Sacred Knowledge

Publisher's Summary

Sacred Knowledge is the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences. Based on nearly three decades of legal research with volunteers, William A. Richards argues that, if used responsibly and legally, psychedelics have the potential to assuage suffering and constructively affect the quality of human life.

Richards's analysis contributes to social and political debates over the responsible integration of psychedelic substances into modern society. His book serves as an invaluable resource for listeners who, whether spontaneously or with the facilitation of psychedelics, have encountered meaningful, inspiring, or even disturbing states of consciousness and seek clarity about their experiences. Testing the limits of language and conceptual frameworks, Richards makes the most of experiential phenomena that stretch our conception of reality, advancing new frontiers in the study of belief, spiritual awakening, psychiatric treatment, and social well-being. His findings enrich humanities and scientific scholarship, expanding work in philosophy, anthropology, theology, and religious studies and bringing depth to research in mental health, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology.

©2016 William A. Richards (P)2017 Wetware Media

Groundbreaking Wisdom: A Must Read

This authoritative book by renowned expert, Dr. Bill Richards, is everything we could hope for from the field's preeminent scholar and researcher. Dr. Richards writes with clarity and thorough expertise on topics of consciousness studies, mystical experiences, psychedelic research and psychology. This is a book which meets the needs of the general public, as well as those of mental health and medical professionals. Remarkably, this book integrates methods of empirical clinical research with methods of spiritual inquiry, showing their common roots in the human search for meaning. We require this outstanding book as an essential reading for the university post-graduate training program in psychedelic therapy at CIIS in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Richards is a sage and trail-blazer in the tradition of the ancient mystics. Scholars and sages of his singular philosophical lineage are other luminaries such as Aldous Huxley, Huston Smith, Paul Tillich, Karl Jaspers, and Abraham Maslow.

The author inspires us with a recognition that we all have sacred knowledge within us and that it is available to us in many varieties and modes. He writes informed and descriptive examples of this from mythology, clinical cases, research, and spiritual texts from many cultures. Dr. Richards reminds us that all we need do is to be curious, open and embrace our awe and wonder before the majesty of the sacred. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking their own sacred knowledge of the truth of their connection to all that is. The most inspired and inspiring book on these crucial topics of finding meaning in our contemporary life.

Dr. Richards has written what will become a classic text in the areas of religious and mystical experiences, psychedelic research, and transformations of consciousness. A must read.
(Reviewed by Dr. Janis Phelps)

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

Investigation of human consciousness and being

Truly exceptional insights into human consciousness and being with a wise vision for our collective evolution!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fascinating

Just as the title suggests, an exploration of the use of psychedelics in spiritual/religious experiences. Very thought provoking, well written, and as thorough as can be expected since research in this area is limited and still restricted by governments.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Illuminating to Read After HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

Read after HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND by Michael Pollan. This book is helpful and illuminating without being as "airy" as most books on the subject of consciousness. Though the author is clearly a supporter of re-opening the scientific study of psychedelics, which was trashed by Nixon, conservatives, concerned parents and people who were understandably freaked by the any unknowns of mind altering drugs, he does so without any hardcore selling. This author asks and answers questions with more medical specificity than Pollan and, in general, shines more light on subject without spending a lot of time proselytizing nor going overly-Leary/Esalen on the reader. I found it to be quite worth the investment....

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Poorly written

Found the information presented in a disorganized way with a limited vocabulary. Quirky subject made redundant and uninteresting YAWN

0 of 11 people found this review helpful

Interested read

Much more religiously focused than other similar books. some very interesting parts mixed with some occasionally very tenuous claims.