“The characteristic features of Indian culture have long been a search for ultimate verities and the concomitant disciple-guru relationship.” Thus begins Paramhansa Yogananda’s world-famous Autobiography of a Yogi.
Millions have read these immortal words, but few have lived them. One who did was Swami Kriyananda. By the force of his example he founded a movement and inspired millions. Now, a movie, The Answer—a living portrayal of the disciple-guru relationship—is about to be released. The first part of the film depicts Swamiji’s desperate search for truth. Then, in scene after moving scene, his yearning is finally satisfied, all the answers he’d ever sought coming through the love and wisdom of his great master, Paramhansa Yogananda. This film is the best visual expression of discipleship I have ever seen. I am not alone in my reaction. Very few people have been able to sit through the movie without tears of joy glistening in their eyes.
There seems to be a special grace behind the release of The Answer. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the times in which we find ourselves, and because the film is one way for God to fulfill the promise He made in the Bhagavad Gita: “Whenever virtue declines and vice predominates, I incarnate on earth. Taking visible form, I come to destroy evil and reestablish virtue.” Whatever the cause, there is a special energy surrounding the release of this film.
One way that grace has manifested is through Sri Rajinikanth, the Indian movie superstar, who has given a moving testimonial for the film. He is a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and Babaji, and was deeply affected when he viewed it recently. For those who are not familiar with him, Rajinikanth is widely considered the most popular and revered actor in India. (We have included a video of his testimonial at the end of the blog.) A second highly acclaimed India actor, Victor Banerjee, plays the role of Yoganandaji in the film.
Another demonstration of grace is the array of prestigious awards the film has already garnered. The producer and director, Kaveeta and Pavan Kaul, have taken the film to over thirty film festivals around the world, at which it has received a great many awards, including best film, best director, best musical score (for Swami Kriyananda’s music), best cinematography, and best script.
The true power of the film, however, lies beyond all the accolades, in the inspiration that it offers and the devotion it awakens. This film has the power to bring many people onto the spiritual path, and to deepen the discipleship of those who already follow a guru. As the name implies, the answers to our problems begin to emerge when we choose to align our God-given free will with the grace of a great soul like Yoganandaji.
The world is stumbling now, lurching through a maze built of self-centeredness and greed. We will not find a way out of this darkness alone. Urgently needed is someone with a torch of wisdom to lead the way. If this film can shine a light into the world at such a time, it will be a great gift to mankind.
In the light,
Nayaswami Jyotish
P.S. The long-awaited release of The Answer will take place in multiple India cities on August 31. The film will be released in the United States in February. More information can be found at www.movietheanswer.com.
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11 Comments
Aum Guru
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
We are eagerly waiting to see ‘The Answer’ in big screen. How blessed are we to be part of this wonderful Spiritual family.
Thank you Master for giving us Swamiji and Thank you Swamiji for guiding us through the path to Master.
Jai Guru
Prem
Congratulations!
This is the best blog yet. Thank you Nayaswami Jyotish for these words. We wondered why the public release of this movie was a long wait, but now it is all coming together. It’s God’s timing, and He chose it to launch in India first. The way you phrased it’s depth of purpose, it brings a promise of inspiration for all truth thirsty people who see it. The message of the Bhagavad Gita shining through the movie will help bring millions to God.
I’m sad to say, That the movie situation has been a complete failure for me. I sent e mails, even contributed to the movie ‘Happiness” or what ever the name was. I have seen notices of it being released, and even that it was going to play in Nevada City. I have called Expanding Light, and not received any helpful information. So, this film, The Answer, well, I’m not feeling like going thru the same experience as I did for the Happiness, film, that to this day I have not been able to see. I am a former Yoga teacher trainee that is certified with the yoga school.
Hi, Mary,
“Finding Happiness” is available on many venues. I watched it on Netflix. It is also readily available on Amazon and else where. Did you watch the trailer of The Answer? The Answer is surely a masterpiece. It has already won many world wide film critic awards. Seek and ye shall find.
Mary, I was very sorry to read your post, and surprised as well: I can’t imagine how this happened (or maybe I should say, didn’t happen). I’m glad in any event that you’ve brought it to our attention. I’ve forwarded your message to Santoshi, who’s headed up our efforts to get “Finding Happiness” out there for everyone. She’s told me that she’ll be getting back to you. Thanks very much for having written.
I just watched the trailer. I was so choked up by its beauty. The beautiful haunting arrangements of Swami Kriyananda’s music. The cinematography is magical. So much love and care went into telling this story with all the inspiration and beauty of Swami Kriyananda’s life reflected, and his divine relationship with his beloved guru, Yogananda-ji. I am very grateful to all who worked on this film and I cannot wait for it to come to the U.S.
I have no doubt this film will be a great masterpiece and a gift to humanity.
I am so excited to see this film. To see a different truth displayed to the world will be a marvelous thing. The truth and wisdom of Swami and Master may now be revealed to all. May many more people now see and understand the beauty and simplicity of this path.
God bless you, Jyotish, for the inspiration that flowed to us through this post. Looking forward eagerly to this film. We cannot know enough about Swamij. He was so mutifaceted that his relationship with each one was special and unique.
What a blessing these blogs are. I look forward to watching ‘The Answer’ !