In this episode, we explore Perennialism—the idea that all religions share a common mystical core beyond cultural and doctrinal differences. Inspired by Aldous Huxley’s The Perennial Philosophy, we discuss how psychedelic experiences, spiritual traditions, and mystical insights may point to the same underlying truth.

We also dive into a controversial Johns Hopkins study that sought to examine the effects of psilocybin on religious leaders—only to become entangled in claims of bias and cult-like influences. What does this say about the intersection of science, spirituality, and belief?

Join us as we explore the challenges of studying mystical experiences, the role of psychedelics in religion, and whether AI could help uncover the universal truths hidden in religious texts.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: What is Perennialism?

• 00:01:23 - Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Study on Religious Leaders

• 00:04:23 - Controversy: Was the Study Biased or Cult-like?

• 00:07:23 - The Challenge of Studying Mystical Experiences Scientifically

• 00:09:23 - Do Psychedelics Create a Shared Spiritual Experience?

• 00:12:23 - Psychedelics and Religion: A Missing Sacrament?

• 00:15:23 - Can Perennialism Be the Future of Religion?

• 00:19:23 - Mystical Experiences Without Psychedelics: Meditation, Fasting & More

• 00:23:23 - The Role of Interpretation: Do We Shape the Divine?

• 00:28:23 - Could AI Extract the Core Teachings of Religion?

• 00:32:23 - Religious Power Structures and the Fear of Mysticism

• 00:37:23 - The Danger of Unstructured Mystical Experiences

• 00:42:23 - Closing Thoughts: A New Spiritual Paradigm?