The Enlightenment Trap

The 2023 edition of The Enlightenment Trap by Scott Carney delves into the tragic story of Ian Thorson, whose pursuit of spiritual transcendence ended in death on a remote Arizona mountaintop. Drawing from Thorson's private papers and neurological research, Carney examines how Tibetan Buddhism has evolved in the West, particularly through Diamond Mountain University, revealing its cult-like practices and the potential dangers of intensive meditation. This updated edition features two new chapters and photography, offering a gripping exploration of the intersection between enlightenment and peril in American spirituality.