Lama Mike Crowley discusses his introduction to psychedelics and the historical aspects of psychedelics in Buddhism
Religion, Wisdom

Exploring Psychedelics and Buddhism || Lama Mike Crowley

Summary of Interview with Lama Mike Crowley

Mike Crowley, also known as Lama Karma Tenzin Dorje, explains his path to becoming a Buddhist lama, a journey that took 23 years of studying sutras and tantras. He distinguishes the role of a lama from that of a monk and shares his experiences with prominent lamas like Chojang Trungpa Rinpoche and Chime Rinpoche. Crowley recounts his introduction to psychedelics at age 15, starting with morning glory seeds and later transitioning to LSD and other substances. He discusses his lama’s awareness and acceptance of his psychedelic use, the historical use of psychedelics in Vajrayana Buddhism, and differentiates between various psychedelics like LSD, MDMA, and ketamine. 

Crowley offers insights into the cultural impact of psychedelics, their potential to foster community, and addresses the importance of mindful use, noting that psychedelics may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with certain psychological conditions.

As is becoming better known now, psychedelics were part of Tibetan Buddhism, and they were distinctly part of, Vajrayana Buddhism, which is tantric Buddhism, which is actually philosophically identical to Mahayana Buddhism, with one exception. They do psychedelics. And, this has been secret until very recently.
-Mike Crowley

Watch: Buddhist Lama Shares the Truth About Buddhist Psychedelic Practices

Who is Mike Crowley?

I’m Mike Crowley, otherwise known as Lama Karma Tenzin Dorje, a Buddhist lama, which  does not mean a Buddhist monk.  anyone can become a monk if they sign up for it. They’re immediately entered into the Sangha, which is the, the body of monks  and nuns.  But as a Lama, I had to study for, 23 years, I think,  and, was finally,  admitted as a Lama of the Khaju Order.

I’m a Lama. I have students. Disciples, if you like,  and,  I’m also affiliated with the Church of Ambrosia,  which I see as not contradicting any of the Buddhist tenets,  

How important is joy and laughter on the spiritual path?

I would say, one of the by products of, of practicing the path.

You can see the funny side in all kinds of things. And, It’s not explicitly something in the, the Buddhist past, but if you spend some time with Buddhist teachers, you’ll find that they’re always laughing. They’re always finding something to be amused by in the present situation. And as I said earlier, there is nothing but the present

Did you tell the other Lamas about these psychedelic experiences?

Not at first. After a few years and he’d got his own center where he taught meditation and so on. And, I would see him on a regular basis, at least once a month.

And I was having a private audience with him on one occasion, and he said,

Some people tell me that you do psychedelics. Is this true?

And I said, Yes.

Yeah, I never lied to my Lama. there’s no point. And so I said, Yes, it is.

And he just said ‘Good’ and change the subject.

Because, As is becoming better known now, psychedelics were part of Tibetan Buddhism, and they were distinctly part of, Vajrayana Buddhism, which is tantric Buddhism, which is actually philosophically identical to Mahayana Buddhism, with one exception. They do psychedelics. And, this has been secret until very recently.

FULL INTERVIEW - Watch: Exploring Psychedelics and Buddhism with Mike Crowley

Additional Resources and Links

Buy “Psychedelic Buddhism”, written by Mike Crowley – here

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