Peyote Dreams: Journeys in the Land of Illumination

(Paperback)

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*Shows how peyote and other visionary plants do not distort reality but gloriously unveil it, pulling the mind out of its cosmic slumber and revealing our unity with all life *Explains the necessity when working with peyote to remain the master of one's mind and consciously work on oneself *Examines how modern society's revulsion to sacramental plants and other consciousness expanders is deeply rooted in Western philosophy Charles Duits was caught in the grip of a dead-end existential and spiritual crisis.At the urging of one of his oldest friends, he takes peyote "like a man committing suicide," launching him on a visionary journey of philosophical examination and spiritual revelation. In this little-known classic of drug literature, we find a detailed account of the radical alteration of consciousness and discovery of life's purpose brought on by the Mexican cactus known as peyote. Consuming peyote more than 200 times, Duits lucidly describes the transformation of reality he experienced as well as the necessity to consciously work on oneself and remain the master of one's mind in order to avoid getting carried away by hallucinations. The author examines how modern society's revulsion to sacramental plants and other consciousness expanders is deeply rooted in Western philosophy's embrace of reason and materialism at the expense of inner knowledge. He explains how sacramental plants do not distort reality as many fearfully believe but gloriously unveil it, pulling the mind out of its cosmic slumber and revealing a world that is finally real and full of meaning. Poetic yet precise, Duits's descriptions of his peyote experiences offer a glimpse into the beautiful divine reality of which we are all a part, yet over which the structuresof society cast a veil. This guide to "sailing the inner sea" reveals that the answers to the meaning of life lie not in material pursuits but in experiencing the richness and unity of the world in front of us.

Reviews

There is much to be enjoyed from Charles Duits excellent use of language in Peyote Dreams: Journeys in the Land of Illumination. His use of philosophical ideas intermingled with the peyote landscape demonstrates a deep learning on his behalf, and a lucid writing skill at communicating them. For the New Age reader the book could well provide a host of engaging spiritual ideas, and Duits distrust of the mainstream Western traditions certainly key in with modern spiritual notions about a Western society devoid of its soul. For the cultural historian, it is key pharmacographical exemplifier from the period, and it is great to have a new English language edition available. * Psychedelic Press UK, October 2013 *
There is much to be enjoyed from Charles Duits excellent use of language in Peyote Dreams: Journeys in the Land of Illumination. His use of philosophical ideas intermingled with the peyote landscape demonstrates a deep learning on his behalf, and a lucid writing skill at communicating them. For the New Age reader the book could well provide a host of engaging spiritual ideas, and Duitss distrust of the mainstream Western traditions certainly key in with modern spiritual notions about a Western society devoid of its soul. For the cultural historian, it is key pharmacographical exemplifier from the period, and it is great to have a new English language edition available. * Gaia Media, November 2013 *
"With insightful thoughts and vivid language, Duits takes his readers along as he recounts his own experiences and, more importantly, his thoughts about them. A lively and informative read." * Thomas B. Roberts, author of The Psychedelic Future of the Mind and editor of Spiritual Growth with *
"Brilliantly and poetically written, completely engrossing, and magically able to describe the indescribable--the majesty and inner drama of the peyote journey--Duitss work is reminiscent of (but maybe even richer and more evocative than) Huxleys writings on his own mescaline journeys." * Ross Heaven, author of Cactus of Mystery and Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia *

Author Bio

Charles Duits (1925 - 1991) was a French writer and surrealist known for his heroic fantasy saga novels Ptah Hotep and Nefer. He began his writing and philosophy work at the age of 17, after sending some of his poems to Andre Breton who then invited him to participate in the experiments of his surrealist group. He frequently met Anais Nin who speaks of him in her Journal.