhist path, features an interview with the well-known psychedelic bard Terence McKenna, the work of Rick Doblin with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Lama Surya Das' "zen commandments", and more.
The book is extremely well-written and edited, and offers an honest look at whether psychedelics can play a valid role in a Buddhist practice. The authors (and speakers) in the book do not all agree on a conclusion, and so it is up to the reader to decide whether psychedelics would truly assist them in their spiritual path or not. Featured throughout the book are a plethora of breathtaking art pieces in full color. I would advise this book to anyone who has an interest in either Buddhism or psychedelics.
January 15, 2008
Can psychedelic drugs, or entheogens as they are referred to nowadays, play an important role in spiritual awareness or are they merely a ticket to unsustainable peak experiences. These are the questions addressed in this wonderful coffee table book.
Many writers in this collection of essays are children of the 60’s who have moved on to Buddhist and other meditative practices. Some now eschew medicinal roads to Satori, while others view them as important components of awakening that opened their eyes to the doors of perception and possibilities offered by non-drug meditative practices. Contributers include Ram Dass – former research partner of Tim Leary at Harvard, founders of the Esalen institute at Big Sur, as well as members of the Zen Center in San Francisco.
Some essays take the form of a dialogue between the writer with editors Allan Hunt-Badiner and Alex Grey asking intelligent questions of clarification.
For those who weren’t there in the 60’s, and those of us who were, the authors review the explosion of hallucinogens in the western world, and how this sparked great interest in eastern philosophies to fill the void left by traditional western religious dogma and materialistic values. Early luminaries such as Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, Alan Ginsberg, and Carlos Castaneda and their contributions are mentioned.
Of special interest to me was the brief history included of several natural etheogens, lesser known in the west. The place of natural hallucinogens in native cultures that value both the altered state, and the spiritual quest,is explored as well. Indeed, we are reminded that people have used medicinal substances as part of their spiritual quest for thousands of years; Soma, referred to in the Hindu “Ghita,” being one of the earliest references.
The discussion and viewpoints are balanced and informative with potential “psychonauts” advised to proceed carefully using etheogens in a reverent manner including appropriate set, setting, reliable guides, and time in between experiences to incorporate insights gained into ones daily life.
The legal issues are addressed with the view that the war on drugs is a dismal failure of right wing politics. Further, it asserts that it is a human right for adults to be able to use etheogens responsibly for personal quest, to study consciousness, the mind, as well as how these medicines can facilitate processes of psychotherapy.
The book, easily read, is beautifully illustrated with full page colour plates inspired by psychedelic experience and Buddhist tradition. A nice bibliography of related titles is included but no index.
Zig Zan Zen is a wonderful, fun, and informative read that covers the history of medicinal plants from ancient times to ecstacy in the mosh pit. A great gift for yourself, or anyone interested in the history and role of etheogens on the road to nirvana.
Malcolm Watts 2006
MMalcolm Watts is a novelist, writer, photographer and reviewer. Visit his website. www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts
Many writers in this collection of essays are children of the 60’s who have moved on to Buddhist and other meditative practices. Some now eschew medicinal roads to Satori, while others view them as important components of awakening that opened their eyes to the doors of perception and possibilities offered by non-drug meditative practices. Contributers include Ram Dass – former research partner of Tim Leary at Harvard, founders of the Esalen institute at Big Sur, as well as members of the Zen Center in San Francisco.
Some essays take the form of a dialogue between the writer with editors Allan Hunt-Badiner and Alex Grey asking intelligent questions of clarification.
For those who weren’t there in the 60’s, and those of us who were, the authors review the explosion of hallucinogens in the western world, and how this sparked great interest in eastern philosophies to fill the void left by traditional western religious dogma and materialistic values. Early luminaries such as Alan Watts, Aldous Huxley, Alan Ginsberg, and Carlos Castaneda and their contributions are mentioned.
Of special interest to me was the brief history included of several natural etheogens, lesser known in the west. The place of natural hallucinogens in native cultures that value both the altered state, and the spiritual quest,is explored as well. Indeed, we are reminded that people have used medicinal substances as part of their spiritual quest for thousands of years; Soma, referred to in the Hindu “Ghita,” being one of the earliest references.
