"Ram Dass, Going Home" is an American Netflix documentary from 2017 that is the first filmmaking credit for director Derek Peck here on imdb and for that, it is a pretty good achievement. This one takes us into the life and world of spiritual icon Ram Dass, at the final stages of his long life apparently. The one thing I liked a lot is that he narrated almost the entire thing himself. But as a negative consequence, i must also say that the one part where we hear somebody else feels pretty much out of the picture. In terms of the contents, some of it is really good, other moments feel a bit.. well not pretentious, but lets say not as educational and spiritual as they want them to be. But the overall outcome is still pretty good and I can see that this little film could even be mindblowing for some audiences. For me it was just good I guess. The ending was maybe the highlight, but there is more to it before that as well. I still believe that maybe it could have been a better idea for them had they chosen the 90-minute route. So we don't really find out about Ram Dass a lot, who he is and what he did in his life, whch means it helps if you knew him before watching this one and I must say I did n ot which may have hurt my overall perception a little bit. And I am pretty sure most people here in Germany or Europe too have not heard of him. But the positive is definitely far more frequent than the negative. The music is really good too. In the end, it was a close call if I should choose 3 or 4 stars out of 5, but I went for the former. Maybe a rewatch will change my decision one day. Thumbs up and you really wanna check this one out.
15 Reviews
"Most of what we encounter are thoughts... without those projections I can see everything."
taxiplasm28 December 2017
There is a tendency for most non-fiction films to spend far too much time elucidating historical exposition regarding the legacy of a subject, working just to prove to audiences that such a figure deserves a film about them in the first place. But thankfully this elegant cinematic exploration of the spiritual icon Ram Dass does not oblige itself to such conventions. Instead the film is patient and lyrical as director Derek Peck gives us only what we need to know as we are seeing a man's world unfold before us, confidently allowing space for the deeper lessons to gently exhume themselves and offering us the privilege to truly be in the room with Ram Dass.
Peck's intentions are clearly not concerned with chronicling the details of his eighty-five years in this life, and there is certainly no interest with forcing a conflict-driven paradigm to the story, which most documentaries wrestle with. Rather, Peck's intentions seem to be more focused on pure presence. We watch a fragile man express a profound grace in the midst of what could be a tragedy for the rest of us: as a survivor of a stroke, paralyzed on one side of his body, with a band of caregivers helping with his every move as he miraculously insists to go deeper into his own spiritual practice with a warm smile across his face. His sagacity is not only in his words, but in his way of life.
Shot with delicate poignancy and edited with a visceral awareness of the senses, sounds and images flow like a benevolent memory, increasingly building a profound weight to all that seems ordinary, with a feeling of boundlessness bursting from all around. From tiny lizard creatures, to the simplicity of a meal, to an infinitely expanding ocean, we see through the eyes of Ram Dass and his world, sensing life where we may not have seen it before, blooming in places we would have otherwise taken for granted. This may very well be the last time we see Ram Dass on screen and this viewer is certainly grateful he has been captured not as a didactic figure to be idolized, but as a simple man with sincere compassion.
Grace and Love !!!!
kmferranti-5952420 April 2018
Having known and being an Ayurvedic doctor to Ram Dass for may years, I love Him dearly. Director Derek Peck captured the essence and insight of the Spirit of Ram Dass, in such a gross yet subtle way. The film was an excellent example of a great Director who really knew how to zone on what is in the mind, heart and spirit of one of our Great Spiritual Teachers of the 21st Century. I love the part that Ram Dass explains His love for Hanuman and why His Guru, Neem Keroli Baba gave Him the sacred name, RAM DASS (The servant of the Hindu God RAM, from the epic story, The Ramayana). A great Powerful film, to raise the consciousness to a higher level, for everyone who experiences it !! Blessings to Director Derek Peck for bringing this into the Light. Love, Kanubhai dasa
A timeless and beautiful gift for us all
bencharboneau22 April 2018
35 minutes with Ram Dass as he lives with joy and grace, embracing the suffering from his stroke, and living out the best of his life's teaching. Its authentic and precise expression of grace show the filmmakers' care and love of the subject.
"When I remember who I am, I am you..."
tialynnberry12 April 2018
First of all, my humble obeisances to Baba Ram Dass. He is among my spiritual teachers, and such an amazing soul.
This film introduces Ram Dass, and walks us through his day, gives us an intimate insight into his thoughts and meditations. You see him sitting in his chair, with his mala beads, chanting "I am loving awareness, I am loving awareness..." That is exactly who Ram Dass is, loving awareness, a servant of Ram, a teacher for everyone. In front of him is a large photograph of his Guru, Neem Baba Karoli or Maraji, the soul who inspired Ram Dass's first book, Be Here Now. Although Maraji has left the body, his presence is ever so...present... in the room and throughout the film.
After Ram Dass had his stroke, it forced him inside his soul, more than he already was. He said "I don't wish you the stroke, but I wish you the grace from the stroke." That grace is prevalent throughout this film. The cinematography is astounding, as is the teachings of Baba Ram Dass. His words, though slower now from the stroke, hit you just the same. A more beautiful film , for me, has yet to be seen. The sheer beauty is breath taking, it is one that I will watch over and over.
Ram Dass has been teaching people how to die consciously for decades and now that his time may be near, he is doing it with grace. "It's like taking off a tie shoe," he says.
Haribol, Hare Krishna, Ram Ram Ram....
