Watch Ram Dass: Fierce Grace

Ram Dass: Fierce Grace is a documentary film from 2001 that takes an intimate look at the life and teachings of spiritual teacher and author Ram Dass, formerly known as Richard Alpert. Directed by Mickey Lemle, the film follows Ram Dass from his early days as a Harvard psychologist and Timothy Leary's partner in exploring the effects of psychedelic drugs in the 1960s, to his transformation into a beloved spiritual figure and advocate for conscious dying and living.

The film features interviews with Ram Dass himself, his friends and family members, and experts in the fields of psychology, religion, and medicine, as well as footage from his lectures and workshops across the world. Through these interviews and archival material, the film explores the themes of spirituality, consciousness, connection, and transformation that have been central to Ram Dass's life and work.

One of the central themes of the film is Ram Dass's journey of self-discovery and transformation. Born to a wealthy Jewish family in Boston, he was a brilliant student and academic who became disillusioned with conventional psychology and turned to psychedelic drugs as a way to explore altered states of consciousness. Along with Timothy Leary, he conducted experiments at Harvard in which they gave students LSD and other hallucinogens, which led to their dismissal from the university.

After a life-changing trip to India, where he met his guru Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass abandoned his old identity and embraced a new spiritual path. He became a pioneer in the field of American spirituality, writing books such as Be Here Now and leading workshops and retreats that helped thousands of people find their own paths.

Another major focus of the film is Ram Dass's advocacy for conscious dying and living. In the 1990s, he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak for a time. This experience led him to reflect on the nature of life and death, and to become an outspoken advocate for hospice care, the use of psychedelic drugs in end-of-life care, and the importance of preparing for death as a spiritual journey.

The film also touches on Ram Dass's personal relationships and struggles. He talks candidly about his relationships with men and women, his conflicts with his father and brother, and his struggles with his own psyche and ego. Through it all, he maintains a sense of humor, humility, and compassion that endears him to the audience.

One of the highlights of the film is its use of archival footage of Ram Dass's lectures and workshops. These provide a glimpse into the unique energy and charisma that he brought to his teaching, as well as the impact that he had on his students. We see him leading meditation sessions, telling stories, and engaging in lively debates with other spiritual teachers.

Overall, Ram Dass: Fierce Grace is an engaging and inspiring portrayal of a spiritual giant whose teachings have touched countless lives. The film offers a comprehensive overview of Ram Dass's journey and message, while also providing a nuanced and empathetic portray of the man behind the legend. It is a testament to the power of spiritual transformation and the enduring legacy of a remarkable teacher.

Ram Dass: Fierce Grace is a 2001 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.