Watch Be Here Now: Awakening In the Moment

Be Here Now: Awakening In the Moment is a 2015 documentary film that follows the life of spiritual teacher and author Ram Das as he navigates his final years after being diagnosed with terminal illness. The film, directed by Pamela Tanner Boll, provides an intimate look into Ram Das’ journey as he transforms his diagnosis into an opportunity for profound introspection and personal growth.

The film chronicles Ram Das’ life from his early days as Richard Alpert, a Harvard psychologist who became disillusioned with the limitations of traditional Western psychology and sought alternative paths to enlightenment. In the 1960s, Alpert became a part of the counterculture movement and experimented with psychedelic drugs, which ultimately led him to meet his spiritual teacher, Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. Alpert was transformed by his experiences and later changed his name to Ram Das, dedicating his life to spreading Maharaj-ji’s teachings.

The film takes a contemplative look at Ram Das’ teachings and his philosophy of living in the present moment. As he faces his own mortality, Ram Das examines his own thoughts and feelings around death and the process of dying. He reflects on his own teachings about life and death, exploring ways to live fully in the present moment without fear or attachment to the future.

Throughout the film, Ram Das’ connections with others are highlighted, as he holds space for others in their times of suffering while also receiving support and love from family and friends. The film features interviews with Ram Das’ loved ones, including his wife, friends, and other spiritual teachers such as Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das. Their perspectives provide a breadth of insight into Ram Das’ life and offer a window into his influence on the lives of many people.

Be Here Now: Awakening In the Moment also explores the larger cultural and historical context of Ram Das’ teachings. As a leader of the 1960s counterculture movement, Ram Das’ teachings have had a profound impact on Western spirituality and continue to influence many today. The film shows how his ideas about spirituality, mindfulness, compassion, and social justice have shaped the way we think about these themes in the modern world.

The film is structured in a way that reflects Ram Das’ own journey of self-discovery. It includes archival footage of his lectures and interviews, as well as interviews with friends and teachers who have been influenced by his teachings. It also features intimate moments with Ram Das, as he grapples with his diagnosis and surrenders to the reality of his own mortality. The film offers a glimpse into Ram Das’ spiritual practice, which involves meditation, yoga, and prayer, and shows how these practices help him stay grounded in the present moment.

Be Here Now: Awakening In the Moment is a moving portrait of a spiritual leader who has changed countless lives with his teachings. The film is an invitation to viewers to reflect on their own lives and to embrace the present moment with more awareness and compassion. Through Ram Das’ journey, the film shows that even in the face of great suffering, there is joy and beauty to be found in being fully present in every moment.

Overall, Be Here Now: Awakening In the Moment is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced the reality of their own mortality or struggled to find meaning in their lives. It is a testament to the power of mindfulness, compassion, and love, and a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always light to be found.