Introduction
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of various natural substances to modify consciousness and deepen spiritual practices. One such plant is kratom – an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Although kratom is often associated with recreational use in the West, it has a rich history of use in traditional meditation and religious practices in its region.
In this article, we will explore in detail how kratom can help achieve altered states of consciousness and deepen spiritual experiences. We will explore the cultural and historical context of kratom use, its pharmacology and effects on the psyche, and provide practical recommendations for the proper use of the plant in meditation. We will also learn about the experiences of actual practitioners and discuss alternative methods of working with consciousness. We hope this article will help you better understand the potential of kratom as a tool for spiritual development.
Historical and cultural context
1.1. Traditional use of kratom in Southeast Asia
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree of the mahogany family that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and some other countries in Southeast Asia. For centuries, kratom leaves have been used by local people for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed or brewed into tea to increase work performance and relieve pain and fatigue. In addition, kratom also had religious significance. It was believed that the plant could help achieve meditative states, clear the mind, and bring spiritual insights.
1.2. The role of kratom in the spiritual and religious practices of the region
In some areas of Southeast Asia, particularly in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, kratom is closely associated with Islamic mystical traditions. Sufi monks used the plant to facilitate hours of meditation, prayer vigils, and religious rituals.
Local Buddhist monks also sometimes used kratom to maintain concentration during long periods of meditation. In Thailand, there is a legend about a monk who attained enlightenment after several days of meditation using tea made from kratom leaves.
Although official religious institutions did not approve of such practices, the use of kratom for spiritual purposes was quite widespread among adepts of mystical teachings and solitary ascetics. The plant was seen as a means of overcoming the limitations of the body and mind on the path to spiritual awakening.
1.3. Modern interest in kratom as a tool for altering consciousness
In recent decades, with growing global interest in psychoactive plants, kratom has begun to attract the attention of seekers of spiritual experiences around the world. Modern spiritual teachers and gurus have emerged who use kratom in their practice and teaching.
Many people familiar with plants such as ayahuasca, iboga, or psilocybin mushrooms have also begun experimenting with kratom to expand their consciousness and achieve mystical experiences. There are many reviews online from people who combine kratom use with meditation and spiritual practices.
However, the current use of kratom for these purposes is often separated from the original cultural context and traditional knowledge about this plant. Therefore, it is important to study the pharmacology and effects of kratom and also to approach its use correctly in order to get the maximum benefit and avoid potential risks.
In the next section, we will explore in more detail how kratom affects consciousness and why this plant can be useful for meditation and spiritual development.
2. The pharmacology of kratom and its effect on meditation
If you decide to use kratom to deepen your spiritual practice, it is important to understand how this plant affects your consciousness and body. In this section, we will explore the main active ingredients of kratom and their effects that may be useful for meditation.
2.1. The main active ingredients of kratom and their properties
The main active ingredients of kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, alkaloids found in the leaves of the plant. These compounds have a complex spectrum of effects, interacting with various receptors in the brain.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine exhibit the properties of partial agonists of opioid receptors, particularly the mu and delta subtypes. As a result, kratom can have analgesic, calming, and euphoric effects without causing the strong addiction that is typical of classic opioids.
In addition, kratom alkaloids also interact with serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitter receptors, increasing their activity. This can lead to improved mood, increased concentration, and clarity of mind—properties that are very useful for meditation practice.
2.2. The effect of kratom on the psyche and perception
The effects of kratom depend largely on the dose taken. In small and medium amounts (2-5 g), kratom usually has a mildly stimulating effect, increasing alertness, focus, and positive mood. Many people note that in this state, it is easier to enter into meditation and maintain concentration on an object.
At higher doses (5-10 g), kratom begins to exhibit sedative and analgesic properties. A feeling of calm, mild euphoria, and dissolution of psychological boundaries may occur. Physical discomfort and painful sensations fade into the background, allowing for deeper immersion in contemplation.
