Using Samaya Substances

Some guidelines for being in right relationship with substances

Before training in Tibetan 5 Element and Vajrayana Tantra, I was a monk for almost a decade, from 1999-2008. During this time, I largely honored the Brahmacharya vows of self-restraint around substances such as alcohol, cannabis, mushrooms, meat, sugar, etc. – essentially any mind-altering or “Tamasic” substance.

It wasn’t until my introduction to Tibetan Tantra that I become aware of the concept of “Samaya Substances”, which invites us to be in healthy, mindful, and correct relationship with mind-altering substances, as part of a spiritually focused lifestyle.

Samaya, for me, indicates “sacred relationship”. It is the sacred, devotional relationship between a Lama and student that allows the wisdom of the Dharma to flow and flourish in the heart and mind of that student. Etymologically, samaya means “coming together” or “meeting place”, specifically for the purpose of cultivating primordial wisdom, ultimate truth, natural mind.

How does all this relate to substances you ask? Samaya substances are substances we consume that can bring transformation and support the awakening of primordial wisdom awareness. Historically, Samaya Substances are used ritualistically, as part of Tantric practices, rituals, and ceremony.

For example, Dr. Erickson and I do a shamanic, ritualized tantric practice called “6-arm Black Mahakala”. In this practice we used meat and strong alcohol, like 80 proof Rum or Whisky, as a ritualized offering for the Deities AND the spirits in the environment- specifically as a bliss offering. It is said in the text we read from that the alcohol allows bliss to arise in the natural mind, and we offer this alcohol to the spirits in the environment to bring them (and us) pacification and pleasure. In fact, offerings of meat and strong alcohol are one of the primary methods for taming disruptive or aggressive spirits in your home.

When used with mindfulness and sacred intention, substances such as alcohol, cannabis, mushrooms, etc. can be useful tools for pacifying spirits IN and around us by bringing ease to the mind and bliss to the body. These substances can also enhance shamanistic abilities and intuition…when consumed mindfully and in correct alignment with spiritual practice.

One of the main things to remember about Samaya Substances, is that they are often, also, “spirit substances” – meaning they are governed by powerful and interactive spirit energies. A great example of this is the female guardian spirit of Ayahuasca who often reveals herself to those who drink from the vine and absorb her “nectar”. Similarly, hard alcohol is often referred to as “Spirits”, because it attracts spirits. It’s interesting to observe the different views regarding alcohol vs. Ayahuasca. Alcohol is forbidden at many Ayahuasca retreats, even though Ayahuasca is a much more powerful substance, exposing you to much more powerful, and potentially dangerous spirit energies.

But Ayahuasca is consumed with mindfulness and intention, under the umbrella of sacred ritual, and therefore, it is presumed that the spiritual energies one aligns with are more “wholesome” than those associated with alcohol.

But what if we approached alcohol consumption with a similar level of mindfulness and ritual? Would that change the way we consume this substance and could it have a different effect upon us?

In the video below I share my tantric ritual for consuming samaya substances, particularly substances deemed “recreational”, such as alcohol, cannabis, and mushrooms. I have been offering pretty much all the substances that I consume to the spirits in my environment since 2008, as I was taught by Lama Tashi.

I developed the specific ritual that I share in this video to work more mindfully and deliberately with my ancestors, in order to bring them peace and pacification.

Few pointers for offering samaya substances:

• I highly recommend you keep your samaya substances in or on your shrine, and if you have a liquor cabinet, place a Thangka inside or outside the cabinet. I have a Protector Deity thangka hanging over the door of my liquor cabinet.

• Use the ring finger of your left hand for offering samaya substances. Just lightly dip the tip of that finger in the fluid or food and flick the essence in the air around you while saying “om, ah, hung”.

Drink, eat, consume the substance you offered right away. Don’t leave it sitting around or the spirits will consume all the vital essences, and the substance will no longer be fit for human consumption.


Please note this is a very different practice than feeding spirits in your home. I’ll do a step-by-step guide for that one soon.

It is very unfortunate that the Western mainstream culture many of us grew up in does not teach us about sacred relationship of any type, particularly in relationship to sex and substances – two areas of life that hold such great potential for pain and suffering, or skillful means, transformation, and realization.

I am very grateful for the Tantric practice that has allowed me to reclaim a sacred relationship with every aspect of life and I hope these suggestions help you to do same.