[xamuel]

That comes off as kind of dismissive of religion, but if what you say is true, then what I'd like to know is, what sort of techniques were discovered in step (3)? I mean, if ancient priests discovered esoteric methods of getting more and more high, that... sounds... actually kind of awesome and I'd like to read about those methods!

[swayvil]

It's dismissive of our culture. A bunch of dreamers we are, living in stories. Religion. The real kind. Otoh. Kicks ass.

Techniques : Psychedelics. Meditation. Breathing techniques. Controlled stress and pain. Fasting. Sleep deprivation. Theater. Sex.

Off the top of my head. A google might reveal more.

[xamuel]

I'd be interested in continuing this conversation by email if you were interested. You can find my address in any of my papers (such as this one: https://philpapers.org/archive/ALEMSI.pdf)