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Dear Abbey Dharma Winter 2010

Sylvia Boorstein

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Dear Abbey Dharma,
My doctor has suggested that I try a certain psychiatric medicine, but I want to meditate and I am wavering because I wonder if people can “wake up” or even get enlightened using these medicines.
—Wavering

Dear Wavering,
I’ve interviewed many students on meditation retreats whose practice is insightful, and therefore more personally liberating, who take a psychiatric drug that has been prescribed by their physician. Since there are many medicines that fit into the category of “psychiatric drugs,” there isn’t a simple answer to your question. Here are a few ideas that may help you in making your decision:

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