The discussion and viewpoints are balanced and informative with potential “psychonauts” advised to proceed carefully using etheogens in a reverent manner including appropriate set, setting, reliable guides, and time in between experiences to incorporate insights gained into ones daily life.
The legal issues are addressed with the view that the war on drugs is a dismal failure of right wing politics. Further, it asserts that it is a human right for adults to be able to use etheogens responsibly for personal quest, to study consciousness, the mind, as well as how these medicines can facilitate processes of psychotherapy.
The book, easily read, is beautifully illustrated with full page colour plates inspired by psychedelic experience and Buddhist tradition. A nice bibliography of related titles is included but no index.
Zig Zan Zen is a wonderful, fun, and informative read that covers the history of medicinal plants from ancient times to ecstacy in the mosh pit. A great gift for yourself, or anyone interested in the history and role of etheogens on the road to nirvana.
Malcolm Watts 2006
MMalcolm Watts is a novelist, writer, photographer and reviewer. Visit his website. www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts
September 5, 2009
Many of the leading American Buddhists became seekers of enlightenment, through meditation practice, as a result of taking hallucinogens in the psychedelic heyday of the 1960s. These essays explore the link between etheogens and awakening. I found the essays fascinating and varied, presenting both the advantages and dangers of this path into perception as it relates to spirituality and truth. Quite a few of my favorite Buddhist writers used psychedelics along the way. For example, having previously read accounts of etheogenic drug use written by Stephen Levine and Jack Kornfield, increased my interest in these essays.
I found the photographs of spiritual artwork in Zig Zag Zen exquisite .
(Malcom Watts writes and excellent review of Zig Zag Zen on the Goodreads site. If your interest is piqued, I suggest you read his more thorough review.)
I found the photographs of spiritual artwork in Zig Zag Zen exquisite .
(Malcom Watts writes and excellent review of Zig Zag Zen on the Goodreads site. If your interest is piqued, I suggest you read his more thorough review.)
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August 5, 2011There is no denying that the spread of Buddhism in the US is largely due to use of psychedelics in the 60s and 70s. Many of these psychonauts turned to Asian traditions, especially Buddhism, in order to better understand the manifestation of mind they experienced via psychedelic substances. This book examines that history, along with discussions of how Buddhists view psychedelics - only American Buddhists seem to think it is ok. The book is a collection of articles and interviews with people like Ram Dass, Cahrles Tart, Joan Halifax, Terrence McKenna and includes art from Alex Grey. It is well edited, but at times feels as if it is trying to justify psychedelic use in the context of Buddhism and despite skillfull means, I'm just not sure the Buddha would approve.
April 9, 2021
I was fortunately loaned a first edition of "Zig Zag Zen" by a hilarious and kind Sōtō Zen priest. This book is beautiful and necessary —especially with the recent law changes in many U.S. states regarding entheogens. So many significant Buddhist and psychedelic figures contributed to it including: Zentatsu Richard Baker, Lama Surya Das, Joan Halifax Roshi, Terance McKenna, Ram Das (A.K.A Richard Alpert), David Chadwick, and Jack Kornfield amongst many other notable figures. I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy and learning about the varying perspectives in Buddhism when it comes to psychedelic substances. Also, Alex Grey curated an astounding selection of psychedelic art pieces.
June 8, 2020
This book was a huge disapointment. The authors make claims to knowledge, what they've learned through mediation and psychedelics, but never actually say what it is they've learned. The artwork is way more interesting.
October 16, 2021
"Buddhism and psychedelic exploration share a common concern: the liberation of the mind." This connection is one of the most important inquiries in my life right now, and maybe for the wellbeing of the whole world.
The essays and interviews in this book are quite mixed in terms of stance and orientation and depth. I didn't resonate with all opinions (obviously), but I could see how they all fit into this discussion. It's fair and profound. And this makes this book an invaluable contribution to this fundamentally important paradigm shift.
To sum it up:
Psychedelics open the door and point the way, spiritual practice IS the way. Actually walking the way, you will understand the waymarkers much better. And then they can be very helpful.
