Moksha est une anthologie des écrits d'Aldous Huxley concernant les drogues hallucinogènes, en particulier la mescaline et le LSD.
Le titre (un mot sanscrit signifiant libération) est le nom du champignon que consomment les protagonistes de son roman Ile, drogue libératoire par opposition à celle abrutissante que sont obligés de consommer les héros du Meilleur des Mondes. Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), romancier américain d'origine anglaise, a eu non seulement une expérience personnelle de ces drogues mais en a longuement parlé dans nombre de ses ouvrages, outre ceux cités plus haut, tels que Les portes de la perception et Le ciel et l'enfer.
Moksha n'était plus disponible en français depuis de très nombreuses années.

Moksha ; expériences visionnaires et psychédéliques

L'éminence grise - Essai biographique sur les rapports de la politique et de la religion

Brave New World is a dystopian novel by English author Aldous Huxley, first written in 1931 and published in 1932. Largely set in a futuristic World State, inhabited by genetically modified citizens and an intelligence-based social hierarchy, the novel anticipates huge scientific advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation and classical conditioning that are combined to make a dystopian society which is challenged by only a single individual: the story's protagonist.

Brave New World

Par l'ingestion de mescaline, Aldous Huxley rejoint à son tour le paradis artificiel de Nerval et Baudelaire.
Mais l'originalité de cette expérience tient à la volonté scientifique qui l'anime : en 1954, c'est sous contrôle médical que le romancier absorbe la drogue dans le but d'ouvrir, selon l'expression de William Blake, " les portes de la perception " et de " connaître, par l'intérieur, ce dont parlaient le visionnaire, le médium, et même le mystique, le miracle [...] de l'existence dans sa nudité, la Réalité manifestée ".
Outre ce récit initiatique, éponyme de l'ouvrage, sont rassemblés ici des essais qui témoignent d'une recherche spirituelle constante depuis La Philosophie éternelle (1945).
À travers une culture syncrétique qui traite avec une même ferveur la pensée bouddhiste zen et le dogme catholique, se dessine le souci de mettre chacun sur la vole de l'illumination par la contemplation et le recueillement. Cette orientation donne aux réflexions de Huxley sur le temps, l'art, le progrès et surtout la violence et la paix une dimension intemporelle.
Cet essai a été suivi d'un autre qui le complète et l'enrichit, Le Ciel et l'Enfer, réédité en 1999 aux éditions du Rocher.

Les portes de la perception

Presque aveugle à l'âge de seize ans, Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) vécut jusqu'en 1939 avec une vision très déficiente. C'est alors qu'il découvrit la méthode du Dr W.H. Bates, une méthode de rééducation visuelle à base psychologique, qui lui permit en quelques mois de lire sans lunettes. Par gratitude envers ce pionnier de l'éducation visuelle, Huxley écrivit L'Art de voir. Il y explique la méthode du Dr Bates en la rapprochant des grandes découvertes de la psychologie moderne. Car apprendre à mieux voir, c'est apprendre à mieux vivre. Non seulement mieux vivre avec les autres, mais aussi mieux vivre avec soi-même.

L'art de voir

Thirty years ago, ecstasy and torment took hold of John Rivers, shocking him out of "half-baked imbecility into something more nearly resembling the human form." He had an affair with the wife of his mentor, Henry Maartens-a pathbreaking physicist, winner of the Nobel Prize, and a figure of blinding brilliance-bringing the couple to ruin. Now, on Christmas Eve while a small grandson sleeps upstairs, John Rivers is moved to set the record straight about the great man and the radiant, elemental creature he married, who viewed the renowned genius through undazzled eyes.

The Genius and the Goddess - A Novel

The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell

Welcome to the chilling and prophetic world of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World, " a dystopian novel that explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect society.

Set in the distant future, society is meticulously engineered, with every aspect of human life controlled and regulated. From birth, citizens are assigned to specific social classes and conditioned to fulfill predetermined roles. Happiness is prioritized, but it comes at a steep price-the sacrifice of individuality, personal relationships, and genuine human emotions.

In this brave new world, pleasure and instant gratification reign supreme. The populace is kept docile through the use of a powerful drug called Soma, which numbs any discontent or desire for personal freedom. Monogamy is deemed archaic, and promiscuity is encouraged as a means of social stability.

However, amidst this seemingly harmonious society, there are those who question the cost of such utopia. Bernard Marx, an outsider in his own community, and the enigmatic John the Savage, raised outside the confines of this controlled world, challenge the status quo and grapple with the complexity of individuality, freedom, and the true meaning of happiness.

As the story unfolds, readers are confronted with thought-provoking themes such as the dangers of a technocratic society, the dehumanization of humanity, the loss of individuality, and the suppression of authentic emotions. Huxley's haunting vision serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the perils of sacrificing human nature at the altar of progress and stability.

"Brave New World" is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the human condition. It challenges readers to reflect on the balance between personal freedom and societal order, the cost of conformity, and the importance of genuine human connections in a world dominated by artificiality.

With its vivid imagery, philosophical depth, and profound social commentary, Huxley's masterpiece continues to captivate readers, urging them to question the implications of a world driven by technology, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of superficial happiness.

Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking and visionary world of "Island" by Aldous Huxley, a masterpiece of utopian literature that challenges conventional thinking and explores profound themes of spirituality, society, and personal freedom. This Amazon listing invites you to discover the captivating journey that awaits within the pages of this influential novel.

In "Island, " Huxley presents readers with the fictional paradise of Pala, an idyllic island in the Indian Ocean. Here, the inhabitants have created a harmonious society that combines Eastern philosophy, scientific advancements, and a deep reverence for nature. Pala stands as a counterpoint to the dystopian visions often portrayed in Huxley's earlier work, offering a compelling exploration of an ideal society.

Join protagonist Will Farnaby as he embarks on an unexpected journey to Pala, initially driven by his own personal agenda but ultimately transformed by the island's profound wisdom and compassionate way of life. As he interacts with the island's inhabitants, including the enigmatic Dr. Robert MacPhail and the captivating Susila, he witnesses the integration of ancient wisdom and modern knowledge, and the transformative power of love and understanding.

Huxley's "Island" presents a rich tapestry of philosophical ideas, exploring themes such as mindfulness, self-discovery, and the pursuit of personal liberation. With his distinctive writing style and attention to detail, Huxley crafts a narrative that encourages readers to question societal norms, reflect on the nature of happiness, and consider alternative paths to collective well-being.

This edition of "Island" features the original text, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Huxley's eloquent prose and thought-provoking storytelling. Experience the vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and profound ideas that have made this novel a beloved classic.

If you are a fan of Aldous Huxley's insightful works, a seeker of philosophical exploration, or simply someone who enjoys immersive and thought-provoking literature, "Island" is a must-have addition to your collection. Order your copy today and embark on a transformative journey to Pala, where you'll be transported to a utopian realm that challenges the mind and inspires the soul. Discover why "Island" continues to resonate with readers and remains a testament to Huxley's visionary storytelling and philosophical prowess.

Moksha ; expériences visionnaires et psychédéliques

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