I like McKennda and his work, but i disagree with him on one particular point; That entheogens are more practical than meditation/yoga/esoteric practices.

Sure entheogens can blow your mind, but they are not shortcuts to enlightenment or better modalities of being. They work, but if you lack the materials neccesary to form a new worldview/synthesis prior to taking, then whats the point? You will just end up going around in circles.

I will concede that people who've used entheogens tend to be more 'awake' shall we say, but i think we should be careful in insinuating that this is the direct result of entheogens.

There are great minds out there, but too many have been damaged and sent in the wrong direction because of entheogen use without any proper spiritual context being entertained by the user.

These are immensely powerful tools. In the hands of those who don't understand (which is all of us really), they are a double edged sword. Once you get on the spiritual path, its very difficult to get off.. and entheogen use can trigger this process IMO.

Its a shame McKenna did not go further with his perspective, because he doesn't do himself any favours by sticking to the modern day hippy image. That said, he did bring to light alot of great perspective and information that was sorely needed in the public domain! That for which he should be thanked