The Psychedelic Path: An Exploration of Shamanic Plants for Spiritual Awakening

by Richard L. Haight

5 stars "Fascinating insights into visionary states. Bound to be a controversial book." --Grady Harp Top Children's Books, HALL OF FAME, TOP 100 REVIEWER

Are you walking the spiritual path and curious about psychedelics? Journey along with a meditation master and former "pharmacological purist" as he explores the spiritual heart of the psychedelic experience to discover the potential benefits and dangers of these substances.Richard L. Haight, a master swordsman, meditation expert, and bestselling author of The Unbound Soul provides an extraordinarily powerful, unbiased account of hallucinogens as they relate to the spiritual path.     "This book is a page-turner, exciting, and written with captivating            imagery that transports you on this psychedelic journey."For his journeys, Haight makes use of three ancient shamanic plants found in South, Central, and North America, and he reveals a cutting-edge perspective that catalyzes tremendous personal transformation.The Psychedelic Path is a book for you are serious about spiritual awakening but are unsure whether psychedelics are right for you ― "I found the book to be a clearly mapped process to deciding whether a psychedelic is a path for the reader."You are frightened by the prospect of "bad trips" but still feel pulled to psychedelics. ― "I'd never considered that bad trips could teach one so much. Just read it, you'll learn something." You already employ psychedelics but are looking for a fresh, more powerful approach. ― "The Psychedelic Path was a catalyst, a spark, a guide which helped focus my mind before the most important psychedelic journey I have ever taken. You want to confront your own deepest, oldest inner demons, but you're having trouble "getting there". ― "Haight includes rich and expressive details of his process and encounters with both shadow and light material and aspects of spirit/psyche."You want to live a life filled with love and courage, beyond all excuses. ― "Whether or not you use psychedelics, this book can open a door to your inner awareness.""I felt elation and had the sense I was taking part in an epic or classic fairy tale―the quest, fighting the dragons and the final hard-won conquest.""The most impressing aspect is the level of detail he was capable of bringing; the very vivid and clear descriptions...an absolute masterwork.""Important and very informative reading...Haight's deeply confessional prose is moving to the extreme."Read The Psychedelic Path to begin this fascinating exploration today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Spirituality

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2018

About the author

Richard L. Haight is an instructor of meditation, healing and martial arts, and he is the author of The Unbound Soul: A Spiritual Memoir for Personal Transformation and Enlightenment. He began his path of awakening at age eight when he made a solemn promise in a vision to dedicate his life to enlightenment and to share what he found with the world. He took his first steps towards that promise at age 12 when he began formal martial arts training.

At the age of 24, Richard moved to Japan to advance his training with masters of the sword, staff and jujutsu. During his 15 years living in Japan, Richard was awarded masters licenses in four samurai arts as well as a traditional healing art called Sotai-ho.

Throughout his life, Richard has had a series of profound visions that have ultimately guided him to the realization of the oneness that the ancient spiritual teachers often spoke of. This understanding ultimately transformed the arts that he teaches and has resulted in the writing of The Unbound Soul.

Through his new book The Unbound Soul, his meditation and martial arts seminar, Richard Haight is helping to ignite a worldwide spiritual awakening that is free of all constraints and open to anyone of any level. Richard Haight now lives and teaches in southern Oregon, U.S.A..

Richard Haight is quoted as saying, "True spiritual enlightenment embraces all of life with aliveness, authenticity, innocence and authority. It is what you are truly seeking."

Richard has a free online course at his website www.richardhaight.net to help expedite the spiritual unfoldment process.

If you have any questions, you can contact him at the following e-mail address:
contact@richardhaight.net

Reviews

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of trips, baggage, and the road less traveled

