Having embarked on the path of spirituality, most of us have lots of questions. We search for answers in books, video lectures, seminars, pilgrimages, etc. One way or another, most of us seek to find a spiritual teacher who can help us understand the incomprehensible labyrinths of the spiritual path and give answers to the most difficult questions. The meaning of life, the struggle with temptations, finding happiness, ending suffering, methods, and ways of self-improvement – these and many other vital questions we ask spiritual teachers.

But who are they – spiritual teachers? What was their spiritual path? How did they get the wisdom to guide thousands of people? This is what we are going to talk about in this article, or rather, give you the opportunity to find it out yourself. In this article, we want to share with you the list of 8 thought-provoking documentaries about spiritual teachers that you should definitely see.

8 Documentaries About Spiritual Teachers

#1 Awake: The Life of Yogananda, 2014

An unconventional biography about the Indian mystic Yogananda who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. This documentary was filmed over three years with the participation of 30 countries around the world. It examines the world of yoga, modern and ancient, East and West, and explores why millions today have turned their attention inward, bucking the temptations of the material world in pursuit of self-realization.

#2 Amongst White Clouds, 2007

American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Buddhist hermit tradition. Amongst White Clouds is a look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China’s Zhongnan Mountain range.” With both humor and compassion, these inspiring and warm-hearted characters challenge us to join them in an exploration of our own suffering and enlightenment in this modern world.

#3 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama, 2006

Filmmaker Rick Ray meets with Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama at his monastery in Dharamsala, India The filmmaker asks him ten questions during the course of the interview which is inter-cut with a biography of Tenzin Gyatso, a history of modern Tibet and a chronicle of Ray’s journey securing the interview.

Ray asks a range of questions, touching on philosophical, social and political issues.

Some of the questions asked:

• “Why do the poor seem happier than the rich?”
• “How can one reconcile an attitude of non-violence when faced with a direct threat to one’s safety and security?”
• “Should countries be dedicated to preserving their traditions or embrace modern culture?”
• “Will there be another Dalai Lama?”
  

The questions are not numbered in the film and Ray admits to asking more than ten questions during the interview.

#4 Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami Who Started It, 2017

Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, gave the youth what the society could never give. He taught them to seek peace inside and to live without cruelty.

This documentary shows how wonderful it is when you have a great mission and purpose in life. And when there is a goal to change the world for the better, then the right people will always find you.

If you remember history, there were many other peaceful revolutionaries. If we talk about religion, Jesus was one of them too. So this movie is about history, about inspiration, about the power of the human spirit, about the purity of the heart, but NOT about religion.

#5 Wild Wild Country, TV series

This is a Netflix documentary series about the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), his one-time personal assistant Ma Anand Sheela, and their community of followers in the Rajneeshpuram community located in Wasco County, Oregon.

When a controversial guru builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, it causes a massive conflict with local ranchers. This docu-series chronicles the conflict, which leads to the first bioterror attack in the United States and a massive case of illegal wiretapping. It is a pivotal but largely forgotten, time in American cultural history that tested the country’s tolerance for the separation of church and state.

#6 The Buddha, 2010

This documentary tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Join the conversation and learn more about meditation, the history of Buddhism, and how to incorporate the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness into daily life.

#7 Ram Dass, Going Home, 2017

Ram Dass is one of the most important cultural figures from the 1960s and 70s. The author of “Be Here Now”, beloved spiritual teacher, and outspoken advocate for death-and-dying awareness, Ram Dass is now himself approaching the end of life.

Since suffering a life-changing stroke twenty years ago, he has been living at his home on Maui and deepening his spiritual practice – which is centered on love and his idea of merging with his surroundings and all living things.

From his home on Maui, pioneering researcher, author and spiritual teacher Ram Dass reflects on love, life and death as his own days draw to a close. 

#8 Walk With Me, 2017

“Walk With Me” is a meditative film about a community of Zen Buddhist monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of mindfulness with their world-famous teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.

Cooling to the mind and soothing to the spirit, this documentary offers a tiny oasis of relief to anyone overheated by current events. When you feel like freaking out, the movie’s commitment to slowing down and drawing inward doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

The Bottom Line

Spiritual Teachers belong to different faiths and traditions, but they all have one thing in common – the desire to help people.

Guru is an ocean of knowledge. And in this ocean, one disciple chooses stones and the other pearls, and this choice depends on the disciple. Therefore, listening to the advice of a spiritual teacher, always remember that the final choice is always yours. We ourselves determine which knowledge resonates with us and which does not. That is why we and only we are responsible for our personal spiritual development.

