Drugs and Spiritual Progress

Mr Reno Sirrine, the Vice President of the Ruhani Satsang, prepared this circular at the request of the Master Kirpal Singh Ji.

In a reply from Master Kirpal Singh concerning the use of marijuana, LSD and other drugs by the initiates, He says:

Drugs, opiates and intoxicants should not be partaken as these will not only affect your health adversely but shall be detrimental for your Spiritual Progress. You should please leave off all such drugs and learn to live without their use.

In 1965, Meher Baba told a disciple:

Go back to the USA, spread my Love among others, particularly among the young, and persuade them to desist from taking drugs, for they are harmful – physically, mentally and spiritually. In an age when individual liberty is prized above all achievements, the fast-increasing number of drug addicts forms an appalling chain of self-sought bondage! Even as these drugs hold out an invitation to a fleeting sense of ecstasy, freedom or escape, they enslave the individual in greater bindings.

There is no drug that can promote the aspirant’s progress – nor ever alleviate the sufferings of separation from his beloved God. Love is the only propeller and the only remedy. The aspirant should love God with all his heart till he forgets himself and recognises his beloved God in himself and others. Let those concerned know that if the student world continues to indulge in the use of LSD, half of the USA would soon become mentally deranged! Hence, a check must be strictly enforced and the use of these drugs be prohibited, particularly among the rising generation.

Master Kirpal Singh states:

lt is amusing to note about the Utopiates – LSD, marijuana, etc. – for producing hallucinations. You may please note that Spirituality is the science of the soul, which – the soul – is a conscious entity in the body. The Way back to God as offered by the Masters is one of developing Inner Consciousness with the aid of Holy Naam – the Word.

All such like outer aids resulting in temporary hallucinations, as stated by you, are certainly a mockery of the Divine Grace. You can well understand the vast difference between having a conscious and wide awake approach for proceeding within and that which makes recourse to these outer aids which are no less than opiates creating some sensational vibrations. You will recall that the observance of a strict dietary rule by avoiding all flesh food, intoxicants and opiates is a basic essential for Inner Spiritual Progress, for attaining a refined state of mind.

We have to develop consciousness – the Divine Attribute of soul. For the achievement of – Inner – Consciousness, inner and outer piety and chastity are very much needed. The drugs are harmful, and should be avoided. They dull the brain and cloud the mind with vague feelings of distrust and confusion. You are advised to convey this piece of right understanding to all the dear ones who are on the Holy Path and to others who seek your counsel in this behalf.

To control our departure from the right way, or the Path as we call it, the mind works in subtle ways to interrupt the abundant love of our hearts. We have to be constantly alert to catch our thought waves to mark their ebb and flow and bypass them by the process of concentration. Forget all about the mind and mental states because it is the memory of our experiences in the distant past and in the living present that interferes. We must learn to keep aloof and above them. Thoughts precede actions. To show steady progress, keep your mind tuned to the Master-Power overhead. The mind is an instrument that stays with our soul until we are above the causal plane. That is why Simran is so important to all of us. It keeps us advancing to the centre … to the centre … to the Radiant Form of the Master. Then, His personal guidance is certain and assured!