"Holotropic experiences have the potential to help us discover our true identity and our cosmic status; they also provide deep insights into the nature of reality, far beyond what is available in the everyday state of consciousness (Grof 1998). Sometimes this happens in small increments, other times in the form of major breakthroughs. Psychonautics can be defined as the systematic pursuit and use of holotropic states of consciousness for healing, self-exploration, ritual activity, artistic inspiration, and as a spiritual, philosophical, and scientific quest.
It is a response to a deep craving for transcendental experiences that Andrew Weil described in his book 'The Natural Mind' as the deepest drive in the human psyche, more powerful than sex (Weil 1972)."
Stanislav Grof (*1931), The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 1 - Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys, 2019
https://youtu.be/ZvLOmHWYFmc (English Version, German subtitles)