American Yogi

In what often feels like a promotional film on behalf of Hindu spiritualism, filmmaker Steven Newmark presents an autobiographical essay on his journey toward enlightenment, an odyssey in which the Indian guru Maharajji played a pivotal role. Maharajji also inspired Richard Alpert: under his influence Alpert took the name Ram Dass and published Be Here Now, the 1971 book that brought the guru’s message to a wide audience. Among its readers was Newmark, a seeker of personal fulfillment who decided to travel to India, where--as he explains with footage of his trips and animation inserts--he experienced the effect of the guru’s presence even though Maharajji had died years before. Spending time with Maharaji’s disciples and even experiencing encounters with the guru’s spirit, Newmark says he was liberated from his body and transformed. Newmark also describes his visit to a temple where he was introduced to his own personal palm leaf prophecy, found in an ancient text that described the circumstances of his life and search in incredibly accurate detail. Newmark also reconnects with erstwhile girlfriend Zoe Harber--the measure for all of the other women in his life--who joined Newmark on another journey to India and became his fellow-traveler on the road to enlightenment. Harber adds her voice to Newmark’s in extolling the example of Indian Hinduism in general and of Maharajji in particular. Newmark and Harber are engaging hosts, and whether or not American Yogi persuades people to follow their path, it does present an amiable journey of discovery. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)