Since the 1970s Matthew has been doing research and publishing on Indian religions, yoga, asceticism, cannabis and the ancient use of psychedelics

Yogic trance (samādhi), no breathing and tryptamine

This presentation will explore the yogic state of samādhi (deep trance). We will consider how breathing practices modify mental states, and how samādhi (the main goal of traditional yoga practices) is a condition in which there is no breathing; the person appears lifeless. This state can be induced by breathing exercises, tryptamine psychedelics and Tantric practices.