Richard Haight's experiences with psychedelics are well-documented in this interesting travelogue of the inner journey. As a member of the Woodstock Generation, I have seen fads for different psychedelic experiences come and go, as the rush of curiosity gives way to tales of 'bad trips' and the catalog of 'side effects' for each substance expands. It seems that most people who take psychedelics do so in ignorance, with an attitude of casual disrespect for both the mind and the drug. I was impressed that the author took such care to research the substances he ingested, and that he mindfully created a safe and supportive environment for his experience. Therein lies the crucial difference between a psychedelic journey of discovery, and drug abuse. I applaud his spiritual courage in confronting the negative energies. the 'trickster' and the so-called 'truths' which distort human perceptions and leave us mired in our own self-created misery. It is easier to oppose that which constricts us from without than it is to delve into our own mental/emotional blind spots. Psychedelics have long been employed to facilitate that exploration, and Haight's clear recounting of his journeys is a fine guiding example. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bon Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a collection of trips, also very convincing about the value of those. I'm totally sold on transformative power of such experiences. I could almost feel from description how such condensed psycho-emotional experience squeezed into few hours can equal 10 years of your routine in real life and time. And it shows how even a bad trip has its value. Maybe especially a bad trip. But for me, it always comes down to spiders... If it wasn't for spiders, I could probably risk getting pegged by bathroom granny from Shining with spiked bulbous dildo. Everything for my spiritual development. But I can't risk spiders man...

[Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had curiosity about the use of visionary plants for a long time. The authors approach was very cautionary, yet informative and while I gather he is a proponent he doesn't really encourage or discourage. A hard balance I think but one he pulls off. I like his descriptions and how he details what he learned. I would have liked to have read his take on peyote. I would recommend the read I think he has done a very responsible job of presenting the information.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Each individual needs to take responsibility for their own path, with integrity, ever opening to the deepest place of being within.’

Oregon author Richard L. Haight has published three books – THE UNBOUND SOUL: A SPIRITUAL MEMOIR FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INSPIRIENCE: MEDITATION UNBOUND – THE UNCONDITIONED PATH TO SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, and now TAKNG THE PSYCHEDELIC LEAP: AYAHUASCA, MUSHROOMS, AND OTHER VISIONARY PLANTS ALONG THE SPIRITUAL PATH. As is readily apparent from these books Richard is an instructor of meditation, healing, and martial arts, having begun his path of awakening at age 8 and taking his first steps towards sharing his enlightenment at age 12 with formal martial arts training and lived in Japan to master the sword, staff, and jujutsu as well studying a traditional healing art called Sotai-ho. All of this he shares, demonstrating that true spiritual enlightenment embraces all of life with deep aliveness, authenticity, innocence, and authority.

In his Introduction Richard shares not only his personal journey to the Amazon and the subsequent developments that brought him to writing this book: he also states ‘Psychedelics are both hyped and denigrated by differing factions within the awakening community. The more traditionally inclined tend to look negatively upon the use of psychedelics, whereas the more open-minded individuals tend to hail psychedelics. The chasm between these two groups is quite vast. I was caught between these two worlds by my “purist” ideology and the opposing pull to explore these substances. Heading into this experiment, I hoped that my experiences could somehow begin to bridge the gap between these two groups. My policy is to follow the pull wherever it leads me, come what may. To do otherwise would mar integrity and halt my awakening process. My subsequent experiment with psychedelics [ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and Salvia divinorum (‘diviner’s sage’)] involved 12 trips over a two-year period. In this work I intend to walk you through my approach to psychedelics and to detail my key journeys and what I learned from them. I will also share with you the most current scientific information available on these substances and their potential medical uses, legal statuses, safety profiles, and methods for usage. ‘

By sharing his own psychedelic experiences Richard clearly presents his case for their use in developing individual spiritual paths. His reports are fascinating insights into visionary states, experiences in those states with tricksters and demons. He explains his introduction to each psychedelic with a fine since of drama: ‘During my salvia trips, I saw that everything had awareness and a window of perception into the universe. Even “objects” like molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles feel and suffer from the environments that they are in. These objects inherit the atmospheres projected by human beings. If a person is genuinely happy, then so is the physical space around that person. On a feeling level your attitude means everything to the space around you.’

At book’s end in an Appendix he carefully explains the pharmacology and history of ayahuasca, psilocybin, and salvia divinorum – a very educational and well researched section that should make re-reading this book even more interesting than the initial exposure. Bound to be a controversial book, TAKING THE PSYCHEDELIC LEAP is a fascinating exploration of territory unknown to most.

[William Arsenis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of THE PSYCHEDELIC LEAP reads like a charming memoir of the author’s experiences using psychedelics in his quest for awakening.