For women, the throat chakra is one of the most problematic areas. That’s why every woman needs to consider a throat chakra healing.

Why Do Women Have Blocks In Their Throat Chakras?

From time immemorial, women have never been welcomed to express their feelings, emotions, or opinions, – it has always been the prerogative of men. For women, oratory was considered a disadvantage rather than a virtue. The advantage of women was the ability to remain silent, to suppress the desire to speak and express themselves. Whether we like it or not, the block in the throat chakra is passed on to us, women, at the genetic level from generation to generation.

When the inner truth is not spoken aloud but is suppressed, the creative energy (CHA) cannot be manifested. And when the energy is blocked, it becomes a destructive force (SO).

Common Reasons of  the Blocks In Women’s Throat Chakras

I noticed that nowadays many women can’t discuss their true feelings, which undoubtedly leads to the blocking of the throat chakra.

Another reason for the imbalance or blockage in the throat chakra is dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The mental reason for this is the lack of creative realization, the inability, and fears of self-expression. This is why women have more frequent thyroid problems than men. Men are easier to implement themselves using a business that actually is their “creativity”.

The third most common reason for the throat chakra problem is criticism. Women tend to criticize themselves as well as others. This can cause a cough or even asthma.

Fear to express your truth, feelings, and emotions also can affect the condition of the gums and teeth. A suppressed desire to speak can cause pain and inflammation in the gums and the sensitivity of your teeth.

Why Is the Throat Chakra So Important?

Vishuddha (throat chakra) is responsible for communication with other people and for creative self-expression. This is where inspiration and personal development begin. This chakra also gives us the ability to listen and hear – not only other people but also our own inner voice.

The throat chakra is located in the larynx, at the base of the neck.

These are the signs of imbalanced Vishuddha:

– difficulty in expressing thoughts;
– fear of public speaking;
– profanity;
– grumbling;
– lie;
– criticism, condemnation of yourself and others.

Now let’s talk about how to do a throat chakra healing.

7 Ways To Do A Throat Chakra Healing

1. Mantra Chanting

The throat chakra is associated with sound through speech and music. Any word that is spoken aloud creates vibrations in the surrounding world. These vibrations can be beneficial or harmful. It all depends on the intentions and desires with which the words were spoken.

Vishuddha chakra mantra sounds like “HAM”.

When you’re chanting the mantra you need to feel the vibration in the area of your throat chakra.

To perform HAM mantra for your throat chakra healing you need to:

1. take a deep breath;
2. at the moment of exhalation, open your lips and sing the beginning of the mantra: “ha-a-a…»;
3. close your lips and sing the ending: “m-m-m-m»;
4. then take another breath and repeat the cycle.

While singing the mantra feel the expanding of the throat chakra. Visualize that the neck and throat are filled with pure blue light. Continue for at least 5 minutes.

At the end of the exercise, you will feel the energy pulsating in the neck area. It is a sign of the throat chakra activation.

2. Yantra Meditation

Yantra is a unique mystical symbol used for meditation. Yantra for Vishuddha chakra is a triangle pointing downwards. Inside the triangle, there is a circle. For your throat chakra healing, it is very powerful to do a Vishuddha yantra meditation.

Vishuddha Yantra Meditation

For performing a Vishuddha Yantra meditation you need a picture of Vishuddha Yantra. You can draw it by hand, print it, or use a video animation.

Take a pose for meditation. The spine should be straight. Place the picture of the yantra next to you so that you can see it well.

Start studying the yantra. The three sides of the triangle represent the past, present, and future. It is important to remember all these times in order to remain in the present, to awaken to the life of an Eternal being.

The circle inside the triangle indicates the dormant psychic abilities in each of us. We get our freedom when we manage to open the throat chakra. However, your main attention should be focused on the continuation of spiritual development and the acquisition of Divine consciousness.

Now it is time to also think about ways to communicate with others. What kind of atmosphere do you create around you?
Are you ready for a deeper communication with others?

In the following days, watch your behavior. What and how do you say? What do you bring to the surrounding space — goodness or disharmony?

After completing your thoughts, sit still for a couple of minutes.

3. Writing

Writing a diary is another powerful way to do your throat chakra healing. It is very helpful to write down all your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, especially if you don’t feel comfortable sharing them with others. Writing will help you remove the block from your throat, especially if you will read what you wrote out loud.

4. Aromatherapy

Using aromatherapy is another wonderful tool you can use for your throat chakra healing. Essential oils can actually remove the block in your Vishuddha. For this purpose, you can use sandalwood and lavender oil (aroma lamp, inhalation, etc.).

