Santo Daime - Urban
Communities
José Murilo C. Carvalho Jr.
Introduction
I first thought of writing
something about my communal experience when I was invited to lecture on the Santo Daime
Doctrine in the Meeting for a New Consciousness. This Meeting is well-known as an
important forum where several thought trends are discussed in an ecumenical effort towards
formulating the perspective for the coming millenium. I could thus fulfill my old need to
share the experience we have in Céu do Planalto, the community housing the Santo Daime
spiritual sessions in Brasília.
 Being a psychologist, I feel my
experience and the psychological focus of my account can be valuable both for those
already studying altered states of consciousness, and those interested in communal life
proposals and concerned about preserving environment. Research on human perception and
consciousness, inquiry into one’s inner spiritual dimension, communal life, and
ecological consciousness (in its practical sense) are the primary features of the Céu do
Planalto communal project.
However, all these features are
integrated and working within a specific scope, according to the Santo Daime Doctrine
general guidelines, as spread by CEFLURIS (Universal Flowing Light’s Eclectic Center
Raimundo Irineu Serra), an institution created by Sebastião Mota de Melo to manage the
spreading of the ecological-communal ideals of this Doctrine founded by Master Raimundo
Irineu Serra. Since such institution and personalities are the fountain-head of all that
is about to be reported, I mention them with all my respect to invoke their approval and
blessings, without which I would have had no chance to present this paper.
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