The fist number of L. refer to the standard CtP edition published in 1987. The following number shows correspondence between letters in the new 2010 edition. Note that on this website CtP is available only 1987 edition with minor additions.

[L. 17 | 23] 6 July 1962

I have the impression[1] that there is a continuous, though variable, specific stimulation, which, though no doubt neutral in itself (it is, indeed, disagreeable when observed dispassionately), is a pressing invitation to sensual thoughts. I have never experienced anything like this before.

I wonder, therefore, if you would be good enough to send me a sedative to enable me to sleep at night, and also anything else that you think might be helpful. Sedatives, in the last analysis, are not a final cure for this condition, but they may help to make things easier. The cure is essentially a matter of raising the mind above the waist and keeping it there, but this treatment takes time and is hard work (as you may gather from my letter on drug-addiction).

Editorial notes:

[17.1] In response to the problem of amoebiasis (L. 14) the Ven. Ñānavīra had taken a course of medicine, Entamide, which resulted in a sudden and unexpected stimulation of the nervous system ('effects for which I am no doubt partly to blame—no smoke without fire'). A number of letters not reproduced here detail the (mostly unsuccessful) efforts to find a counter-medication. [Back to text]