The Santo Daime

The Santo Daime (pronounced “santo die-mee”) is a religious movement that emerged in the Amazon region of Brazil during the early decades of the twentieth century. It is a doctrine founded upon the sacramental use of ayahuasca, an entheogenic brew.

The doctrine of Santo Daime is an eclectic movement inspired by various cultural elements such as caboclo and shamanic traditions, popular Catholicism, esotericism, and Afro-Brazilian traditions. Its founder, Raimundo Irineu Serra (Master Irineu), after learning about ayahuasca from Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, had a vision in which a female spiritual being known as the Queen of the Forest entrusted him with the mission of bringing Santo Daime to the world. Master Irineu is responsible for the Christianization of ayahuasca, which was renamed “Santo Dai-me” (Holy Give-me).

Since time immemorial, shamans and Indigenous healers of the region of the former Inca Empire and western Brazilian Amazon have used a preparation known in Peru as ayahuasca. The word “ayahuasca” comes from the Quechua language and etymologically derives from the roots aya (spirit or soul) and huasca (vine). Although regarded primarily as a sacrament within Santo Daime, ayahuasca is also widely known for its powerful transformative effects.

With regard to the evolution and expansion of the Santo Daime tradition in Brazil and Canada, particular attention should be given to Master Counselor Luiz Mendes, who accompanied the founder of the Santo Daime Doctrine, Master Raimundo Irineu Serra, during the final nine years of his life. During Master Irineu’s lifetime, Padrinho (Godfather) Luiz Mendes was proclaimed the “official speaker” of the congregation, due to his ability to use speech in a highly spiritual manner. He later founded the Eclectic Centre Illuminated Lotus Flower (CEFLI) in Brazil, the mother church of Estrela de Davi.