By Yogi Arvind
Transcending the Mind
with Plant Spirit Medicines
Accomplishment of the yogi can come from consumption of herbs
PRACTICE
S
pirituality is an inside job. Nobody can
walk the path other than ourselves.
Having said that, in my experience there
are triggers for stepping onto the spiritual path
that often come from outside ourselves. Life-
changing events like the loss of a loved one,
loss of a job, sickness or financial bankruptcy
propel us into deeper inquiry about our true
nature and why we do the things we do. This
inquiry can also be triggered by a teacher, in
a human or non-human form. In my own life,
I’ve experienced lessons from the non-human
teachers of plant medicines.
The plant spirit medicines named here refer
to traditional spiritual medicines that have
entheogenic effects in addition to medicinal
effects. Entheogens are known to induce spiri-
tual visions, insights and divine communion.
I’ve at times found it very difficult to manifest
my own realizations due to the limitations of my
mind and body - doubt, fear, lack of discipline
and attachment to my views. All of which are
constructs of the mind. It can be like walk-
ing the razor’s edge to use the mind to control
the mind. Many times I have wanted to seek
the help of something/someone outside me to
tame my ego and mind. About five years ago, I
mentioned to a friend that I wanted to go out of
my mind and observe myself from the outside.
Soon enough, I was presented with an opportu-
nity to participate in a religious ceremony where
Ayahuasca was served as a sacrament.
Many people without a clear understanding
of these medicines can express their doubts
to the ones who are exploring them. Despite
the judgements surrounding the use of plant
medicines, I did not hesitate to participate in
these ceremonies.
Plant Medicines in the Yogic Tradition
Plant medicines have been used by many
faiths and wisdom traditions seeking spiri-
tual growth for thousands of years. In Shaiva
Siddhanta (Shaivism), the leaves of marijuana
represent the body of Lord Shiva, and smoking
marijuana was akin to being in communion
with the spirit of Shiva. In the Yoga Sutras,
chapter IV verse 1, the sage Patanjali writes
janmaușadhi-mantra-tapah-samādhijāh
siddhayah. This translates to, “Accomplish-
ments of the yogi can come from powers from
birth, consumption of herbs, recitation of man-
tras, and penance.” In the Vedic texts, there are
a number of references to a plant or category
of plants called soma, that possess qualities
both mystical and medicinal.Plant Medicines in Native
American Shamanism
Native American shamans have used Ayahuas-
ca to connect with the human and non-human
spirits, for wisdom, guidance, and intuition.
When their children came of age, the elders
of the Chumash tribe would initiate them in
rite of passage ceremonies using Ayahuasca or
Dhatūra. In all these traditions, the guidelines
for consumption of plant medicines were very
clear: to use them only as a tool to aid the heal-
ing and spiritual ascension of an individual.
The custodians of these herbs would carefully
screen the initiates before administering the
medicines to them. It is my hope that modern-
day medicine people and spiritual teachers
maintain the same integrity and intention
towards plant medicines.The Santo Daime Church
My journey took place within the structure of
the Santo Daime church. Founded in the 1930s
in Brazil, and active in the US, this syncretic re-
ligious organization combines several spiritual
traditions including vegetalismo (use of plant
medicines). We drank Ayahuasca and chanted
mantras invoking Jesus Christ, Maria (Mary),
and Jose (Joseph) in Portuguese, for seven
hours straight.The Journey
About an half hour into the journey, a num-
ber of sensations indicate that the Ayahuasca
is taking effect; yawning and trembling of
the body are common. This is a sign of the
medicine working its way, it is preparing you
for what is to come. The medicine is a power-
ful detoxifier. Within a short span of time it
expels the contents of the digestive tract. If we
are channels for downloading cosmic wisdom,
the medicine clears the channel of any physi-
cal and energetic blockages so that the cosmic
wisdom will flow gracefully. This is why we
are advised to not eat eight hours before the
ceremony and have just one liquid meal early
in the day. We are also advised to maintain
a clean vegetarian diet for a week before the
ceremony, devoid of alcohol, coffee, and
acidic foods in general.Visions
Shortly after the cleansing of the body, visions
begin to arise. This is where the magic begins.
The beauty of these visions lies in that we
cannot control them. The moment we try to
control them, they disappear. The moment we
start thinking, the visions disappear. Enjoying
the visions is possible through surrender. It is
as though the mind and ego are put on pause
for a moment. Then we are shown the things
we need to see.
This is precisely what I was looking for,
something that could take me out of the mind.
My visions often begin with flora and fauna
with colors and features that seem otherworld-
ly. To me, these visions are a reminder from
the spirit that we are part of nature, the stream
of consciousness that runs through us also
runs through the flora and fauna. By tapping
into this consciousness, I have found that I canPlant medicines have
been used by many faiths
and wisdom traditions
seeking spiritual growth for
thousands of years.