About the Book
An investigation into experiences of other realms of existence and contact with otherworldly beings
• Examines how contact with alien life-forms can be obtained through the “inner space” dimensions of our minds
• Presents evidence that other worlds experienced through consciousness-altering technologies are often as real as those perceived with our five senses
• Correlates science fiction’s imaginal realms with psychedelic research
For thousands of years, voyagers of inner space--spiritual seekers, shamans, and psychoactive drug users--have returned from their inner imaginal travels reporting encounters with alien intelligences. Inner Paths to Outer Space presents an innovative examination of how we can reach these other dimensions of existence and contact otherworldly beings. Based on their more than 60 combined years of research into the function of the brain, the authors reveal how psychoactive substances such as DMT allow the brain to bypass our five basic senses to unlock a multidimensional realm of existence where otherworldly communication occurs. They contend that our centuries-old search for alien life-forms has been misdirected and that the alien worlds reflected in visionary science fiction actually mirror the inner space world of our minds. The authors show that these “alien” worlds encountered through altered states of human awareness, either through the use of psychedelics or other methods, possess a sense of reality as great as, or greater than, those of the ordinary awareness perceived by our five senses.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Stephen Hickman
Introduction
1 The Psychedelics: Overview of a Controversial Drug Type
Rick Strassman , M.D.
2 DMT: The Brain’s Own Psychedelic
Rick Strassman , M.D.
3 The Varieties of the DMT Experience
Rick Strassman , M.D.
4 Ayahuasca: The Sacred Vine of the Amazon
Luis Eduardo Luna , Ph.D.
5 The Varieties of the Ayahuasca Experience
Luis Eduardo Luna , Ph.D.
6 Magic Mushrooms
Slawek Wojtowicz , M.D.
7 The Shaman’s Journey: Supernatural or Natural? A Neuro-Ontological Interpretation of Spiritual Experiences
Ede Frecska , M.D.
8 How Can Shamans Talk with Plants and Animals? The Topological Roots of Plant Consciousness and Interspecies Communication
Ede Frecska , M.D.
9 Close Encounters of the Ancient Kind and Spontaneous DMT Release
Ede Frecska , M.D.
10 Hypnosis, Past Life Regression, Meditation, and More
Slawek Wojtowicz , M.D.
11 Preparation for the Journey
Rick Strassma n , M.D.
12 The Sacred Voyage: Beyond Science Fiction?
Slawek Wojtowicz , M.D.
Notes
Recommended Reading
About the Authors
Index
About the Author :
Rick Strassman, M.D., is clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and the author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Slawek Wojtowicz, M.D., is a medical oncologist working in the pharmaceutical industry in Edison, New Jersey, a science-fiction illustrator, and the author of Daydreaming. Luis Eduardo Luna, Ph.D., is coauthor (with Pablo Amaringo) of Ayahuasca Visions and director of Wasiwas--Research Centre for the Study of Psychointegrator Plants, Visionary Art and Consciousness in Florianópolis, Brazil. Ede Frecska, M.D., is chief of psychiatry at the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Budapest, Hungary, and a contributing author to Psychedelic Medicine.
Review :
“Those who regularly navigate the hyperspatial landscape that some have called the ‘tryptamine dimension’ have long suspected that the portals to inner and outer space may be one and the same. This book, a collaboration of the most cutting-edge shaman/neuroscientists working in this field, boldly explores this concept in a stunning tour de force.”
“The profoundest inquiries into the nature of reality and the mystery of consciousness are made possible by the psychedelics and other spiritual technologies explored in this astonishing, groundbreaking, and utterly revolutionary book. Written by the maestros of the field, it is exactly the right book at exactly the right time. I found it gripping, thought-provoking, incredibly informative, and--on top of all that--a hugely enjoyable read.”
"This highly unusual book, Inner Paths to Outer Space, takes readers on a journey through the world of psychedelic drugs and other obscure paths to reach into our consciousness and then out of ourselves to journey to places unknown."
"This book is a stellar overview of the latest in psychedelic theory. . . . Having this book is like getting your hands on the hottest underground philosophy book. It dares to link science and religion directly--not some wishy washy pseudo-theory, but hard evidence linking science and religion via psychedelics. . . . High recommended!"
" . . . this book raises many fundamental questions about the nature of reality that have barely been asked in the scientific community, let alone answered, and I strongly urge all researchers of consciousness to read it."
"This book is an eye and mind opening exploration into a field that has been forced underground. The four writers give unique insights into the traditions of shamanism and psychedelic drug use. Taking a scholarly approach without being dry or in any way biased, Inner Paths to Outer Space succeeds on many levels."
"Medical clinicians to literary scholars should read this book. . . . This work is so interesting that it is difficult to stop experiencing it. It leaves the perceiver wanting more as the subjects of this text are of quintessential importance to the human psyche. This book should be the paradigm for texts concerned with mystical themes; as it is not delimiting, and all of its authors do not pejoratively misrepresent transcendent human themes."
"A remarkably interesting work, Inner Paths to Outer Space has pulled together a collection of threads into a theoretically grounded framework and although many of the ideas are, admittedly, speculative, the authors field an extremely well-structured argument. An important read for anyone with an interest in sci-fi, shamanism, and psychedelic consciousness and a great addition to the literature."
“Outside of its more fantastic claims, Inner Paths to Outer Space is valuable for explaining the human propensity for spirituality on basic, cellular level. The drive to experience the mysterious springs at the heart of all great religious traditions, and delight in the mystery is revealed in the passion the authors have for their subject and in the beautiful visionary art the book also showcases. Highly recommended.”
