Recommended Films & Books

Book:

 

The Antipodes of the Mind by Benny Shanon. Professor of Psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem .

This is a cognitive psychological study of Ayahuasca induced states of consciousness from a highly experienced academic who has noted his own and many other peoples experiences in different types of ceremonies and circumstances. Its not a quick or simple read but is in depth and fascinating.

 

Film & Book:

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DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Directed by Mitch Shultz
 

Based on the book by Dr Richard Strassman
 

Both the film and the book investigates dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous psychoactive compound,concentrated in the Pineal Gland but which also exists in other tissues and in numerous species of plants and animals. The documentary and book traces Dr. Strassman’s human DMT research with experienced ‘psychonauts ‘and its trials, tribulations, and astonishing realizations. Showing the growing melding of science and spirituality the book and film investigate DMT’s effects and connections between cutting-edge neuroscience, quantum physics and human spirituality.

 

Film:

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Heaven Earth. Directed by Rudolf Pinto do Amaral
 

This film explores the practice and commercialization of amazonian ayahuasca-shamanism in the Peruvian Amazon region. Western participants of ayahuasca ceremonies, local tour operators and guides discuss their experiences.
 

Mestizo and western herbalists recount episodes of daily life and their career histories. Representatives of the local tourism industry talk about guided tours,  ayahuasca ceremonies, vanishing indigenous cultures, spiritual sellout triggered by “experience consumerism” and the non indigenous interference of Peruvian officials.