Watch On Meditation

On Meditation is a documentary film that was released in 2016. The film explores the practice of meditation, and features interviews with a variety of practitioners, including veteran practitioners and notable figures such as Giancarlo Esposito, David Lynch, and Russell Simmons. The film is directed by Rebecca Dreyfus. The film's opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, as viewers are introduced to the practice of meditation through a variety of voices and images. We see meditators from around the world, kneeling or sitting cross-legged, with their hands placed in various positions. The camera pans over beautiful landscapes - mountains, forests, and rivers - as we hear a voiceover explaining the benefits of meditation: improved focus, reduced anxiety, and greater emotional control.

The film is divided into several segments, each dedicated to a different type of meditation. Viewers are introduced to Taoist, Zen, and Vipassana meditation, among others, and each segment features different practitioners speaking about their experiences with the practice. Many of these voices are very different - some are experienced yogis, others are beginners. However, they all share a commitment to exploring the benefits of meditation.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is its exploration of the history of meditation. We learn about the origins of the practice in ancient India, and how it has since spread across the world. The film draws on a range of sources, including interviews with scholars of religion and spirituality, to explore the philosophy and meanings behind meditation. We learn about the different styles of meditation, and how they are practiced in different cultures and traditions. These histories provide a fascinating background to the practice of meditation and deepen our appreciation of it.

The film's director, Rebecca Dreyfus, has clearly taken great care in presenting a balanced view of meditation. While the film is clearly in favor of the practice, it is also honest about the difficulties that many people face in beginning and maintaining a regular meditation practice. We hear from several interviewees who express frustration at their inability to "quiet their minds." This is an important reminder that meditation is not always easy, and that it takes patience and dedication to see results.

Throughout the film, we see beautiful footage of people meditating in natural settings - forests, beaches, and mountains. There are also some beautiful shots of people meditating in busy and urban environments, reminding us that meditation can be practiced anywhere, at any time. The filmmakers have also included several short animations, which highlight some of the benefits of meditation. One such animation shows a chaotic and frenetic brain gradually calming down and focusing, demonstrating the point made by many of the interviewees that meditation can help us manage our mental states.

One of the highlights of the film is its interviews with several high-profile figures who are known for their commitment to meditation. Giancarlo Esposito, best known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, talks about how meditation has helped him navigate his often stressful career. David Lynch, the filmmaker behind Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, discusses the role of meditation in his creative process. Finally, Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam records and a major figure in the hip-hop world, explains how meditation has helped him balance his career with his personal life. The interviews with these three figures provide a unique insight into the way in which meditation can impact all aspects of our lives.

Overall, On Meditation is an engaging and informative documentary that explores the philosophy and practice of meditation. The interviews with experienced meditators and scholars of spirituality provide a valuable background to this ancient practice. The film's emphasis on the difficulties of meditation will be reassuring to those who struggle with the practice, while the interviews with high-profile figures will inspire viewers to continue their own practice. The stunning visuals and lively soundtrack make for an enjoyable viewing experience. Highly recommended for anyone interested in meditation, mindfulness, or spirituality more generally.

On Meditation is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.