Descending the Mountain

What happens when you administer psilocybin to experienced Zen meditators? A neuroscientist and a Zen master carry out a double-blind experiment on a sphinxlike mountain in Switzerland. Their goal: to examine the nature of consciousness. This documentary takes us on a journey of mystical revelations, experienced through meditation and psilocybin by blending visual art, spiritual understanding, and scientific research.

To understand how psychedelics reveal the nature of consciousness, psychiatrist Franz Vollenweider and Zen master Vanja Palmers guide experienced meditators—who have never used psychedelics before—through a ground-breaking scientific experiment on the majestic Mount Rigi in Switzerland. Descending the Mountain takes viewers on a journey of mystical revelations, experienced through meditation and psilocybin.

Read a review of the film from Tricycle’s Spring 2022 issue.