However, excessive doses of kratom (more than 10-15 g) can cause unpleasant sensations such as nausea, dizziness, and „foggy“ consciousness. Therefore, it is better to use small and medium amounts for meditation, finding the optimal dosage.
The subjective effects of kratom may vary slightly depending on the variety of the plant (red, green, white) and the individual characteristics of the organism. Red varieties usually provide a more relaxing and analgesic effect, suitable for deep meditation. Green and white varieties have a more stimulating and euphoric effect, useful for mindfulness practices.
2.3. Potential mechanisms for deepening meditative states with kratom
As we can see, kratom can indirectly help achieve meditative states through several mechanisms:
– Reducing physical discomfort and painful sensations that can distract attention from the practice.
– Increasing clarity of consciousness, concentration, and focus on the object of meditation.
– Suppressing „inner dialogue“ and distracting thoughts, greater peace of mind.
– Dissolving the sense of ego and personal boundaries, leading to mystical experiences of unity.
Of course, using kratom alone does not guarantee deep meditation or spiritual insights. It is only a tool that can facilitate and deepen your existing practice. True transformation of consciousness comes through regular effort and work on oneself, not just through substances.
If you decide to try meditation with kratom, it is very important to do so correctly and mindfully. In the next section, we will provide practical recommendations for choosing a variety, dosage, and other aspects for a safe and effective experience.
3. Practical recommendations for using kratom in meditation
If you have decided to try combining meditation and kratom use, it is important to do so correctly and mindfully. In this section, we will provide some practical advice on choosing a variety, dosage, and other aspects for a safe and effective experience.
3.1. Suitable types and varieties of kratom for spiritual practices
Depending on the desired effect and type of meditation, you can choose different types and varieties of kratom. Red varieties (such as Red Bali, Red Borneo) usually provide a more relaxing, calming, and analgesic effect. They are suitable for deep relaxation practices, lying down meditation, and yoga nidra.
Green and white varieties (Green Malay, White Maeng Da) have a more stimulating and euphoric effect, increasing concentration and clarity of mind. They can be used for mindfulness practices, vipassana, and walking meditation. They can also help achieve subtle altered states of consciousness.
These recommendations are, of course, conditional—kratom can affect each person differently. Therefore, we recommend that you try several varieties from our Viva Dzen store and find the one that best resonates with your practice.
3.2. Optimal dosage and methods of use
For meditation purposes, small to medium doses of kratom (2-5 g) are usually best. You should start with minimal doses (1-2 g) and gradually increase them until you find your optimal dose. Keep in mind that overdosing on kratom can cause unpleasant side effects and will harm your practice rather than help it.
The most convenient way to use kratom is in powder or capsule form. The powder can be mixed with water, juice, or another beverage and drunk 30-40 minutes before the start of meditation. Capsules have a longer and more gradual effect and should be taken approximately one hour before practice.
It is not recommended to combine kratom with other psychoactive substances, especially alcohol and drugs. This can intensify unwanted effects and take your consciousness in a completely different direction than you would like in meditation.
3.3. Recommendations for the environment and mindset before meditating with kratom
Your external and internal mindset before meditation is just as important as choosing the right variety or dose of kratom. Make sure that nothing disturbs you during your practice – turn off your phone and ask your family not to disturb you.
Ventilate the room where you will be meditating, create a pleasant atmosphere with dim lighting, incense sticks, or aromatic oils. You can tune in to meditation with calm music, prayer, or mantras.
Before taking kratom, spend a few minutes in silence, listening to your breath and bodily sensations. Mentally formulate your intention for this practice—whether it is to achieve deep relaxation, insight, or dissolution into the divine. Take kratom with respect and gratitude to the plant for its healing properties.
3.4. Possible difficulties and side effects, precautions
Although kratom is considered a relatively safe plant, it can cause certain side effects, especially when overdosed. The most common are nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and sweating.
If you feel severe discomfort during meditation, you should not continue by force. Stop the practice, take a few deep breaths, and drink some water. If the symptoms persist, it is better to end the meditation and wait for the effects of kratom to wear off. Next time, try reducing the dosage.
