Mestre Irineu (Irineu Serra)

Mestre Irineu, born Irineu Serra, was a Brazilian spiritual leader and founder of the Santo Daime tradition, a religious practice combining Christian beliefs, Indigenous Amazonian traditions, and Afro-Brazilian elements. He began practicing in the early 20th century and developed a unique church centered around the sacrament of ayahuasca, a psychoactive Amazonian brew. His teachings emphasize spiritual growth, harmony, and connection with nature. Mestre Irineu’s work laid the foundation for a global movement that uses music, ritual, and community to facilitate personal and spiritual development through the use of ayahuasca.