The latter part of the book consists a Q&A that I found quite interesting. In it, Richard Haight says, “The very intention is born of the assumption that there is an ultimate truth—” He mentions the suffering caused by belief and the futility of seeking ultimate truth at several points in the book. I like how he explains that during his psychedelic trips and especially when he thinks about them afterwards, he constantly lets go of belief in ideas that he might hold as true. This letting go of belief is a radical approach that I’ve practiced and written about for some time now, and I find it refreshing to discover others talking about this very thing.

I also like what he says about attitude. With the right attitude and intention, any activity, including taking psychedelics, can be beneficial. This is a deep message that, as the author says, has many useful applications in many areas of life.

Mr. Haight goes out of his way to be highly responsible when presenting the possibility of using psychedelics as an aid to spiritual awakening, suggesting that readers follow their inner “pull” (which he describes as having nothing to do with desire) and do their research prior.
He makes it clear that this isn’t for everyone, and while research shows that psychedelics are generally safe, he offers suggestions for maximizing both the safety and the benefits that can be gained.

Mr. Haight doesn’t mention the downside to taking psychedelics because from his perspective (a highly useful one in my opinion), a “bad trip,” is only bad if it is perceived as such. With the love and the intention of unearthing even the deepest underlying darkness, there can be no bad experiences, only deep spiritual lessons that have the potential to free the practitioner from the internal disharmony that is blocking the experience of awakening.

Read this book with loving openness, and you will find plenty of treasures that may serve you, whether or not your “pull” leads you to psychedelics.

[Tadas Talaikis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't seem author achieved final "it" (what Salvia Div. helps to realize), because Salvia itself does nothing, it only helps to realize what already exists (like, if some biblical nonsense, then you will till wander in that chaotic cognitive dissonance, arising from the conflict between personal futile beliefs and The Real). Therefore, you need very good theoretic base and knowledge to realize "it" ("meaning" or control of life). BTW, this realization is also the result after many SD trips, personal and comparing with others' realizations.

Last time I had used SD was somewhat 10 years ago and it is still "working" (I mean, "me" as "me" is working, not SD).

Other realizations (not without underlying theory, of course):

"Meaning of life". There is no meaning. People overestimate that something has "meaning".

To connect own self ("territory") to, let's say, words ("map"/ model/ ideology) isn't sane thing to do.

The biggest one exclusively (as I think) from SD - "do what thou wilt shall be the whole e of the Law". This one is so great, because it tells 1) that you don't depend on "outside" things, and 2) you can also choose to do what you will despite there is no real meaning in what you exactly do. Of course, conscious being would choose to improve world, make other great things.

Example of use of above realizations applying to this book. Why you need a meditation? You don't, because with own will you can create almost any (normal! and it's enough) brain state you want :-D

Likewise, you don't need next iPhone to "do things better", because what does things better is you, not some delusional promise. Of course, it's probably better with iPhone than trash, but it depends only on your own motives, not "outside" forces. Therefore, SD as outside force also has no meaning. Teachers also have no meaning, because what does learning is active doing self, not passive listening robot.

[Jordan Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always do my best to remain open, and when it comes to psychedelics, I'm very interested in people's experiences.

I first started reading it, but it was tough. Not well written at all. Then I found out the author narrated the audio book, and thought that maybe a sense of awe would come through that way. Or a sense of anything really. Alas, it was even worse. I made it through the book, though. It's difficult for me to remember that no matter how intense an experience one has, there is still a level of skill and vocabulary that is required to verbalize the experience. This author does not have that skill.

If you can muscle through the painful read, it's an interesting series of experiences. Also, I feel like I will have to make an effort not to dismiss anyone who says they are "on the path of Awakening", as this author does. Not much value in this book, other than mild curiosity. If you find yourself wanting this book, visit Erowid instead. Get much better writing, a much less limited viewpoint, and some actual knowledge.

I highly recommend reading something else.

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, very interesting perspective. This is so not my thing, but I listened with an open mind in the search to understand a different perspective. While this won't change my mind on the path I chose (with God), I completely respect your opinion and found this very interesting. I think anyone who's versed on the subject or has any interest will find it awesome. I always want to learn, whether it's good for me or not, and I definitely learned a lot about the subject. :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Edward F Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem

I think that Richard is doing some of the most important work that been done on the topic of awakening. I recommend his books and his guided meditations to everyone who will listen to me. The courage with which he stepped into each trip in this book is breathtaking. His ability to recount details of his experience is also difficult to comprehend. Truly a great read and in my opinion a must for anyone on the path

[Scarlet' · Rating 5 out of 5]

what to say

Fascinating read. From the first page I was hooked. Mainly because I am being pulled along my trajectory by my inner guidance system to. Couldn’t put it down. Will happily read this authors other books.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it & want more

[DANIEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a "pull" towards psychedelics, these real-life experiences may help you make the decision.