5. Clothing

Did you know that the clothes that you’re wearing can actually help you with your throat chakra healing? For this purpose, when you’re choosing your clothes give preference to blue color. Ideally, it would be wearing a blue scarf around your neck. The vibration of blue color will resonate with the vibrations of the throat chakra and strengthen it.

6. Crystals

Another powerful tool for opening your throat chakra are crystals. It’s very good for your throat chakra healing to wear a necklace with lapis lazuli, blue calcite, aquamarine, turquoise, sodalite, amazonite, or blue tourmaline.

7. Nature

The element of the throat chakra is ether. That’s why spending time outside under the open the blue sky is already a healing itself. Spend more time in nature looking and meditating on the blue sky.

Conclusion

As you can see Throat chakra healing is very important especially for women. Learn to talk about your feelings and express yourself! Many women are afraid of looking weak, silly and even judged. But the thing is – it shouldn’t matter. This is the ego that wants you to stay quiet and in your “comfort zone”.

In this article, we have collected spiritual movies that are directly or indirectly related to spiritual development, sacred knowledge, reflections on the true nature of man and his unlimited possibilities, and on the ways of self-discovery. These spiritual movies give the multidimensional perception of reality and the evolutionary development of mankind. These films expand consciousness and perception of the world, as well as stimulate the thought process.

Here they are 10 great spiritual movies to watch!

Top 10 Spiritual Movies

#1 Samsara, 2011

It is not a secret that civilization turns a human into a robot. This is basically the message of this movie.

Nature consists of an eternal stillness expressed through harmonious movement. All that modern man creates is the hustle and bustle of cities. Cows turned into mechanisms for the production of milk, people turned into machines for the production of unnecessary rubbish and garbage for putting on the outside and stuffing “inside”.

Religions do not unite people in the pursuit of heaven but kneel and twist them in a meaningless circle of biomass.

In the eternal cycle of our existence, Samsara appears as a mill, a wheel of zeroing and renewal of life.

This movie shows the other side of modern world “progress” and definitely makes you re-think your values!

#2 Kundun, 1997

This movie immerses us in the era of the last independent years of Tibet, the years when this state enjoyed its peace. The movie tells the story of the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, about his life path, choice and tragic fate, which he did not choose, but which overtook him when he was not ready.

For a deeper immersion into the culture and life of Tibet, the movie reveals the history of the ruler of this state, enlightening us in who the Dalai Lama is, how he is elected and what powers he has.

Evil, in the form of occupation by China, in 1951 happened gradually, but at the same time rapidly bit by bit destroying the culture of Tibet. And now the young wise Dalai Lama has to stand up for his country and his people in order to achieve peace. But what can he really do to save his country? He who has never seen evil and violence, who has lived in silence and enlightenment. What can he do against the powerful Communist China that oppresses everything on its path?

The movie is not so much about the history of Tibet but rather about what independence really is and what price should be paid for achieving it. And all this is the background for the disclosure of a strong, inflexible ruler who resists the invaders with all his strength.

#3 Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami Who Started It, 2017

Don’t be afraid to watch this movie – it’s not campaigning for anything. After watching it, you will not be dragged into a sect, you will not have to pray, you will not be hypnotized! This is a movie about a person with a strong spirit, an open heart and a great purpose.

Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, gave the youth what the society could never give. He taught them to seek peace inside and to live without cruelty.

This movie shows how wonderful it is when you have a great mission and purpose in life. And when there is a goal to change the world for the better, then the right people will always find you.

If you remember history, there were many other peaceful revolutionaries. If we talk about religion, Jesus was one of them too. So this movie is about history, about inspiration, about the power of the human spirit, about the purity of the heart, but NOT about religion.

#4 Zen, 2009

This movie will immerse you in the atmosphere of the XIII century when a monk Dogen Zenji from Japan goes to China in search of spirituality and true Buddhism. On the way of the main character, there is a monk who teaches the subtleties of meditation — the leading method of enlightenment. Having returned home, Dogen Zenji does not lose faith in the ideas rooted in him and begins to convey to the people the knowledge about Zen.

“Zen” literally allows you to explore the inside of the transformation of a man during meditation. This movie has a great educational value because it reveals the true meaning of Zen Buddhism, which, unlike other spiritual schools, pays great attention to the understanding of reality and self-awareness.

The movie quite clearly conveys the essence of Zen, its difference from other schools of Buddhism and the lack of dogmas, rules and blind copying of meaningless traditions.

#5 Little Buddha, 1993

After the death of Lama Dorje, Tibet Buddhist monks begin to look around the world for children, which embodied the soul of the deceased. They find an American boy, Jesse, and two Indians — Raju and Gita who became the object of reincarnation. In parallel, the movie shows us the legend of Prince Siddhartha, who once began his ascent to the heights of the spirit.

