Journeys into the bright world

It is our personal belief that the judicious use of ketamine by well-grounded people could stimulate a global renaissance of the arts which would lift the spirit of man to supernal realms of inspirational endeavor. Astrologically, Venus and Neptune would come into ascendancy, softening and balancing the aggressiveness of the Martian military-industrial complex which now dominates world affairs. At this time most of the members of humanity are starved for beauty. Until this nutritional need is met neither peace nor harmony can prevail.

Recreational: The simple fact that it is feasible to shed the ego and revel in an inner light show deserves some consideration. As one subject wrote to us, "Samadhi is a break from the on and on. Where other things and events serve as no jumping off point, samadhi does." Even when a person wishes nothing more than to enjoy a respite from cares it is hard to see what harm there can be in using this ticket to the inner dimensions to decompress. A simple interfusion of pleasure into an otherwise humdrum routine can make it possible to carry on from day to day. We have had subjects who, through expert mind control, have been able to maneuver themselves into one delightful visionary experience after another with all the skill of an expert surfer.

At the same time it should not be forgotten that this "samadhi medicine" is a powerful substance which should be treated with due respect. If it is just a question of "getting high" marijuana would probably be a more appropriate agent. Nonetheless, we do not begrudge those who wish merely to luxuriate in the froth and bubbles of a series of soothing sensations. They can be spiritually uplifted in spite of themselves. A person may take a bath only because it feels so good-but he will still come out clean.

Parapsychological: The main objection to scientific studies of paranormal phenomena is that they can seldom be replicated at will. With the assistance of ketamine it should prove far more feasible to conduct systematic investigations of telepathy, clairvoyance, the "third eye" and a multitude of other controversial abilities. Studies can be structured under laboratory conditions with carefully recorded doses. Even nonintuitive people can accomplish remarkable feats with this psychic stimulant. How much more valuable, then, it might be to administer ketamine to those naturally proficient in the arcane arts!

Scientific dogmas are rarely overthrown merely because they fail to work. There is something in our cultural set that makes it necessary for the new to rise in rebellion against the outmoded. Even then, the battle is seldom won until the members of the old guard die off-at which point another generation of truth seekers have jumped into the fray.

Now our crystalized heritage of medical materialism can hardly resist the youth and vigor of those who can see the potential benefits which can accrue from the study of altered states of consciousness. Even the most hard-shelled skeptics can, if they will, make their own journeys into the bright world safely and effectively. Thus they can gain some idea of what it is that the psychics, are experiencing and thereby can better appreciate the problems of trying to reduce the ineffable to concrete terms. With the closing of the gap between believers and nonbelievers in extrasensory perception the way will be opened for a giant step forward in the utilization of the higher powers of man. Thanatological: The conquest of death is the great challenge of our time, and one which is rapidly being met on many fronts. The fact that it is now possible to undergo a voluntary, nontraumatic out-of-the-body experience should eventually make the dying process easier for all. Those who have already enjoyed a preview of some of the attractions featured on "the other side" are far less likely to tremble in fear at the thought of making the final transition. Their reports and affirmative attitudes are bound to brighten the general climate of public opinion with regard to this issue.

At present we badly need a word to denote the process of deliberately quitting an outworn body, not through suicide or euthanasia, but rather as an exercise in reasoned self-mastery. "Thanascendance"- death with dignity and honor-will someday supersede the present agony of being squeezed unwillingly out of a pain-racked mass of quavering flesh. With the knowledge gained from "samadhi yoga" informed people will decide how and when they should make their departures, and these gracious exits will be regarded as fitting culminations to lives well lived.