Do you think exercising chakra meditations can produce a childlike state without the assistance of illegal drugs? Is meditation similar to prayer?
I did mushrooms and acid a few times, but I wasn't looking for anything but a good time. Now I have a responsibility to my children, so I won't do illegal things.
I'm an overweight, recovering alcoholic, schizoid, schmuck living in a one-horse town in central Iowa who reads too many books and watches too may documentaries because I lack the personality to have real life friendships...so take what I am about to say with a dump truck load of salt.
Yes, I think a person can have the same types of altered consciousness experiences without the aid of drugs. I think the ability to reach "beyond" is within all of our capabilities, and that certain drugs (hallucinogens) merely walk us to the right door and open it for us. That door still exists but I think most of us are so wrapped up in ourselves and our own little personal reality that we don't take the time to really stretch ourselves.
Meditation similar to prayer? Now, remember to take this with salt and keep in mind I am not a "real Christian", but I think the difference between meditation and prayer is which direction it is pointed. Both depend on set, setting, and intent to be effective. Prayer is directed outwards towards God whereas meditation is directed (usually) inwards. Some will argue that directing inwards is "bad", but I don't agree. I've known very few people who have ever taken the time to simply sit still and listen to their own thoughts. We all have a constant monologue of thoughts running through our minds and our own little internal voice that tells us we aren't good enough or can't do something. We push that voice to the background or drown it's noise out with distractions...but what would your life look like if you just walked up to that voice, got up in it's grill, and said (metaphorically) "What's your problem...you wanted my attention, and now you've got it...punk". What would life be like if you could learn to be still with your own thoughts and instead of being barraged by the monologue, you can allow those comments and flashes of thoughts to wash over you and past you as though you are a smooth stone in a river? Would being able to be still with and within yourself allow you to reach outside of yourself in prayer and get closer to God when you don't have your consciousness's shadow whispering in your ear all the time?
Those are my first thoughts based on your questions. Thank you for asking them. I enjoy talking about things like this with someone.