In Search of the Ultimate High [Paperback]

Nicholas Saunders (Author), Anja Saunders (Author), Michelle Pauli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2000

Throughout history, people have taken mind-expanding substances, whether out of curiosity, a need for development, or a deep longing for something greater than themselves. This practical and unusual book looks specifically at the use of psychoactive drugs in the spiritual quest - at how those who honestly seek the truth have taken them, not as an escape route, but as a way to inspire their lives. Absorbing and wide-ranging, the book covers the use of psychoactives - from LSD, Magic Mushrooms, and Ecstasy to Ibogaine and Ayahuasca - in different societies and religions, including shamanism, New Age movements and Rave culture. There are fascinating personal accounts and clear medical and legal sections.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A guide and inspiration for anyone who has glimpsed the ineffable and wondered what on earth to do with their insight." - Susan Blackmore, author of The Meme Machine

From the Publisher

Throughout history, people have taken mind-expanding substances, whether out of curiosity, to gain self-awareness, or to experience the transcendental or sacred. For some, they have been a wellspring of insight; for others, they are a source of fear, loss of control, even death. In Search of the Ultimate High looks specifically at the use of psychoactive drugs in the spiritual quest ‹ at how those who have taken them not as an escape but as a way to enlightenment. While cautioning that psychoactive drugs need to be treated with enormous care and respect, this book opens up the debate on an often hidden and little understood part of our culture. Absorbing and inclusive, it examines the historical use of psychoactives in different societies and religions and includes information on the drugs themselves, fascinating personal accounts, and a medical section.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rider; 1 edition (November 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712670874
• ISBN-13: 978-0712670876
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,557,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspective on Psychoactive Drugs and Spirituality, May 2, 2009

By 

Non PC (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Search of the Ultimate High (Paperback)

This book was recommended by a friend in Amsterdam, who meditates every day and is working on a Master's Degree in Religion. He is a very grounded person.

I believe that this book is a very important work in accurately describing psychoactive substances and how they relate to spirituality and personal growth.

It is interesting how people use LSD, peyote, mescaline, mushrooms, and even cannabis to expand or clarify their mind -- and commune with a higher power -- in many different settings.

The book also gives brief thoughts on why most organized religions dislike these methods -- arguments that may surprise you.

I recommend this book for the casual psychoactive drug user as to gain a better appreciation for what the their drug of choice can do -- other than a casual escape.

If I was to criticize this book, it would be in two ways. One -- why no conclusion chapter? ; and 2) The personal narratives are interesting, but tend to be numerous and wordy -- they could be edited more.

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TIHKAL, March 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: In Search of the Ultimate High (Paperback)

This is perhaps one of the more important books out there on the subject of entheogens and they're spiritual importance. there is a new paradigm that is emerging and it is work like this that is helping to bring it about. we can no longer base our understaning of the world off of 17th century science and philosophy, physics and biology has tuaght us so much more , via systems theory and quantum physics we can no longer look at social science, philosophy and psychology in the same light. and it is work like this that is bring about this light. may all beings awaken to they're true nature...