> disconnect from the material and ultimately release yourself from your ultimate
> possession (your body) is an interesting spiritual practice
Humans have done that to each other since the very beginning, usually to others but also to themselves. Why you would see that as something of value would surely be interesting for us to read here, also what the difference is between doing it to yourself compared to doing it to others.
I would like to point out though, as a mere materialist but with Eastern Bloc communist upbringing instead of a capitalist one actually, I won't see a reasoning that is based on some state changes happening inside the person's brain as a useful justification, unless that has a (demonstrable) influence beyond that person.
It's not that I'm greatly concerned about what people do to themselves, just that you say we fail to see the value, which is very different and goes far beyond arguing for letting people do what they want if it only affects themselves.
I would like to point out though, as a mere materialist but with Eastern Bloc communist upbringing instead of a capitalist one actually, I won't see a reasoning that is based on some state changes happening inside the person's brain as a useful justification, unless that has a (demonstrable) influence beyond that person.
It's not that I'm greatly concerned about what people do to themselves, just that you say we fail to see the value, which is very different and goes far beyond arguing for letting people do what they want if it only affects themselves.