With regular use of kratom, some tolerance and even dependence may develop. Therefore, we do not recommend using it daily; take breaks of at least a few days between uses. If you feel that kratom is getting out of control, seek professional help.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with serious chronic illnesses, and those taking medication should refrain from using kratom without consulting a doctor.
Overall, kratom is an excellent aid for meditation practice and spiritual development if you approach it with reason and respect. At our Viva Dzen store, you will always find a pure, high-quality product that will help you explore new frontiers of your consciousness. And if you have any questions or difficulties, our experienced consultants will be happy to help you and share their expert opinions.
In the next section, we will focus on the real experiences of people who use kratom in their spiritual practices—perhaps you will find something useful for yourself in their stories.
4. Practitioners‘ experiences: interviews and personal stories
In this section, we will look at real examples of people who use kratom to deepen their meditation and spiritual practice. Their experiences will help us better understand the potential of this plant and inspire us to experiment ourselves.
4.1. Interview with a meditation expert who uses kratom
We spoke with Dmitry, an experienced meditation practitioner and spiritual seeker who regularly uses kratom to intensify his practice.
„I have been practicing meditation for over 10 years and have tried many different techniques and traditions. A few years ago, I became interested in entheogens and began to cautiously experiment with kratom. I immediately noticed that it is great at removing physical discomfort and allows for deeper relaxation. Unlike other plants, kratom does not induce uncontrollable visions and experiences; consciousness remains relatively clear.
I try to use kratom no more than once a week or two, usually before long meditation retreats. My favorite varieties are Red Bali and Green Malay, which I buy from verified stores such as Viva Dzen. I start with 3-4 grams and usually sink into deep meditation within an hour. I have experienced very strong states of unity and dissolution of the ego, as well as insight into the nature of the mind. Although I do not consider kratom essential for practice, it can definitely provide an interesting and useful experience.“
4.2. Personal stories of people who have deepened their practice with the help of plants
Here are some quotes from reviews by our customers who have shared their experiences of using kratom for spiritual purposes:
„I recently started studying Buddhist meditation practices, but I couldn’t cope with the pain in my back and legs when sitting in the lotus position for long periods of time. I read an article about kratom on the Viva Dzen website and decided to give it a try—and it’s a lifesaver! Now I can sit in meditation for several hours without any tension. It feels like the body melts away and only consciousness remains.“ (Irina, 42 years old)
„I have been practicing meditation for over 20 years, and I used to live in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. That’s where I first encountered kratom—the monks sometimes drank tea made from it before their night vigils. Over time, I came to appreciate how this plant helps to achieve deep meditative states—the mind becomes very calm and focused. But it is important to maintain balance and not abuse it, then kratom will be a faithful helper on the spiritual path.“ (Andrei, 51 years old)
„I have problems with anxiety, so I couldn’t meditate before—my thoughts were constantly jumping around, I was nervous. Kratom helped me calm my mind and immerse myself in real meditation for the first time. Such a feeling of peace and calm, as if the universe itself was embracing you! It was a turning point, after which my practice moved to a new level.“ (Evgenia, 29 years old)
As we can see, kratom has truly proven itself to be an effective and safe means of deepening meditation and spiritual experiences. The main thing is to always remember to be mindful and respectful of the plant.
4.3. Skeptical reviews and critical opinions on the combination of kratom and meditation
Of course, not everyone unequivocally supports the use of kratom or any other substances in spiritual practice. Here are some skeptical opinions:
„I think that true meditation does not require any additional substances—neither kratom, nor tea, nor anything else. These are all crutches that only prevent you from truly understanding your mind and learning to be mindful in the present moment. Yes, it may be more difficult at first, but the result will be sincere and natural.“ (Maxim, 35 years old)
„In the long run, any attempts to achieve special states in meditation with the help of substances are a dead end. You will become addicted to kratom, you will chase those experiences, but they will not be stable. And if you happen to lose access to your kratom, will you stop meditating? No, it is better to develop your awareness through natural methods, even if it is more difficult.“ (Olga, 48 years old)
Of course, these opinions have a right to exist. We are by no means claiming that kratom is the only or necessary path to successful meditation. Like any tool, kratom can be used for good or for harm. Awareness, moderation, and proper motivation are the key principles of a spiritual approach to kratom.