Spirituality and psychedelics go hand in hand, as helpers. Helpers only. You walk the way.
Both the traditional spiritual and the psychedelic way are about awareness and surrender. Psychedelics also work with imagination - and so do many meditative practices, especially tantric.
In the end, both do nothing but release our contraction and blocks that prevent us from seeing, feeling, being our fundamental Unity, and embodying our inherent Love, Wisdom, Freedom, Joy, Peace.
And in the end, everything is spiritual, and everything can be a tool. Meditation and psychedelics are among the most profound tools, if one knows how to use them properly. Proper use means understanding its usage, its effects, and - not to forget - integrating it into everyday life.
(That is especially important with all deep psychedelic journeys, which are a highly condensed and potent experience.)
The teaching is Unity & Love. Let's become "a member of the Sangha of all beings"! "As a Mahasangha, we will all benefit."
Aho!
The essays and interviews in this book are quite mixed in terms of stance and orientation and depth. I didn't resonate with all opinions (obviously), but I could see how they all fit into this discussion. It's fair and profound. And this makes this book an invaluable contribution to this fundamentally important paradigm shift.
To sum it up:
Psychedelics open the door and point the way, spiritual practice IS the way. Actually walking the way, you will understand the waymarkers much better. And then they can be very helpful.
Spirituality and psychedelics go hand in hand, as helpers. Helpers only. You walk the way.
Both the traditional spiritual and the psychedelic way are about awareness and surrender. Psychedelics also work with imagination - and so do many meditative practices, especially tantric.
In the end, both do nothing but release our contraction and blocks that prevent us from seeing, feeling, being our fundamental Unity, and embodying our inherent Love, Wisdom, Freedom, Joy, Peace.
And in the end, everything is spiritual, and everything can be a tool. Meditation and psychedelics are among the most profound tools, if one knows how to use them properly. Proper use means understanding its usage, its effects, and - not to forget - integrating it into everyday life.
(That is especially important with all deep psychedelic journeys, which are a highly condensed and potent experience.)
The teaching is Unity & Love. Let's become "a member of the Sangha of all beings"! "As a Mahasangha, we will all benefit."
Aho!
February 16, 2019
Amazing book. A great read for anyone who’s interested in buddhism or psychedelics. The essays chosen are amazingly eloquent and well-read. As someone who sometimes has ADHD-related problems with reading non-fiction, I can safely say this book never put me off or bored me into starting another book.
Psychedelics were always interesting to me but prior to reading this book I was only mildly interested in Buddhism because of my mom, but this book put me into an entirely new headspace. I’m about to really get into it. I’ve shelfed this as “books that changed me” and it couldn’t be more true.
Guess my only complaint is I wanted to hear more from the people opposed to using psychedelics in Buddhist practice. The essays from that angle weren’t super convincing and the points made were easily dismissible.
Psychedelics were always interesting to me but prior to reading this book I was only mildly interested in Buddhism because of my mom, but this book put me into an entirely new headspace. I’m about to really get into it. I’ve shelfed this as “books that changed me” and it couldn’t be more true.
Guess my only complaint is I wanted to hear more from the people opposed to using psychedelics in Buddhist practice. The essays from that angle weren’t super convincing and the points made were easily dismissible.
March 28, 2018
Excellent! This collection of updated essays from a 1995 issue of Tricycle was filled with fabulous art and words from many Buddhist and psychedelic luminaries. While it falls heavily on the "psychedelics can be good for practice" side, many of the essays posit the opposite opinion in ways that are thoughtful and reasoned instead of just reactionary. It was just the fire I needed to spark up my passion for buddha/dharma/sangha again. A resource for sure.
