The first koan do not have rational answers. They are techniques devised over the millennia for triggering an actual experience.

When there are miles to go before we sleep, altered traits are more important than altered states.

Beware of the differences that blind us to the unity that binds us.

...like a magnetic compass turning north, I always tried to head in the direction of the better, which is the direction to God. ...the directions that appeared to lead away from Christianity led me deeper into it.

I think it matters almost infinitely that we practice one of the authentic religions. But if you mean does it make any difference which. The answer is no, as long as each is followed with equal intensity, sincerity, dedication.

The first koan do not have rational answers. They are techniques devised over the millennia for triggering an actual experience.

the heart of religion is not altered states but altered traits of character. For me, then, the test of a substance's religious worth or validity is not what kind of far-out experience it can produce, but is the life improved by its use? That's the test. Now, on that score, if you remove the "religious cocoon," the experiences don't seem to have much in the way of discernible, traceable effects.