Quote Originally Posted by Stoner Shadow Wolf
the easiest way, yes, but there are yogi who attain such enlightenment without the need of any such substances. this is a longer and more fulfilling path as i understand it, however, almost not worth the effort, especially in the west, where our lives are, the majority, hectics and out of control.

in the "civilized" west, drugs are almost a prerequisite for enlightenment... almost... some of us are lucky enough to have calmer more peaceful lives
, apart from the hive drone of society, where we are not bound to an alarm clock.
Interesting post. I've been a meditator for nearly 25 years and was lucky enough to experience enlightenment (Nirvikalpa Samadhi) about 13 years ago and have spent the last years developing it through Dzogchen Buddhism. It's something that could occurr to anyone, whether they meditate or not, or even whether you're spiritual or not - it's just more likely to if you do, and follow particular methods. The trouble is that most people don't realise that the methods taught in most books and sanghas are really just the introductory tools to help you perform higher forms of meditation, and shouldn't be thought of as an end in themselves. It's pointless for example to spend (as I initially did) doing hours of focussing meditation (shamatha) or even insight meditation (vipassana) as enlightenment isn't about that; it's about understanding and knowledge, not 'mind control'. Of course there are many different ways to become enlightened and it's not for me to say that any are wrong, just that some are far faster than others. For example, using basic Mahayana morality and shamatha might get you there in a few lifetimes, whereas going on to do Mahamudra or Ati-yoga techniques can have you realised well within your own lifetime, sometimes only months.

Enlightenment is something that's been sadly misrepresented and ill-described, especially by the New Age movement. It both is and isn't what you might think it is.

As for drugs, there's no doubt at all that cannabis helps faciliatate meditation IF you know what to do and how to use it.

Hope this helps,

MelT