Imaginação, linguagem, espíritos e agência: Ayahuasca e o tratamento da dependência química

Abstract

In this paper I analyze the role of the plants used in the treatment of chemical dependency in a treatment center, Takiwasi, located in the Peruvian Amazon. Ayahuasca is a central tool in the recovery process in Takiwasi. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink widely used by many indigenous populations across the Amazon and by three Christian-based Brazilian religions. Plants are believed to be endowed with agency in Takiwasi, and have, in addition to its active chemical principles, another type of action: the spiritual, seen as more effective than the chemical action. To elucidate such capability of agency and spiritual power, I use Benjamin’s ideas of “language” and “spirit”, and also Viveiros de Castro’s “image” and “imagination”.