In this Ask Gurudev Anything, Gurudev shares how the ancient scriptures approach enlightenment, drugs, and powers that seem extraordinary.
A group of spiritual seekers in Boone, North Carolina asked Gurudev about recreational drugs, extraordinary powers, and enlightenment. Here is a snippet of the conversation:
Can psychedelics open other dimensions?
Various cultures have used psychedelic substances to explore different dimensions and energies. Do the Vedas talk about these substances at all, and is it a legitimate way to explore these dimensions or does it have a negative impact on humans’ karma?
The substances or drugs have opened up those ways because they can alter the chemicals in the brain so you can perceive differently. You get a peep into other dimensions. But the thing is that all of these recreational drugs cause huge damage to our nervous system. That makes you get addicted to them and that’s not desirable. That’s not something that helps you in your evolution.
Yes, in the ancient scriptures they do say that there are certain medicines that can bring you an elevated state of consciousness. But I would say that when you can do it with your own breath and meditation, why would anybody go for drugs to alter one’s consciousness when it’s right under your nose?
You don’t have to go looking for something that would make you sad and miserable later.
The swing is very big with recreational drugs. Maybe for a few minutes it keeps someone elevated, but then the crash is too big.
But with meditation and breathing exercises, there’s no crash.
Are supernatural powers real?
Are there extraordinary powers and abilities that we can access, and if so, how do we do that?
You call some power extraordinary if you’re not used to it, if it’s new to you. You find these traits almost everywhere. There are people who can do many things. They can just bend a spoon by looking at it. They can predict events. There are all kinds of psychic abilities that are not a big deal.
You can get training. Our kids in Art of Living have the intuition process. Totally blindfolded, they are able to read, write, ride bicycles, and play video games. All blindfolded, they appear to be extraordinary feats.
But if you go into it scientifically, yeah, it’s possible because they’re using another cognitive aspect of the brain, which we haven’t been using. If you’re not used to sitting on the floor, then you find it very difficult. You can’t sit in diamond posture or lotus posture so easily. You have to train yourself a little bit.
Like that, these different faculties can be acquired with training. They may appear to be somewhat extraordinary, but when you get used to them, they become ordinary, usual stuff.
What is the nature of enlightenment?
What is the spirit of the consciousness of the enlightened masters of the past, present, and future?
You cannot comprehend the nature of enlightened consciousness. You cannot. It’s like your nose cannot see, and eyes cannot smell. So, the ancient scriptures said one thing: knowing that, you become that. Only when you become that can you know that.
So there’s no other description. Whether it’s waking, dreaming, sleeping, or something higher than that, knowing that, you become that. Done!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Editor’s note:
To learn more about our pillar program, SKY Breath Meditation, check out our free breath and meditation online session with a live instructor. SKY has helped millions of people around the world improve all aspects of their lives. Learn how you too can benefit from SKY.
Click the image below to save your spot!
