Vipassana Meditation and Ayahuasca - by C Clinton Sidle (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Spiritual renewal and return through ayahuasca and meditation

- Reveals how the author, a long-time Buddhist practitioner, found ayahuasca to be a remarkable catalyst on his spiritual path, ultimately reinvigorating his own practice

- Explores the ayahuasca ceremony process in depth, detailing the author's multi-session experience in Peru and "best practices" when taking ayahuasca

- Offers an introduction to Tibetan Buddhist practice, including a guided instruction to four progressive techniques of Shamata Vipassana meditation

Over the last several decades, serious study of Tibetan Buddhism and the use of Ayahuasca as an agent for spiritual growth have both become widespread in the West. Though the two traditions originate in widely different parts of the world, both are effective in working with the ego and creating a genuine spiritual opening.

Uniting these two paths, C. Clinton Sidle takes readers through his own journey as a long-time but sometimes-struggling Buddhist practitioner whose sojourn to Peru for a series of Ayahuasca ceremonies provided an invaluable shift in his own spiritual approach. Sidle reveals how Ayahuasca was a remarkable catalyst in pointing out his self-deception and psycho-emotional obstacles, which ultimately revitalized his practice and authentic presence in his daily life. But, as the author points out, although a skillful means and a useful aid, Ayahuasca is not a complete path on its own.

Introducing the calm mindfulness of Shamata Vipassana meditation as a sustainable developmental path to support and integrate the awakenings catalyzed by Ayahuasca, Sidle emphasizes the complementary nature of both his work in Peru and his longer-term studies in Buddhism. He describes his own challenges with spiritual self-deception and stagnation--not uncommon on the Buddhist path, shares how he integrated the lessons of his Ayahuasca experiences into his Buddhist practice, and offers readers a methodical and guided introduction to four progressive techniques of Shamata Vipassana meditation.

Whether readers are long-term seekers or novices, this book can provide a singular means of aligning and reinvigorating the spiritual path toward an awakened life.

Review Quotes

"Vipassana Meditation and Ayahuasca is a unique and captivating book that weaves together Clint Sidle's Buddhist training and practice with his skillful use of the visionary plant medicine Ayahuasca. Deeply grounded in his many years of spiritual inquiry, the author takes us along for the ride as he reveals the promises and pitfalls of living an awakened life. This guide has many practical suggestions for anyone seeking a more authentic way of living as well as for the experienced practitioner in need of a spiritual tune-up!"-- "John Orr, former Theravada Buddhist Monk and teacher at the Deep Spring Center in Ann Arbor"

"An uplifting and enlightening read! Adding to the conversation about whether temporary, ceremonial-based visionary states can create lasting personal change, Clint Sidle weaves the wisdom teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with his experience with the Shipibo Ayahuasca tradition of South America to show their mutually reinforcing benefits for becoming a more integrated human being. Drawing on a lifetime of spiritual practice, exploration, and study, Clint motivates us to consider stepping into the life that awaits us. Deftly weaving insights gained from his Ayahuasca journeys and his deep grounding in Tibetan Buddhism, he inspires and guides the reader on the path of self-discovery and wisdom."-- "Rafael Leon Lopez, practitioner of traditional Amazonian plant medicine at Máma Abuela's"

"At the beginning of this century, we face a meta-crisis that is stimulating a renaissance of the human spirit. In Vipassana Meditation and Ayahuasca, Clint Sidle reveals one of the most significant encounters of our time: the meeting of the sophisticated Buddhist psychospiritual technology of the bodhisattva with the jungle dharma of the grandmother master plant teacher Ayahuasca. In sharing his exploration of these two spiritual paths, he reveals their mutually reinforcing benefits for deeper psychological integration, contemplative realization, and human maturation. Whether you are a practitioner of the Buddha Dharma or this plant medicine, you will find this informative integration of great value."-- "John Churchill, doctor of contemplative psychology, dharma teacher, and traditional Chinese medicine"

"In today's world, where the spiritual quest has become more challenging than ever with the rapidly expanding offerings of self-exploration, there is a dearth of books that explore the connections and synergies between Indigenous shamanic practices and the contemplative traditions of the East. I am delighted that Clint Sidle's Vipassana Meditation and Ayahuasca fills this gap, and I hope that it becomes the cause for other works on this topic to appear."-- "Lama Oleg, director of Rangjung Yeshe of Russia and Colombia"

"The use of psychedelics is integral to Vajrayana Buddhism, as the drug called 'amrita' plays an essential role in all initiation and ganachakra ceremonies, though often in very diluted form. This book not only explores the use of such substances within Vajrayana practice, it also introduces Buddhist meditation to those who may only be familiar with Ayahuasca. This is an excellent volume for anyone with experience of only one of these traditions."-- "Lama Mike Crowley, founder of Amrita Dzong, member of the advisory board of the national Psychedelic"

"This is a much-needed contribution to the global spiritual literature, highlighting two distinct but mutually reinforcing traditions that have been separated by time and distance for thousands of years."-- "Alonso Del Rio, Peruvian shaman and musician and founder of Ayahuasca Ayllu"

About the Author

C. Clinton Sidle is the former and founding director of the Roy H. Park Leadership Fellows Program at Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management, where his leadership programs are nationally recognized. A longtime Buddhist practitioner and the author of several books, including The Leadership Wheel, he lives in Ithaca, New York.