Spiritual Documentaries: A Journey Within

Description: Narrated by Richard Gere, this documentary traces the life of Siddhartha Gautama, from his princely birth to his enlightenment as the Buddha. It explores the core teachings of Buddhism and their relevance in today's world.

Fact: The film was produced by David Grubin, who has also made documentaries on other historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Description: This documentary explores the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian yogi who introduced millions to the philosophy of yoga and meditation in the West. It's a deep dive into his journey from India to America, his impact on spirituality, and his timeless wisdom.

Fact: The film includes rare footage of Yogananda, and interviews with contemporary spiritual leaders like Deepak Chopra and George Harrison's widow, Olivia Harrison.

Description: Although controversial, this film delves into the "Law of Attraction," a spiritual concept suggesting that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life.

Fact: The film became a cultural phenomenon, leading to numerous books, seminars, and a worldwide following.

Description: Although not strictly a documentary, this series of interviews with Joseph Campbell by Bill Moyers explores the role of myth in human life, touching on spiritual themes and the universal search for meaning.

Fact: The series was filmed at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, reflecting Campbell's influence on Lucas' work, particularly "Star Wars."

Description: This intimate portrait follows the spiritual teacher Ram Dass in his later years, reflecting on his life, teachings, and the impact of his stroke. It's a poignant look at aging, spirituality, and the human condition.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Ram Dass' close friends and students, offering a personal perspective on his teachings and life.

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Tibetan Buddhist practices surrounding death and the afterlife, based on the ancient text known as the Bardo Thodol.

Fact: The film features rare footage of traditional Tibetan rituals and interviews with the Dalai Lama.

Description: This documentary investigates the effects of DMT, a powerful psychedelic, on human consciousness, exploring its potential role in spiritual experiences and the nature of reality.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Rick Strassman, who conducted the first new U.S. government-approved psychedelic research in over 20 years.

Description: Wayne Dyer explores the shift from ambition to meaning, from ego to essence, offering insights into spiritual growth and personal transformation.

Fact: The film features contributions from Deepak Chopra and other spiritual teachers, making it a rich tapestry of wisdom.

Description: An American filmmaker, Vikram Gandhi, poses as an Indian guru to explore the nature of faith and spirituality. This unique experiment challenges the viewer to question the authenticity of spiritual leaders and the essence of belief.

Fact: Gandhi actually developed a following during the filming, and the documentary captures the emotional reactions of his followers when they learn the truth.

Description: This film follows the journey of a young man seeking enlightenment through the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff, exploring the Fourth Way, a path to self-awareness and spiritual awakening.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations where Gurdjieff lived and taught, providing an authentic backdrop to his philosophy.