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Ram Dass: Going Home on Netflix
Ram Dass is a pivotal influence on a culture that has rever-
berated with the words “Be Here Now” since the seminal
book was published in 1971. He has helped others become
free them from their bonds as he works through his own.
Ram Dass’ practice of karma yoga (spiritual service) has
opened millions of other souls to their deep, yet individu-
ated spiritual practice and path. In the documentary short
Ram Dass: Going Home (now showing on Netflix), Derek
Peck created an homage to Ram Dass as he lives out the
remainder of his time on earth in his body. Going Home poignantly captures Ram
Dass’ essence of his teachings. Watch it more than once, since you’ll see something
new every time. Read Shelley Karpaty’s review online at: layoga.comWEBSITE EXCLUSIVES
Mantra—Sounds into
Silence This is the movie that the
kirtan and sacred communities have
been waiting to see. The title of this
feature-length documentary is both
evocative and accurate. It describes the
relationship between sacred sound and
song and what it actually cultivates in
our lives—the all-encompassing state of
silence and eternal bliss.
Filmmaker Georgia Wyss traveled the
world to capture the heart, soul, and
science of the modern kirtan movement.
Kirtan is the call-and-response chanting,
often in Sanskrit, that is a practice-based
repetition of the names and sounds of
divine consciousness. In Mantra, Wyss
has captured the ways in which this kir-
tan has become a worldwide phenom-
enon. She addresses why, through thoughtful interviews with scientists, students, and singers.
Mantra is both an affirmation of why we love to chant and an inviting introduction to the
practice for the uninitiated.
Watch it and look for your favorite festival or artist. Bring a screening to your area. Read our
review online at: layoga.com Learn more about the film at: mantramovie.com
WeMesh with the World
When you turn on the news or open your
phone there is a 24/7 bombardment of
pain, suffering and “oh no, look what
happened now.” One month it is a school
shooting and another week it is a flood
destroying a village. The geography of dev-
astation is both local and global, remind-
ing us how close we are to each other.
WeMesh is a campaign founded by
Michelle Lou Lan in which each month,
a different charity is chosen by the students to contribute to their community.
MeshYoga is a unique style of yoga that blends traditional yoga with dance, Tai
Chi, and Kung Fu created by Michelle Lou Lan; its tagline is “First We Separate,
Then We Connect”. Read Scott Shui’s story online at: layoga.com
For more information about Michelle Lou Lan, visit: meshyoga.comExperience Transformation
at Shakti Fest
I knew Shakti Fest was the yoga festival for me when a one
hour conversation with its founder left me wanting to be a
better person. According to festival founder Sridhar Silberfein,
“Once Shakti starts moving in your body, there’s nothing
you can’t do or accomplish in life.” This spiritual energy is
something Sridhar hopes that everyone has the opportunity to
experience at the festival. “Yoga is not about escaping from
yourself. It’s about connecting with and going deeper into
yourself,” he says.
Nurturing, love, understanding, and compassion are just a few
of the words he uses to describe what attendees can expect to ex-
perience. With workshops, yoga practices, meditation, kirtan, and
super healthy food—transformation is available and accessible.
Read the rest of Alison Bristow’s story online at layoga.com
Learn more about Shakti Fest and pick up tickets at:
shaktifest.bhaktifest.comBehind the Scenes at
Bikram Yoga Fremont,
Portland A gathering storm of smiling
yogis collect in the lobby of the Bikram Yoga
Fremont Street Studio in Portland, Oregon,
where studio owners Gretchen Olsen and
Danelle Denstone tend to the last minute details
for the class. The two are single mothers of
young children and yoginis who became teachers
and took on the challenge of becoming studio
owners. All of their hard work has paid off. The
studio is thriving. “We wanted to bring a more
spiritual side that isn’t always present in every
studio,” Gretchen says. “We want to bring that
back to people.” And they’ve done it by creating
a community of people who have aligned to
practice and support others. “There’s a lot of
listening that goes on here,” Rebecca says. It’s
not surprising. This studio is run by women.
Read more of Sam Slovick’s article and watch
the video here. layoga.com/yoga-in-the-world/
bikram_yoga_fremont_streetTERESA DALSAGER