In this last Mindful Meet-Up of the year Zen professor and comparative philosopher André van der Braak will lead a lecture and guided meditation inspired by his recent book, Ayahuasca as Liquid Divinity. Van der Braak examines how ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew derived from Amazonian plants, can facilitate connections with forces beyond the self when used in a ritual context. He draws on the work of philosopher Bruno Latour to argue that such practices cultivate meaningful relationships with more than human powers.
In an age where religion has largely shifted from institutional to personal practice, new forms of spirituality are emerging. Increasingly, ayahuasca is being used as a tool for self-transcendence, offering experiences of non-rational, intuitive consciousness that foster a deeper sense of connection with oneself and the surrounding world.
According to Van der Braak, modern society has a deep-seated longing for a form of consciousness that transcends the purely rational. Psychedelics like ayahuasca, when integrated into a serious contemplative practice, can serve not only recreational and medical purposes but also play a spiritual and religious role.
This event provides an opportunity to engage with these ideas and practices through discussion and meditation, to explore new dimensions of consciousness and connection.
3:45 – walk-in
4:00 – Meditation
4:15 – lecture by André van der Braak
4:45 – discussion/questions
5:15 – Meditation
5:30 – The End