Psychoactive Substances in Daoist Practice: A Cultural and Historical Perspective

Daoist cultivation traditions incorporate psychoactive substances, derived from botanicals or artificial synthesis, within ritual consumption practices to induce mystical experiences and facilitate union with the Dao. These substances are part of the broader category of Daoist ingestive culture (fushi). Analysis of Daoist scriptures shows that the use of psychoactive substances goes beyond physiological stimulation, representing a distinctive integration of material practices with transcendental pursuits aimed at achieving perfection in both body and spirit.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper systematically investigates psychoactive substances and their ritual consumption practices within the Daoist cultivation tradition. As a category of Daoist ingestive (fushi 服食) culture, these substances, derived either from specific botanicals or through artificial synthesis, are ceremonially administered to induce mystical experiences in practitioners, ultimately facilitating their mystical union with Dao. Based on research into relevant Daoist scriptures, this article classifies Daoist psychoactive substances and analyzes how these substances are integrated into Daoist cultivation practices. Research indicates that Daoism’s utilization of psychoactive substances transcends mere physiological stimulation. Through a distinctive approach that integrates material practices with transcendental pursuits, it embodies the Daoist cultivation of achieving perfection in both body and spirit.