Shrines, Drugs, and Mental Health in South Asian Culture: A Case Study of Rahman Baba Shrine, Peshawar Pakistan

At the Rehman Baba shrine in Pakistan, some monks (Malang) use marijuana to induce mystical experiences, a practice that has become socially acceptable there. Through non-participant observation, exploratory interviews, and focus group discussions, the study found that marijuana is regarded as a holy drug at the shrine. Users see it as fostering love for humanity, relaxation from social stresses, harmony among users, and an escape from social challenges. The findings are explained using Merton's 'individual's modes of adaptation'.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the traits of substance-induced mysticism at the Rehman Baba shrine in Pakistan. The shrine of Rehman Babais frequently visited by many. Some of the Malang(monks) use marijuana to induce a mystic experience. It has become a socially acceptable practice at this shrine. It uses non-participant observation of the substance users and exploratory interviews along with focused group discussion at Rahman Baba shrine. The findings indicate that only marijuana is used at the shrine as a holy drug. They view substance use as a source of love for humanity, relaxation from social stresses, and harmony among the users. It is further used to escape from the challenges of social life. Merton’s ‘individual’s modes of adaptation’ has been used to explain the data.