Awake: The Life of Yogananda

Awake: The Life of Yogananda is a 2014 documentary film that tells the story of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century, Paramahansa Yogananda. The film is a mesmerizing journey that explores the remarkable life of Yogananda, from his childhood in India to his powerful teachings that transformed the Western world.

Narrated by Anupam Kher, the film presents an insightful look into the life of the revered spiritual master who brought yoga and meditation to the West. The film features interviews with key figures who were impacted by his teachings, including celebrated entrepreneur Marc Benioff, renowned author Deepak Chopra, and his successor Brother Chidananda. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of Yogananda's life and work.

One of the key themes of the movie is Yogananda's revolutionary spirit. Born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in 1893 India, Yogananda became a spiritual leader and made significant contributions to the introduction of Yoga and Hindu philosophy to the West. He was known for his revolutionary ideas and techniques that challenged traditional religious teachings, and he played a significant role in the establishment of a global spiritual community.

The film highlights how Yogananda's teachings attracted an audience beyond those interested in yoga and spirituality. Yogananda's success can be attributed to his ability to relate yoga to daily life, making it accessible to everyone. He introduced yoga postures as a means of meditation, and taught that it was possible to attain a higher state of consciousness through meditation.

Throughout the movie, we see how Yogananda's teachings embraced spiritual diversity and promoted unity across different religions. Yogananda believed that all religions were paths to a common truth, and his teachings encompassed a wide range of religious beliefs.

The film also focuses on Yogananda's importance as an author. His book "Autobiography of a Yogi" is a spiritual classic that has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The book has had a profound influence on the Western world, and numerous celebrities, including Steve Jobs and George Harrison, have testified to its transformative impact on their lives.

Awake: The Life of Yogananda is more than just a documentary about a spiritual leader. The film is a lyrical, creative endeavor that explores the journey of a visionary who was ahead of his time. Through vivid imagery and Yogananda's own words, we witness his incredible journey and celebrate his profound impact on the world.

Overall, Awake: The Life of Yogananda is a film that is not to be missed. It is a captivating, inspiring journey that takes the audience on a spiritual journey through the life and legacy of a remarkable figure. It celebrates the teachings of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time and encourages a higher level of consciousness and compassion in viewers.