James Fadiman is a Harvard-trained psychologist and writer, who is known for his extensive work in the field of psychedelic research. He co-founded, along with Robert Frager, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, which later became Sofia University, where he was a lecturer in psychedelic studies. Fadiman is author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why he decided to scientifically study the positive effects of LSD
- Why the psychedelic experience is so transformative for so many people
- How the psychedelic experience evaporates boundaries
- The limitations of science
- Fadiman’s experience with Abraham Maslow on an airplane
- The founding of transpersonal psychology
- The potential benefits of "psychedelic therapy"
- How one can have enlightenment without compassion ("false enlightenment")
- The importance of the Bodhisattva Path
- How accepting our multiple selves can increase understanding and compassion

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