Tom Hamilton

Sari’s presentation in Stockholm

The use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, and the practice of yoga share similarities as paths to ego dissolution, though they operate through distinct mechanisms.

Michael Pollan's How to Change Your Mind highlights how psychedelics can suppress the Default Mode Network (DMN) in the brain, which is associated with the ego. This suppression can lead to a temporary dissolution of the ego, fostering feelings of interconnectedness and breaking rigid mental patterns[1][6]. Similarly, B.K.S. Iyengar’s Light on Life emphasizes yoga and meditation as tools for transcending the ego through disciplined practice and self-awareness. Meditation quiets the mind and fosters a sense of unity, which parallels the effects described in psychedelic experiences[3][11].

Scientific studies also reveal that brain activity during deep meditation resembles that of individuals under psychedelics, suggesting both methods can lead to similar states of ego transcendence[3][6]. However, yoga relies on gradual, intentional self-discipline, while psychedelics often provide a sudden and intense experience. Both can serve as transformative tools for exploring consciousness and dissolving egoic boundaries, depending on individual preferences and contexts.

Sources

[1] Dissolving ego dissolution - MIND Foundation https://www.mind-foundation.org/blog/ego-dissolution

[2] Ego death through meditation - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Meditation/comments/7vcj98/ego_death_through_meditation/

[3] Book Review: Michael Pollan's How to Change Your Mind https://zerowastechef.com/2018/05/15/book-review-michael-pollans-change-mind/

[4] If you want psychedelic healing, your ego may need to die https://psyche.co/ideas/if-you-want-psychedelic-healing-your-ego-may-need-to-die

[5] 10 Minute Guided Meditation for Dissolving Your Ego - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI4qubLnFJI

[6] A Reflection on Michael Pollan's New Book: How to Change Your ... https://www.designingyourlife.coach/blog/2019/1/9/how-to-change-your-mind

[7] MICHAEL POLLAN Changes His Mind - 032C https://032c.com/magazine/michael-pollan-changes-his-mind

[8] Dissolve the Ego With This Guided Meditation to Reveal the True You https://www.yogapedia.com/2/8626/self/inner-strength/how-to-dissolve-your-ego

[9] It's not just psychedelics that change minds, says Michael Pollan ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEhaD2zfj2E

[10] The New Science of Psychedelics - Michael Pollan https://michaelpollan.com/articles-archive/the-new-science-of-psychedelics/

[11] Mindfulness As A Tool For Ego Reduction | THE MINDFUL STEWARD https://themindfulsteward.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-as-a-tool-for-reducing-ego%EF%BF%BC/