ENTHEOGENS IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: THE CASE OF THE SANTO DAIME RELIGIOUS TRADITION
Zygon® – August 26, 2014
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Entheogenic experiences, particularly within the Santo Daime tradition, reveal profound impacts on personal and social transformation. Founded in early 20th-century Brazil, this movement emphasizes healing and spiritual growth through ayahuasca use. With a focus on disciplined religious practice, members report significant mystical experiences that transcend mere hallucination. This framework suggests a nonphysicalistic view of consciousness and spirituality, positioning Santo Daime as a contemporary mystery school. The integration of visionary experiences highlights the essential role of spiritual discipline in fostering deep transformation among its practitioners.
Abstract
This essay first draws upon the work of William James and others to propose a nonphysicalistic understanding of the relationship between the brain and consciousness in order to articulate a philosophical perspective that can understand entheogenic visionary/mystical experiences as something other than hallucinations. It then focuses on the Santo Daime tradition, a religious movement that began in Brazil in the early part of the twentieth century, to provide an example of the personal and social ramifications of taking an entheogen (ayahuasca) within a disciplined religious context. The essay claims that the Santo Daime is one example of a contemporary mystery school; gives a brief history of the development of this religion; discusses the key theological assumptions of this movement; investigates the important role played by visionary/mystical experiences within this religion; underscores the centrality of healing and spiritual transformation for members of this tradition; and ends with an examination of the crucial significance of spiritual discipline within this entheogenically based religion.