Examining cannabis use through the lens of greed, hatred, and delusion to understand when consumption serves health and when it feeds psychological patterns.
Buddhist psychology identifies three poisons: greed (excessive wanting), hatred (aversion and resistance), and delusion (false perception). Cannabis consumption often involves these: greed manifests as the endless chase for the perfect high, hatred appears as using cannabis to escape discomfort rather than face it, delusion occurs when effects are misinterpreted as genuine healing. Dipa Ma's approach would involve honest self-inquiry: Am I using cannabis because it genuinely helps my body heal, or because I'm avoiding something? Do I crave it compulsively, or do I use it with discernment? Am I deceiving myself about the actual effects? Across traditions, Ayurveda identifies such patterns as rajas (agitation) and tamas (delusion), while TCM notes how they indicate spirit-level imbalance. Applied practice involves regular honest assessment, perhaps through journaling or discussion with teachers in these traditions. This creates space for genuine therapeutic use while preventing rationalization of dependency. Cannabis becomes a mirror for examining one's relationship to pleasure, avoidance, and truth—potentially catalyzing deeper psychological healing beyond what the plant itself can offer.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.