May 10, 2018
The range of opinion and experience in this collection of essays, interviews and art gave me a lot to think about. My own experiences prejudiced me in the direction of positivity when it comes to the particular combination of psychedelics and Buddhism, but I have to admit to not having enough experience in either. Not enough to solidify my opinion one way or another. So it was very instructive to hear from such a wide array of luminaries and adepts. It took me a long while to read this book only because it is one of the only books I have completely read on my computer. I still prefer the kind you need a lamp to read by and that you can hold with one hand under the covers at bedtime. It would also be nice to have a 'real' copy of this book in order to enjoy the art contained in a more easily accessible manner. The electronic copy is hard to thumb through and find what you want. *Sigh*
February 26, 2022
This book contains interviews and essays of well known psychedelic users and Buddhist practitioners. This book doesn't provide you with any conclusion to the intersection of spirituality and psychedelic substances. Rather, it presents multidisciplinary perspectives to approach the question and leaves the conclusion on the reader.
Multiple perspectives open the possibilities to understand how psychedelics can be used in spiritual development, the potential pitfalls in this approach, and when you should avoid psychedelics.
Must read book if you are too much into psychedelics but lack real spiritual understanding; or if you are too skeptical about the use of psychedelics in spiritual progress.
Multiple perspectives open the possibilities to understand how psychedelics can be used in spiritual development, the potential pitfalls in this approach, and when you should avoid psychedelics.
Must read book if you are too much into psychedelics but lack real spiritual understanding; or if you are too skeptical about the use of psychedelics in spiritual progress.
January 22, 2017
Fantastic book. I was honestly expecting a perspective much more skewed to the pro-psychedelic side of things; the reality is quite the opposite--it often felt to me that much more material arguing caution and even abstinence was present here. With all perspectives covered, however, this is a fantastic collection of essays examining the intersection of Buddhism and psychedelic use and culture from a wide variety of angles. The supplemental artwork presented is top notch and extremely well curated. Recommended if you have any interest in either topic.
January 18, 2018
East meets West
This is not necessarily a book for everyone. I found it to be enlightening and answered a lot of my questions and validated a lot of my experiences. I can see many people that aren’t as open to the idea of these two concepts coming together having trouble getting through most of the book, however, do not judge the book by its cover. The last few chapters, I would say, are more “grounded” and brings you back to this plane of existence.
This is not necessarily a book for everyone. I found it to be enlightening and answered a lot of my questions and validated a lot of my experiences. I can see many people that aren’t as open to the idea of these two concepts coming together having trouble getting through most of the book, however, do not judge the book by its cover. The last few chapters, I would say, are more “grounded” and brings you back to this plane of existence.
December 19, 2019
An inspiring, complex, and insightful collection of writing and artwork immersed in the convergence of Buddhism, psychedelia, shamanism, and the spirituality at large. Reading this book has been equally enjoyable, knowledgeable, and meditative.
June 25, 2019
It covers a lot of interesting ground, but the essays become quite redundant by the time you reach the end of the book.
January 24, 2022
A fascinating look, from many different perspectives, at the intersection of Buddhism and psychedelics. It has given me pause and introspection about the practice of looking within.
December 11, 2023
Exploring the psychedelic side of Buddhism. Open mind.
February 8, 2017
Great and up to date collection of essays that really highlights the connection between both subjects. It certainly doesn't propagate drug (ab)use, but centers more around the historical and cultural background of how psychedelics - mostly LSD and peyote during the counterculture of the sixties, and later ayahuasca - fueled a renewed interest in Asian religion/philosophy (Japanese Zen, Tibetan Buddism), a revaluation of local shamanism, as it provided a vessel for 'visionary' art works (Alex Grey, i.a.).
A big plus for me is that this collection makes room for dissident voices (Brad Warner, i.a.), that provide solid arguments on why a psychedelic 'high' doesn't correspond with the (far more subtle) manifestation of sunyata (emptiness). Though, almost all writers emphasize the vital part of integration, i.e. the real work starts after the insight (kensho) when one is willing to change his/her/x behavior and starts to act more in compassion towards others.
Psychedelics certainly isn't and shouldn't be an ego trip, whereby it mostly differs from other drugs like alcohol, even though the same ego traps are still there. Spiritual materialism if often stressed as a negative outcome of too much psychedelic drug consumption, though the same goes for dogmatic religious beliefs.
At the end, it mostly (and surprisingly) made me appreciate more the daily activity of zazen meditation, though I won't shun the occasional use of psychedelics in a ritual setting to deepen that practice.