This movie is clear and interesting to watch for everyone. There is no need to look for subtext – all the basic ideas are at a glance. “Little Buddha” can elevate and give impetus to the development of any person.

#6 Ashes and Snow, 2005

This movie is a unique project of photographer Gregory Colbert. For 13 years he made 32 expeditions to the most remote corners of our planet. He was listening to the voices of the animals and found a common language with them. In his beautiful movie, Gregory Colbert shows us the world of animals and the world of people living on the same planet as a whole.

We live in the heart of fuss. We are constantly in a hurry and never have enough time. Our pulse frantically measures the passing time, we suffocate, freeze, and constantly feel lonely. We get older, but we can not find the answer to the only important question: Why are we here?

This movie tells us: “Wherever you are at this moment, there is a place for love. There is love inside you. Sometimes it is very difficult to feel it, to find it, but nonetheless, it is there inside you. Don’t fuss, don’t rush. Give yourself time to feel the unity of the whole world. Everything is made up of everything, and nothing is permanent.

This movie is like a tuning fork for your heart. Dissolve into it, follow the elephants, soar with the birds, listen to the song of the desert. There is absolute infinite love inside each of us that makes us one. You have everything you need to be who you want to be.

#7 Powder, 1995

‘Powder’ is a strange nickname students give to their new classmate Jeremy. People are afraid of his unusual appearance, deathly pale skin, sizzling gaze penetrating into the heart of the interlocutor. But soon they realize that Powder has supernatural powers, and there are raging flames of incredible energy behind his cold appearance. So who is he – the mistake of nature or its crown, a new stage of human evolution?

We can say that “Powder” is a movie about one of the many angels sent to Earth to show people their life and essence from the inside and the way they really are. This movie is deeply spiritual, it touches on many different topics that remain a mystery for science, and which people call “miracles”.

People are amazing creatures. We invent a lot of different devices to penetrate deep into space, earth, ocean — and all this just to see something new and unknown. But quite otherwise we begin to behave if we see something unusual not in the unknown depths, but right next to us.

Teenagers are cruel, and adults also do not always differ in mercy. Many people are willing to do anything to become “not like everyone else” and shock society. But what is life like for a person who did not make a decision to stand out, but nevertheless is very unique and very different from everyone else?

This movie tells the story of a person with great potential, but at the same time rejected by society.

#8 Mr. Nobody, 2009

This is a movie about parallel realities and about how each of our steps creates many worlds where we continue to live, but we just play different roles. Only astral travelers know about the existence of these realities because they are able to penetrate into their own parallel lives.

Many people do not like this movie because it is very deep and powerful and people who have poor creative and mental abilities are likely not to see the deep meaning inherent in it.

At the end of this movie, we understand that all events occur simultaneously, and the fact that time seems to be stretched in space is just an illusion, a distortion that occurs in our head.

This movie makes you reevaluate your life, your actions, and your choices that you have to do almost every minute of your life.

This movie is for people who usually have deep thoughts about life, who can make unpredictable choices. After watching this movie it will not easily let you go. It stimulates lots of deep thoughts and self-analysis. And you start to understand that “anything is possible until a choice is made” on a deeper level.

#9 Mother! 2017

Have you often wondered how similar the physical laws of your body are to those outside your body? The blood is coursing through your veins like rivers on earth. How some microorganisms parasitize others. That all living things are made of cells. And that on the material level, the connection between a human being and the Earth that gave birth to him is inseparable.

Darren Aronofsky, the director of this film, is a talented pathologist of human perception of the world. In this movie, he tries to rudely cut down in our consciousness a new glance on the paradigm of morally-oriented Christian psychology. And more specifically – its importance on our planet.

Skillfully quoting Christian symbols and allegories, the Director dares to ask a question to God directly or rather, wants to charge Him: “Why? What did you start all this for?”

#10 Lucy, 2014

The main character in the performance of Scarlet Johansson, involuntarily becoming a drug courier, accidentally absorbs a huge amount of drugs. This substance is a hormone that is produced in a woman in the sixth week of pregnancy. As a result of an overdose, Lucy’s brain begins to work at 20 percent and more. She has the ability to move objects, read other people’s thoughts, control matter, and even travel through time.

This movie makes us wonder: “How would life change if we used 20% of our brain?”. And also gives us some answers:

• The first stage would be full self-control.
• On the second stage, we would get control over others. But this will require 40% of brain power.
• The third stage would give us the management of the matter.

And at the very end of the movie, we discover the hypothesis of what would happen if we use the capabilities of our brain 100%.