There are many different ways to connect with our spirituality. In the Path to Yoga, there are 8 limbs that lead to spiritual liberation; Yamas(moral restraints), Niyamas(Observances), Asana(posture), Pranayama(breath extension), Pratyahara(sensory withdrawal), Dharana(Concentration), Dhyana(Meditation), and lastly Samadhi(Bliss). In Ayahuasca, drinking a cup of medicine, or spiritual tea, can arguably have the same effect. It is sometimes compared to ten years of therapy in one cup.
For centuries, people in the Amazon have been connecting with Pachamama(Mother Earth) through spiritual ceremonies where Ayahuasca tea is consumed. It is made differently depending on the shaman, but most often by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vine with the leaves of the DMT containing psychotria viridis plant. Some scientists claim that DMT is naturally found in the Pineal gland of humans, and is released in our systems when we die. It is a very powerful substance and can effect people differently. If you are taking any medications always let your shaman or spiritual teacher know, as some medications for depression and heart disease do not interact well with the tea.
So what is the purpose of drinking this spiritual tea, often referred to as sacred medicine? From personal experience, and the reactions of friends who have also experienced Ayahuasca, it connects you more deeply to yourself and to the earth. “One does not have to be of a specific spiritual belief to use or get the benefits of this medicine. Recognized by native tradition as a “teacher plant” Ayahuasca facilitates holistic healing and self discovery, far beyond the frontiers of any conventional treatment.”
I first heard about this sacred medicine from a fellow traveler I met in Cusco. He had traveled to Peru for the sole purpose of attending an Ayahuasca ceremony. His friend had been to Peru the year before, visiting different shamans around the country, and he was going to the shaman his friend had deemed the best. I wrote down the information for the ceremony before parting ways, in case I decided to check it out later along the road. A couple of weeks later I did a 4 day trek on the Incan trail to the magical Machu Picchu. Another young traveler in my group was also interested in Ayahuasca, and we decided to go together after the trek. We first had to detox for a couple of days, eating simple plant-based foods, abstaining from alcohol, smoking and sex. On the day of the ceremony, we only drank fresh juice from the local market, so our stomachs could more easily absorb the tea.
We made the one hour journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also know as Pisaq. Once arriving at the site of the ceremony we both began to get a little nervous, not knowing what exactly to expect. But the beautiful mountains and trees surrounding us, and the giant cuddly dog on the temple grounds helped to ease our worries. We entered the domelike temple, joining about 15 other people from around the world. Some were new to the experience like us, others had experienced the medicine before, and a couple had even moved to the area so they could attend ceremonies weekly.
The time came for the ceremony to begin and everyone sat in a circle, with blankets and cushions everywhere, and a bucket placed in front of each person. Palo santo incense started to burn, candles were lit and the lights were turned off as the shaman began explaining the ceremony and medicine to us. We were supposed to remain quiet the whole time, the lights would be off, and entering and exiting the room was to be done as little and quietly as possible. There would be music playing most of the night to enhance the experience and maintain a peaceful energy to the room. Once the medicine kicks in, we would most likely have to vomit or use the bathroom, but it would likely pass quickly. If we needed anything there were 2 shamans there to help. At this point I was feeling very nervous and was hoping it wouldn’t be too overwhelming, physically or mentally.
One by one each person walked to the shaman and kneeled down on the floor facing him. We were to say a prayer, mantra, or set an intention for the night, then take the drink from the shaman, and after finishing it return back to our seat in the circle. Kneeling before the shaman I became even more nervous, and so I decided to set my intention as strength, because I felt like I could use some at that point..returning to my seat I had a feeling of surrender and whatever was about to happen I just needed to embrace it.
30 minutes in I began to feel much more relaxed, my body felt a little melty and my mind was starting to drift. Then the queasiness set in and for five minutes I was very grateful they had placed a bucket in front of me. Immediately after getting sick, I felt euphoric. Life was a beautiful gift. In my mind I was flying over the Andes mountains, looking at my life from the outside. I saw how people in my life had given me their strength and love, and I saw ways I had given others the same. The balance I felt towards everything after the ceremony was incredible. I felt like all the weight on my shoulders had been lifted because I could now see things from a clear and brighter perspective.
My friend who came with me also had a great experience. He ended up attending another ceremony a couple of weeks later, and we still joke that the experience gave us ten years of friendship(and therapy!) in one night.
Although I don’t think Ayahuasca is something that should be drank weekly, I do think it is a powerful gift that should be appreciated by people who are open to it. Connecting to ourselves and the earth will help to keep our body, mind, and spirits balanced.
The documentary Stepping Into the Fire is a great source if you want to learn more about Ayahuasca.
Here’s a link to some of the spiritual music they play during the ceremonies:
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