Blueprints for Awakening - Wisdom of the Masters

Blueprints for Awakening - Wisdom of the Masters is a deeply enlightening and inspiring documentary film in its genre, narrated by John David, previously known as Premananda. Released in 2008, the one and a half hour documentary explores the profound spiritual wisdom of 16 Indian masters in contemporary times and elucidates the essence of truth and pure awareness, thereby facilitating the viewers on their spiritual journeys. Rooting its premise in the ancient philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic Hindu philosophy, the film emphasizes personal experience over theoretical knowledge and encourages direct recognition of unwavering truth.

The movie begins with an expressive introduction that invites the viewer into the pure world of spirituality, leading them to the key question that underlines the whole film – “Who am I?” This question is approached through different angles and interpretations throughout the journey by interviewing various spiritual masters, eminent personalities, and advanced spiritual seekers. The film Intersperses between these interviews and scenic shots of India, which capture the life, culture, and spirituality of the locale, transporting the viewer to a transcendent realm.

The ‘Blueprints for Awakening’ refers to the crucial insights, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge that the film aims to provide its viewers. The documentary brings various spiritual truths to light, like the concept of Self, reality and Illusion, Guru's role, Self Realization, and Liberation. The movie helps to dissect these complex ideas in a language digestible to the uninitiated yet profound enough to engage seasoned spiritual seekers. Conversations with the masters reveal their unique experiences, insights, and practical methods to understand and attain self-realization, essentially mapping out a blueprint for awakening.

The film features interviews with sixteen well-known Indian masters such as Sri H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji), Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramesh Balsekar, Premananda and many others. Each master provides a unique response to the fundamental spiritual questions, thus providing a broad range of perspectives of the same underlying truth. The wisdom of each master supplements the others, thereby creating a comprehensive tapestry of spiritual enlightenment.

One of the most appealing aspects of the documentary is the intimate and personal tone of the interviews. The informal environment and open-minded format allow the masters to discuss their experiences and wisdom freely. The gentle manner in which the narrator, John David, guides these interviews ensures these discourses remain approachable for individuals at different stages of spiritual discovery. In addition, he carries a sense of sincerity and humility that effectively conduces a rich, deep dive into the vast ocean of spirituality.

As the film unfolds, it firmly emphasises that the essence of all religion and spirituality essentially points to the one underlying truth - The realization of one’s true self. And this is not an intellectual understanding but an experiential one, achieved through stable, persistent self-inquiry and meditation. The content of these discourses essentially touches upon the teachings of the ancient sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi, revered universally for his simple yet profound teachings of self-inquiry to ‘realize the self’.

Another salient feature of the film is the scenic views of India's diverse landscape, beautifully intertwined with the narrative. The exquisite locales, the sacred ashrams, the inspiring monasteries, the simplicity of rural life, and the urban chaos of the cities all combine to provide a holistic view of India - a place rich in culture, tradition, and spirituality.

It is important to note that the understanding and wisdom embedded in ‘Blueprints for Awakening’ are not confined to any particular belief system or tradition. The viewpoints expressed transcend any bounds of religion, culture, or nationality. Therefore, the film can be appreciated by anyone and everyone, regardless of their faith or philosophical leaning, who is eager to explore and comprehend the profound realm of spirituality and truth.

The documentary can be seen as a beneficial companion for those on their spiritual journey or anyone seeking wisdom about life's deeper truths. With reverence and humility, it urges us to probe our consciousness, ruminate over our existence, and recognize our quintessential selves.

At its heart, ‘Blueprints for Awakening - Wisdom of the Masters’ is a compelling insight into the essence of human existence and explores the possibility of living in a state of constant awareness and peace. It is a timely reminder to look within ourselves to discover the true essence of our being.