Transformações pessoais na União do Vegetal

Abstract

This is a research on the personal transformations in the religious institution of ayahuasca users CEBUDV, through the perspective of Cultural Psychology. The study aimed to build an ethnographic description of UDV and investigate the meanings of such transformations in CEBUDV's teachings, as well. Although prior research referred to such transformations, no efforts were made in order to comprehend them, as herein proposed; because the only researcher with this focus has used basically interviews, while my work was through the ethnographic method. In this research, interviews were used, in addition, in the intention of understanding the senses of the transformations in the teachings of UDV. This way, an ethnography has taken place regarding the Pr-Ncleo Menino Deus (and of the activities and artifacts carried out by the visitors, and/or used by them), located in the city of Manaus, in the 2nd Region of UDV. The results obtained were as follows: a) Typically, the transformation process involves exam, responsibility and transformation of negative characteristics into positive ones, such as admiral, valorization and respect for the other and the construction of confidence relations. b) Such transformation process is, also, human development itself, toward a solidaristic, well integrated human being (in social, psychic and environmental terms), although with a transcendent aim, that is, union with God. c) Such process is always relational, between a -before and -later stages, comprising a gradational and secure evolution though. In many occasions, this evolution requires (a lot of) time and comprehension: life may not be enough, leading to a conception of reincarnation. Also, evolution is understood as in terms of sowing and harvest, a metaphor taken from agriculture, conceiving the cultivation of qualities as if they were plants, illustrating a bond with Nature. d) The religious device allows for mediations in order to facilitate, offer safety and accelerate transformation, which are, communion with Force and Light, advice, teachings and orientations, examples from people who are walking ahead (such as masters and counselors), as well as the opportunity to socially exercise good deeds for the community. Also, such device provides opportunities for correcting one's path (feedback, justice as correction). e) Criteria for real transformation are not individualistic. Change should mean and lead to health, well-being, good familiar and social companionship, and pacific interpersonal attitudes of openness to the other. Action (practice) is more important than speaking; in this sense, perception of transformations takes place by noticing the interpersonal effect of such changes in the interaction with the others. Therefore, idealistically, a CEBUDV member shows fidelity and constancy on his or her duties and responsibilities, as well as ability to keep his or her word and treat interlocutors well, promoting, above all, harmony and union, as well as avoiding opposition, conflict or both personal and group disorder. Also, he or she looks forward to be more lucid (light), patient (peace) and dedicated (love) to the other.