We experimented and we experienced many altered states of awareness. We used the power plants. I did that for a year or two.

Buddhism suggests there are no elect. Everything rests upon your own self-effort, which is the good news because that means you don't have to wait around for some nebulous God to help you.

Your life can be horrible or it can be incredibly beautiful. It can be boring or exciting. It's seldom in between. Your active use of will determines what will happen to you in this and other lives.

There are people in the Himalayas who are thousands of years old. But that's just a power, you see. It would seem to me that would suggest a tremendous aversion to the experience of death.

When you have grown accustomed to sitting and meditating, try to stop your thoughts. That's the bottom line in meditative practice.

The top of the band would be happiness, contentment and peace of mind.

The things you see are real, but they are not a complete seeing - Samsara.