At our Viva Dzen store, we respect any choice a person makes in their practice. If you feel that kratom can help you, you will always find a quality product and wise advice here. If you prefer the natural path, we sincerely support you in that.
5. Alternatives and supplements to kratom use in spiritual practices
Although kratom is an excellent aid to meditation for many people, it is of course not the only possible path. In this section, we will explore some alternatives and supplements to kratom use in spiritual practice.
5.1. Other plants and natural substances used to alter consciousness
There are a number of plants that have been traditionally used in various cultures to achieve altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. Some of the best known are ayahuasca, peyote, iboga, psilocybin mushrooms, salvia divinorum, and others. Each of these plants has its own unique set of effects and requires a very careful and conscious approach.
In contrast, kratom provides a gentler and more controlled experience, without strong visual or psychedelic effects. Therefore, it may be a good choice for those who are just beginning to explore the potential of plants in their practice. However, if you feel the call to work with other plants, approach it with all seriousness. Study the experiences of those who already have this practice, find reliable guides. And of course, only buy plants from verified suppliers.
At our Viva Dzen store, we currently specialize exclusively in kratom because we are convinced of its safety and effectiveness. Perhaps in the future, we will expand our range to include other plants if we are convinced of their quality and benefits for our customers.
5.2. Non-medicinal techniques for deepening meditation
Of course, there are many excellent methods for deepening your meditation practice without the use of any substances. Here are just a few of them:
– Pranayama and breathing exercises: controlling your breath helps to calm the mind, release tension, and enter a state of deep concentration. Techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, ujjayi, and bhastrika provide the same effect as kratom.
– Yoga and bodywork: Regular practice of yoga or other body-oriented disciplines will gradually make your body flexible, relaxed, and sensitive. This is a great support for long meditation sessions.
– Retreats and periods of intensive practice: immersing yourself in meditation for several days or even weeks can take your consciousness to a whole new level. The experience of dissolving the mind and realizing its essence comes spontaneously when you simply remain in the flow of practice for a long time.
– Working with visualizations, yantras, mantras: these techniques awaken deep levels of the psyche, revealing hidden spiritual abilities. Combined with single-pointed meditation, they can lead to experiences of deep peace, bliss, and unity with all that is.
We are confident that consistent and sincere spiritual practice will bear fruit regardless of whether you use kratom or not. Plants are just one of the tools that can make the journey softer and more enjoyable. But the movement along this path itself is always your free and conscious choice.
5.3. A holistic approach to spiritual development
In conclusion, we would like to offer a broader view of the issue of using kratom and other substances in the context of spiritual development. True transformation takes place not only through meditation, but also through working with many aspects of our lives:
– Ethical behavior, adherence to the moral principles of one’s tradition
– Development of wisdom and discernment (prajna)
– Practicing loving kindness and compassion (metta and karuna)
– Serving other beings, selflessly helping them overcome suffering
– Studying sacred texts and spiritual education
– Communicating with teachers, like-minded people on the path, and the sangha
Therefore, even if you use kratom or other plants, don’t forget to take a holistic approach. Combine it with other practices that open your heart and strengthen your connection with yourself and the world. Then the spiritual experience will be truly fulfilling and bring beneficial results.
At our VivaDzen store, we are happy to support you on this path of holistic development. Not only do we provide high-quality kratom, but we also strive to pass on knowledge that will help you use the plant with maximum benefit and awareness. We are also always ready to share information with you about other aspects of spiritual practice and self-education.
We hope you found this article useful and inspiring. We wish you joy, wisdom, and success in your meditation and all your beneficial endeavors! Remember that the VivaDzen team is always on your side and ready to help make your spiritual journey more enjoyable and effective. Please contact us with any questions!