Letter # 29: "Worshippers Of Destruction"

Scene 1: He look imploringly at me with glassy eyes, wanting help. His fingers tremble slightly. It’s late in the afternoon and the time for his daily cocaine snorts and six beers is approaching. His parents’ are worried, tired and fearful. They’ve become neurotic over his dope habit. It’s the dopamine “reward system” in the brain that’s gone awry say the neuroscientists.
Now I see him in front of the liquor store, looking bedraggled. He’s begging for money. Now he’s over at the dumpster, inside it even, scavenging for things that he might be able to sell. Now my office is broken into. I come in the morning to find liquor bottles strewn about. They had a great party in here last night.
Jung said that addictions are a spiritual problem, and so the cure has to be spiritual. His statements gave conception to 12-step programs, which now abound. By God’s “amazing grace”, as in the lovely song, some addicts will be drawn to such a program, and benefit from it. Others will go there only to struggle with the idea of there even being a “higher power”. For many, the drug that gives the high, or stops the cravings, is the “highest” power. Drawn hopelessly to alcohol and drugs, they are helpless worshippers of destruction.

Scene 2: Om Namah Shivai. I’m in India and being driven around in a car in the crazy traffic. I see a huge line-up of people, a kilometre long. I ask my cousin, “Why are so many people lining up.” “It’s Shiva Day,” he replies, “and they’re lining up for marihuana pakoras,” speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. For those who are unfamiliar with Indian food, pakoras are savoury, deep fried fritters, usually of vegetables. Pakoras laced with marihuana are served up in Shiva temples on Shiva day. In the Vedic concept, Shiva, born of the anger of Brahma (the creator) is not only the personification of the forces of destruction but also benevolence. Siva is also an adjective in the Sanskrit language meaning kind, friendly, gracious, or auspicious. Shiva engenders respect, and He is very generous to those who ask Him for boons. He imbibes poisons without toxic effect for He has the power to hold poison in his Throat. He also destroys disease and illness. In Indian popular films, His devotees, who are allowed to swallow intoxicants for they can’t just hold them in their throats, sing “Bhum bhum Bole” in ecstatic devotion. Ecstasy, isn’t that a street drug?

The Lesson: I’m in no doubt that the art of healing requires both science and spirituality. Buhler discusses euphoria, ecstasy, inebriation, abuse, dependence, and addiction in the 2005 Pubmed article #15906942. While academics mull over the science and psychology, miraculous transformations are taking place quietly in 12-Step healing circles, and the sacred texts of old, remain true and guide us with well-intentioned passion. Truth doesn't come with a "best before date".

“O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance, stones and divination by arrows are only an abomination of Satan’s handiwork, so keep away from it so that you may be successful.” Holy Koran: 5:90

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” The Holy Bible: Luke 21:34

“Repeat God’s name, again, again and again
Drink the nectar of the Name
To satiate the soul and the body.” Guru Nanak in the Holy Sukhmani Sahib Ashtapadi 17:5. Rendered from the verse “Baran bar bar Prabhu japai…”