A big plus for me is that this collection makes room for dissident voices (Brad Warner, i.a.), that provide solid arguments on why a psychedelic 'high' doesn't correspond with the (far more subtle) manifestation of sunyata (emptiness). Though, almost all writers emphasize the vital part of integration, i.e. the real work starts after the insight (kensho) when one is willing to change his/her/x behavior and starts to act more in compassion towards others.
Psychedelics certainly isn't and shouldn't be an ego trip, whereby it mostly differs from other drugs like alcohol, even though the same ego traps are still there. Spiritual materialism if often stressed as a negative outcome of too much psychedelic drug consumption, though the same goes for dogmatic religious beliefs.
At the end, it mostly (and surprisingly) made me appreciate more the daily activity of zazen meditation, though I won't shun the occasional use of psychedelics in a ritual setting to deepen that practice.
August 22, 2016
A great collection of knowledge on this under explored, under prioritized topic. It truly helped me understand the place psychedelics have in my growth and understanding as a whatever i am. If you're interested in the topic it is definitely one of the best resources today.
One of my fav parts:
Robert Aitken Roshi: "I don't think drugs have particularly helped anybody arrive where they are...It was just a peculiarity that at the time LSD was discovered and made widespread."
To which Ram Das replies, "Knowing the human life experiences of those people, to say that this was some kind of historical accident is absolute nonsense. One needs only to take a big trip and . . ."
One of my fav parts:
Robert Aitken Roshi: "I don't think drugs have particularly helped anybody arrive where they are...It was just a peculiarity that at the time LSD was discovered and made widespread."
To which Ram Das replies, "Knowing the human life experiences of those people, to say that this was some kind of historical accident is absolute nonsense. One needs only to take a big trip and . . ."
March 24, 2014
Good idea, but (in my opinion) poorly executed.
Too much Buddhist doctrine, too little mention of the onerous psychedelic ego-death and how that experience 'turned people on' to the cultures and spirituality and religions of the East to begin with. Then again, I read this book 5 years ago so I may be totally misrepresenting it. Hah ha.
Too much Buddhist doctrine, too little mention of the onerous psychedelic ego-death and how that experience 'turned people on' to the cultures and spirituality and religions of the East to begin with. Then again, I read this book 5 years ago so I may be totally misrepresenting it. Hah ha.
July 23, 2011
Excellent collection of essays regarding the use of chemicals as a tool in the search for theological answers.
August 16, 2016
“But LSD is illegal because it endangers Control. Worse, it makes authority seem
funny. . . LSD is illegal primarily because it threatens the dominant <...> culture,
the culture of Control.”
funny. . . LSD is illegal primarily because it threatens the dominant <...> culture,
the culture of Control.”
July 16, 2015
Eye opening
December 31, 2016
surprisingly balanced take on buddhism and psychedelics.
August 4, 2018
A wonderful book thought provoking highly recommended.
November 8, 2022
This book is addictive
April 2, 2017
Art in this book:
Consummation, Ethel Le Rossignol, c. 1920
The Room When No One Is There, John F.B. Miles, 1979
Several paintings by Alex Grey
Order with Chaos Letters, Allyson Grey, 2000
Burning Desire, Mariko Mori, 1998
*Dharma Dragon* Android Jones, 2012
Divine Messenger of Truth, Randal Roberts, 2007
Rainbow Body Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, Gana Lama, 1992
Padmapani Avalokiteshvrara, Robert Beer, 1976
Tetragrammaton, Carey Thompson, 2011
*Regeneration* Amanda Sage, 2012
Consummation, Ethel Le Rossignol, c. 1920
The Room When No One Is There, John F.B. Miles, 1979
Several paintings by Alex Grey
Order with Chaos Letters, Allyson Grey, 2000
Burning Desire, Mariko Mori, 1998
*Dharma Dragon* Android Jones, 2012
Divine Messenger of Truth, Randal Roberts, 2007
Rainbow Body Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, Gana Lama, 1992
Padmapani Avalokiteshvrara, Robert Beer, 1976
Tetragrammaton, Carey Thompson, 2011
*Regeneration* Amanda Sage, 2012
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews