There is some indication that one should regard the action of LSD as specific to the individual. One individual may be harmed more by using it one time than another individual who uses it thirty times. It must then be concluded that it is not safe nor advantageous to plan to use LSD two or three times for the experience it produces.

LSD apparently stimulates certain centers of the brain which are usually activated only as a by-product of the development of the spiritual seeker. In such a case activation is a normal process, and the seeker has then developed the capability to exercise safeguards. If these centers are artificially stimulated, the result is something like the forcing of a locked door. Then one is not certain that the door can be properly closed again.

On a practical level, contemporary society has found it exceedingly difficult to resolve the increasing LSD problem. In this contest, it is fascinating to recall a discourse given by Meher Baba over 30 years ago. Although it concerns the abuse of alcohol, the main principles are quite relevant for the entire issue of psychedelic drugs:

"I recommend education, not coercion, to introduce reforms. Changes affecting the will of the people can never be brought about by legislature alone. The consciousness of the people must be transformed. They must be made to want something better than what they have . . The real problem is why they drink, and what would satisfy them instead of liquor.

"There is no question but that those who drink habitually do so in order to experience release. They want something that will lift them out of their crystallization of thought and action, and free them if only for the moment, for original expression. The fact that this method of obtaining release may not be the best one does not concern them — they know no other as yet. If they could be made to realize that the liberation that they seek could be more easily and more completely attained by the control of thought and desire, they would certainly practice that control instead of drinking." (Meher Gazette, Vol. 2, No. v, p. 6).

Baba's message on drugs is clear, forthright and serves to challenge the heart of the pro-psychedelic propaganda. This is not remarkable: for whenever Baba 'speaks' on any issue, the result becomes the most authoritative statement in the universe. What seems so remarkable are the way, in which He gets His work done.

Progress Report

Let's go back to our disinterested observer. I think he would be totally flabbergasted at the progress of Baba's drug mission. He might well be stunned to hear of the many articles and letters published in regional and national publications, the several radio and TV appearances by Baba-lovers, the scores of