Pubdate: Tue, 01 Mar 2005
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Gopi Kannadaasan
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n333.a04.html and
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n333.a05.html

AGE-OLD PRACTICE AMONG MYSTICS

Re: Cannabis use widespread, Letter, Feb. 28.

This letter is about marijuana use and its legalization. As a news
cameraman and photographer, I have visited several Hindu pilgrim centres.

Smoking pot for attaining Nirvana has been an age-old practice in
certain Hindu mysticism schools. These mystics are compassionate,
beautiful people who renounced well-paying jobs and a comfortable life
to find the absolute truth.

The '60s flower generation, with iconic figures like John Lennon and
others, talked only about things like "Love is all you need" under
pot's influence.

It is not like hard drugs. I have yet to hear of a rape or murder
committed under the influence of marijuana. But in a society where
high achievers are considered a better breed than sedentary peace
lovers, marijuana does not find a place.

Gopi Kannadaasan

Toronto
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin