True, Downton's analysis is limited both by the limited subjects and also the time.  But in 1979, explaining how some premies came from being open to various drugs, to being open to the Lord of the Universe and his cult, is helpful.

I read Downton's book a long time ago, and I recall thinking at the time that it was, as JHB says, a snapshot of the ideologies of the cult in the 70s, and and explanation of the backgrounds and feelings of a group of mostly ashram premies from Boulder.  That's all it really is, but even that is helpful, considering how little study has been done on the cult, either in the 70s, or since.

But like I said down below, I don't think those premies, drug experiences or not, was the norm.  It's the stereotype, but I don't think it's accurate.

But I appreciate Booker bringing this stuff up.