I'm all with you there.
For me the spiritual aspect is also the most important one. And the right guide and the right setting are essential. Also, I'm sure there are other paths (excluding substances) that will get you there.

The possibility to deal with trauma is an added allure. For me trauma is an event that cuts you off life to a degree. And to experience something that mends you back into life -so to speak- even just for a moment seams very exciting, because it imprints an image into your mind/soul/being of "how it could be". So even when you're back to normal life again, you can remember. It's like climbing a mountain and seeing the top vs climbing the mountain in the fog. You still have to do the climbing yourself, but seeing the top makes a difference.