Santo Daime: Origins, Practices, and Lineages
Santo Daime is a syncretic spiritual religion founded in the early 20th century by Raimundo Irineu Serra, also known as Mestre Irineu, in the Brazilian Amazon. Deeply rooted in Christian cosmology, Santo Daime uniquely blends Catholicism with Indigenous South American spirituality, Afro-Brazilian traditions, and elements of Espiritismo—a spiritist doctrine influenced by Allan Kardec. This synthesis gives Santo Daime a distinctive theological and ritual structure that reflects Brazil’s complex cultural mosaic.
The Role of Daime (Ayahuasca)
At the heart of the Santo Daime practice is the ceremonial use of a sacred psychoactive brew known as Daime, a local name for ayahuasca. This tea is made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf, both native to the Amazon rainforest. Mestre Irineu gave the name “Daime” to the sacrament, a Portuguese imperative meaning “give me”—as in prayers found throughout the tradition’s hymns such as “Daime força, daime amor” (give me strength, give me love). The beverage is considered a divine teacher and a sacrament that facilitates communion with higher spiritual realms and the divine presence.
Ritual Practices
Santo Daime rituals, known as works (trabalhos), are highly structured and typically involve the collective singing of channeled hymns (hinários) that convey spiritual teachings, moral guidance, and cosmological insight. These sessions may take place while seated in geometric arrangements or while participants engage in a rhythmic, choreographed step called the bailado, forming a sacred dance. The rituals can last many hours and are designed to purify the spirit, heal the body, and elevate collective consciousness through disciplined participation, song, prayer, and the guidance of the Daime itself.
Major Lineages of Santo Daime
The Santo Daime movement has evolved into several key branches, each with its own emphasis and interpretation of Mestre Irineu’s original teachings:
1. Alto Santo – The original lineage founded by Mestre Irineu in Rio Branco, Acre. It is characterized by its adherence to the strict liturgical format established by the founder, emphasizing Christian moral teachings and a disciplined ritual style.
2. Barquinha – Founded by Daniel Pereira de Mattos, Barquinha incorporates more elements from Afro-Brazilian religions and Kardecist Spiritism. It places strong emphasis on mediumship, spiritual healing, and spirit communication within its ceremonies.
3. ICEFLU / CEFLURIS – The most internationally widespread branch, founded by Padrinho Sebastião Mota de Melo, a follower of Mestre Irineu. The Igreja do Culto Eclético da Fluente Luz Universal (ICEFLU), formerly CEFLURIS, expands on the original doctrine by integrating additional hymns, visionary healing practices, and a more communal, ecological, and universalist ethos. Under Padrinho Sebastião’s guidance, the movement took on a more inclusive and mystical tone while maintaining the foundational structure established by Mestre Irineu.
Global Reach and Contemporary Relevance
Today, Santo Daime has grown beyond the Amazon and has communities throughout Brazil, Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. Despite regional differences, most lineages retain the core ritual structure, reverence for Daime as a sacred teacher, and commitment to personal transformation, healing, and service to the divine.
Viva o Santo Daime!
Harmonia, Amor, Verdade e Justiça