[Biangka P · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful… I read this book at least five times, and can’t get enough of it. I deeply admire Richard’s approach to psychedelic.

[Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Each individual needs to take responsibility for their own path, with integrity, ever opening to the deepest place of being within.’

Oregon author Richard L. Haight has published three books – THE NBOUND SOUL: A SPIRITUAL MEMOIR FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENLIGHTMENT, INSPERIENCE: MEDITATION UNBOUND – THE UNCONDITIONED PATH TO SPIRITUAL AWAKWNING, and now TAKNG THE PSYCHEDELIC LEAP: AYAHUASCA, MUSROOMS, AND OTHER VISIONAARY PLANTS ALONG THE SPIRITUAL PATH. As is readily apparent from these books Richard is an instructor of meditation, healing, and martial arts, having begun his path of awakening at age 8 and taking his first steps towards sharing his enlightenment at age 12 with formal martial arts training and lived in Japan to master the sword, staff, and jujutsu as well studying a traditional healing art called Sotai-ho. All of this he shares, demonstrating that true spiritual enlightenment embraces all of life with deep aliveness, authenticity, innocence, and authority.

In his Introduction Richard shares not only his personal journey to the Amazon and the subsequent developments that brought him to writing this book: he also states ‘Psychedelics are both hyped and denigrated by differing factions within the awakening community. The more traditionally inclined tend to look negatively upon the use of psychedelics, whereas the more open-minded individuals tend to hail psychedelics. The chasm between these two groups is quite vast. I was caught between these two worlds by my “purist” ideology and the opposing pull to explore these substances. Heading into this experiment, I hoped that my experiences could somehow begin to bridge the gap between these two groups. My policy is to follow the pull wherever it leads me, come what may. To do otherwise would mar integrity and halt my awakening process. My subsequent experiment with psychedelics [ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and Salvia divinorum (‘diviner’s sage’)] involved 12 trips over a two-year period. In this work I intend to walk you through my approach to psychedelics and to detail my key journeys and what I learned from them. I will also share with you the most current scientific information available on these substances and their potential medical uses, legal statuses, safety profiles, and methods for usage. ‘

By sharing his own psychedelic experiences Richard clearly presents his case for their use in developing individual spiritual paths. His reports are fascinating insights into visionary states, experiences in those states with tricksters and demons. He explains his introduction to each psychedelic with a fine since of drama: ‘During my salvia trips, I saw that everything had awareness and a window of perception into the universe. Even “objects” like molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles feel and suffer from the environments that they are in. These objects inherit the atmospheres projected by human beings. If a person is genuinely happy, then so is the physical space around that person. On a feeling level your attitude means everything to the space around you.’

At book’s end in an Appendix he carefully explains the pharmacology and history of ayahuasca, psilocybin, and salvia divinorum – a very educational and well researched section that should make re-reading this book even more interesting than the initial exposure. Bound to be a controversial book, TAKING THE PSYCHEDELIC LEAP is a fascinating exploration of territory unknown to most.

[Janelle Trees · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about this book is that Haight documents his psychedelic trips with integrity. It is his life's mission to share his insights (the Ayahuasca told him) and he manages to do so. That's a rare thing.
As a high-level martial artist, Haight is experienced in taking the tough road and negotiating foreign culture and ritual to grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
Although he says he grew and learned greatly by these experiences--and felt compelled to pursue them--the book shows that Haight often had a horrible time on hallucinogens. Getting your ego smashed into crumbs by a plant god is no picnic. Being in the plant-induced moment--feeling at risk of dying or in danger of killing yourself--is not a realm to be entered into lightly.
He takes a balanced view of the path of using psychotropic plants; it's not for everybody.
I enjoyed the book.
It would have been improved by another round of editing.

[Miki Mitayn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grateful this has been written--documentation of psychedelic experience is inherently challenging. Interesting and honest. But badly written. A good editor would have helped a lot.