Intersections with Indigeneity in Psychedelic Buddhism

Some approaches to psychedelic Buddhism borrow from Indigenous plant medicine traditions without proper respect, while others collaborate and honor those roots. By examining these approaches through Indigenous concepts of authority and Buddhist tradition, the work shows how to understand new blended psychedelic practices and develop more ethical relationships with Indigenous cultures in psychedelic spirituality.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Approaches to Psychedelic Buddhism are at times extractive, at times collaborative; they at times respect roots and lineages, and at times innovate, eschewing traditional practices. By analyzing them through the Indigenous logics of authority found in Indigenous plant medicine communities and the Buddhist tradition, we can better understand novel syncretic psychedelic traditions and work towards more ethical engagements with Indigeneity in psychedelic religion.