On this episode I speak to William Barnard, professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist University and author of the book Liquid Light: Ayahuasca Spirituality and the Santo Daime Tradition.

Professor Barnard has previously written books on William James and Henri Bergson, but in this latest work he writes about his first hand experience as an initiate in the syncretic Brazilian church of the Santo Daime, which uses ayahuasca as a sacrament.

This episode has been a long time coming. My experiences in the Santo Daime church have played a big part in the arc of my life since my first ceremony with them back in 2010.

I’ve been wanting to speak with someone about the Santo Daime since starting this podcast four years ago, but wanted to make sure that it was someone who wasn’t just approaching it from an academic or anthropological perspective. To know anything at all about the Santo Daime you have to drink Daime many times in different contexts.

In that respect, Bill is the perfect guest to discuss this complex topic. In our conversation we talk a little bit about the history of the Santo Daime, but mainly focus on the mystical aspects of the religion, which includes the practice of incorporating spiritual entities.

Bill’s website: http://liquidlightbook.com

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