"We have drunk Soma and become
immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. Now what may foeman's
malice, do to harm us? What, O Immortal, mortal man's deception?" - Rig Veda (8.48.3)
So, is usage of drugs divinely sanctioned?
This
question has vexed even the best, at all times, in every time, since the
beginning of time. Now, more than ever, many a people see no harm in "mild"
form of drug usage in normal, everyday life. Banned or not, it cannot be denied
that marijuana, hashish, or "soma" herbs such as of charas, ganja, opium find their
way in every society, at any time, every time.
The voices
of those who are not religious, yet religiously seeking governmental sanction
in usage of marijuana and other such intoxicating and addictive substances, are
becoming shriller day by day. Despite evidence to the contrary, of more harm
than good coming from such usage of hallucinogenic drugs, people are
increasingly taking a rather cavalier attitude towards it. Some countries and
cultures have also allowed some sort of a usage of above-mentioned easily
available "soft" and seemingly "harmless" drugs for one reason or another.
"There
is always a need for intoxication," said Andre Malraux. However, the twain has met.
Now, in both East and West -- for many, drugs are the best.
"A gramme is
better than a damn.. I wish I had my soma!" Aldous Huxley, in The Brave New
World. And, William S. Burroughs refers to "soma" (Greek word for "body") as a
non-addictive, high-quality form of opium said to exist in ancient India. Soma
was a Vedic ritual drink amongst early Indo-Iranians, subsequent Vedic and
greater Persian cultures.
In nutshell,
drugs, in mild or wild form, have been used in most regions and religions
throughout history of mankind. Yet, do they induce mystical or hallucinogenic
experiences?
There is no
denying that drugs make us lose inhibitions and "make" the users see "things"
that they do not usually witness in everyday living, without drugs. What
happens? More importantly, why does this happen?
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