This film introduces Ram Dass, and walks us through his day, gives us an intimate insight into his thoughts and meditations. You see him sitting in his chair, with his mala beads, chanting "I am loving awareness, I am loving awareness..." That is exactly who Ram Dass is, loving awareness, a servant of Ram, a teacher for everyone. In front of him is a large photograph of his Guru, Neem Baba Karoli or Maraji, the soul who inspired Ram Dass's first book, Be Here Now. Although Maraji has left the body, his presence is ever so...present... in the room and throughout the film.
After Ram Dass had his stroke, it forced him inside his soul, more than he already was. He said "I don't wish you the stroke, but I wish you the grace from the stroke." That grace is prevalent throughout this film. The cinematography is astounding, as is the teachings of Baba Ram Dass. His words, though slower now from the stroke, hit you just the same. A more beautiful film , for me, has yet to be seen. The sheer beauty is breath taking, it is one that I will watch over and over.
Ram Dass has been teaching people how to die consciously for decades and now that his time may be near, he is doing it with grace. "It's like taking off a tie shoe," he says.
Haribol, Hare Krishna, Ram Ram Ram....
Exceptional!
thewaltwhitman14 April 2018
Feeds the heart and soul
magickmarilyn10 December 2017
This is an experience of being here now and simultaneously sliding towards home. I literally felt the Grace of Truth and Love being transmitted. It is beautifully filmed, edited and so entertaining focused, that it feels you are visiting with Ram Dass. A healing remembrance of who and All we are on many dimensions. Needs to be seen by healing professionals. An amazing gift to the hospice community as well as all the unsung heroic caretakers of the world.
Look forward to revisiting this movie again.
Look forward to revisiting this movie again.
Pure.
milindcal21 July 2018
The film is touching,mesmerising and insanely beautiful. The movie takes you on a nostalgic trip to the land of unknown, the cinematographers have done a wonderful job. There is a calming and a soothing play of the soundtrack along with soothing visuals. The film could have been longer . Simply stunning.
A healing Gem!
gowmonk13 December 2017
This short (31min) beautiful documentary is an experience for the senses. All vibrates, all breathes, the present moment is felt in each frame. This film isn't a meditation on "being" through followings ram Dass in his daily life, watching Nature and sending its Breath, spiritual principles are simply lived instead of taught.
The editing by Taryn Gould is superb and intuitive, DP Calep seppa did a mangnifucent Job at showing us the pulse of life in all things, Director Derek Peck followed his heart and soul which lead to a film filled with Love. Thank you for this mini masterpiece ! One breath at a time. Best of al is the Joy that radiates from Ram Dass and those around him. What a gift!
How to be born again.
johnymercho12 April 2018
A profound portrait
zanelewisstudio16 May 2018
Going Home, is a compelling dream-like portrait of the prolific spiritual teacher Ram Dass focusing primarily on the final chapter of his life as he willingly excepts his journey is nearing its end. Ram Dass shares wisdom and insight on what it means to be human and what a gift life and life's changes are. Beautifully executed visually and harmonized exquisitely with the score and Dass's dialog, Peck's film is very powerful and moving. It gives deep perspective and meaning, a film for all audiences both young and old.
Loving Awareness
audreetara23 January 2021
A stunning short film, looking into the life and heart of Ram Dass... I am not a follower of his, yet I know of him and have listened to his talks- which have been insightful and transcendental for me. After this film I wish I had sat at his feet to experience his wisdom and his state of consciousness.....Deep gratitude for Ram Dass to share his last moments of life on film - allowing us to see Grace through the realities of life and death...and for the filmmaker for the beauty and power of image...it is a peotetic journey...
Journey for the soul
sjmontalvo13 April 2018
This is a beautiful and soulful reflection of Ram Dass' journey. It is also ours in his reflection. We walk along Ram Dass in part because of the beautiful direction of the film but mostly because of his message. What he wants to leave us with. He is a greater teacher now than ever, always in loving awareness.
I love this!!
benincasamatt8 December 2023
I've watched this 4 times
Ram Dass knew he was about to drop his body and explains his grace from the stroke, I love love love beyond words, I love Ram Dass I pray to him and somewhat feel that he hears my prayers. He's been a great influence upon me. I feel a presence sometimes but I don't know if it's ram Dass or the holy Spirit but my synchronicities are crazy 11 22 33 and mostly 44
I am About to drop my body as well just turned 34, Dec 4th and have heart disease. I know that I will soon meet him in the astral realm
I meditate every hour of everyday because I have intense shortness of breath and the shortness of breath pushes me to meditate HARDER and I am greatful (inhale for 5 hold for 3-4 seconds and exhaling for 7 or your lung compacity) repeat start counting in your head while you exhale 1234 repeat & as a thought arises come back to your breath, repeat.
My lifetime this is supposed to happen to me
I have no health insurance
It is what it is, and I love every being who reads this! I love you! With every fiber of my being! All is love!! 💕
Ram Dass knew he was about to drop his body and explains his grace from the stroke, I love love love beyond words, I love Ram Dass I pray to him and somewhat feel that he hears my prayers. He's been a great influence upon me. I feel a presence sometimes but I don't know if it's ram Dass or the holy Spirit but my synchronicities are crazy 11 22 33 and mostly 44
I am About to drop my body as well just turned 34, Dec 4th and have heart disease. I know that I will soon meet him in the astral realm
I meditate every hour of everyday because I have intense shortness of breath and the shortness of breath pushes me to meditate HARDER and I am greatful (inhale for 5 hold for 3-4 seconds and exhaling for 7 or your lung compacity) repeat start counting in your head while you exhale 1234 repeat & as a thought arises come back to your breath, repeat.
My lifetime this is supposed to happen to me
I have no health insurance
It is what it is, and I love every being who reads this! I love you! With every fiber of my being! All is love!! 💕
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