10 Best Spiritual Documentaries Streaming on Gaia
Challenges abound today, both individually and collectively. As a result, many people continue to search for answers, guidance, or information to help them cope, grow, and transcend. Spiritual documentaries are a beneficial resource to help with this, showing us more and more about the universe and our role within it. Use them to expand your awareness, heal from emotional trauma, and change your life for the better. To help begin or continue on your journey, Gaia offers a vast collection of spiritual documentaries and films to choose from.Â
As an on-demand streaming service, Gaia offers subscribers the largest resource found online today for consciousness-expanding video content. The platform shares informative and creative films, original shows, and yoga and meditation classes.
Wherever you are in your journey or starting one, these resources are helpful and even life-transforming. Below is a list of the ten best titles to check out today.
The best spiritual documentaries include:
Must Watch Top 10 List
Although different topics and documentaries will attract different individuals, the following list of the 10 best spiritual documentaries on Gaia will set you on a path to discovery. Get started on these must-watch films today and see where it leads you next.
1. Chasing the Present
Searching for a way out of crippling anxiety, panic attacks, and fear, successful entrepreneur James Sebastiano decides to embark on a worldwide, life-changing journey of self-discovery and documents what he finds in his film, Chasing the Present.
Along the way, he listens to thought leaders from a variety of backgrounds, becoming immersed in plant medicine and meditation. This documentary includes interviews with experts including Zelda Hall (psychotherapist), Graham Hancock (journalist), Alex Grey (artist), and Gary Weber (meditation and yoga teacher).
Sebastiano finds that no one is immune to mental health issues and anxiety while discovering that true happiness and beauty lies in the struggle inherent to the human condition. A Best Documentary winner at the Chelsea Film Festival, Chasing the Present is one of the best documentaries on spiritual awakening.
Year Released:Â 2019
Length:Â 1 hour, 33 minutes
Director:Â Mark Waters
2. Becoming Nobody
Becoming Nobody encompasses the life and teachings of Harvard professor Richard Alpert, who later became known as the spiritual guru Ram Dass, presented in stories, archival footage, and engaging interviews with director Jamie Catto. Ram Dass explains how the majority of human beings are born into the “somebody” type of training and that choosing to become nobody instead will release you from the overarching demands of the ego and lead to ultimate freedom.
Ram Dass bridges the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies, sharing his discoveries of truth and wisdom learned during his travels throughout India. In this documentary, he reveals how disguises and old roles become much like a prison to us. To free ourselves, we must move past these definitions of who we are or are meant to be.
Release Date: 2019
Length:Â 1 hour, 22 minutes
Director:Â Jamie Catto
3. Awake: The Life of Yogananda
Discover how the concept of spiritual living and the practice of yoga came to America in the 1920s with the arrival of Paramahansa Yogananda, and learn how influential his teachings still are today. Yogananda was the first to bring Eastern teachings into the West and provided an inspiring example of how all people can live with authenticity and purpose.
Throughout the film, you’ll explore the teachings by the author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, accompanied by interviews with yoga teachers, students, and scientists. You’ll hear from spiritual thought leaders, including Deepak Chopra, Ravi Shankar, and Krishna Da. You’ll also hear from physicist and Harvard Professor Dr. Anita Goel, as well as modern-day followers of Yogananda’s teachings, such as musician George Harrison. Within these interviews, you’ll gain an understanding of the profound impact his teachings have had and continue to have today for any spiritual seeker.
Year Released:Â 2014
Length:Â 1 hour, 27 minutes
Directors:Â Paola de Florio and Lisa Leeman
4. Finding Joe
Mythologist, philosopher, and American author Joseph Campbell coined the concept of “the hero’s journey,” depicting an archetype found deep within all stories. In this inspiring and uplifting spiritual documentary, writer, producer, and director Patrick Takaya Solomon examines Campbell’s life and work by showcasing the wisdom of notable names, including Deepak Chopra, Rashida Jones, Robin Sharma, and many others.
Taking it a step further and centering in on Campbell’s “follow your bliss” advice, interviews with skateboarder Tony Hawk, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and pro-surfer Laird Hamilton provide more insight into the hero’s journey and what it means for them.
Overall, Finding Joe is an inspirational film that reveals the journey we all must take in order to discover our purpose.
Year Released:Â 2011
Length:Â 1 hour, 20 minutes
Director:Â Patrick Takaya Solomon
5. What the BLEEP Do We Know!?
The What the BLEEP Do We Know!? film is one of the most successful spiritual documentaries of all time.Â
At the center of the story is Amanda (Marlee Martin), a neuroscientist whose life seemingly begins to unravel after the death of a friend. As she enters into the unexpected quantum field that hides behind what is considered reality, Amanda struggles with her newfound spiritual abilities and the true nature of reality.
Mystics and scientists, share ideas and wisdom on quantum physics, quantum mechanics, neurology, evolutionary thought, and spirituality, all leading to an interwoven conclusion explaining how all things are connected. A combination of story, inspiring animations, and visuals, this film elicits an Alice in Wonderland effect that will leave you thinking.
Year Released:Â 2004
Length:Â 1 hour, 48 minutes
Directors:Â Mark Vicente, Betsy Chasse, William Arntz
6. I AM
In an attempt to understand what is so wrong with this world and what can be done about it, successful filmmaker and comedian Tom Shadyac embarks on a journey for answers by seeking out spiritual and intellectual leaders across the globe. He shares eye-opening discussions with philosophers, religious leaders, scientists, and more, finding answers about the nature of humanity, the escalating attachment to materialism, and the important role of human connection.
Those he interviews include historian and playwright Howard Zinn, intention author Lynne McTaggart, linguistics professor Noam Chomsky, evolutionary biologist Elisabet Sahtouris, geneticist David Suzuki, and South African Anglican Bishop and Theologian Desmond Tutu.
Year Released:Â 2011
Length:Â 1 hour, 17 minutes
Director:Â Tom Shadyac
7. Unlocking the Secret
Returning to the law of attraction many learned about in Rhonda Byrne’s successful book and movie, The Secret, this documentary film digs in deeper.
Follow along as three college students embark on a journey to investigate the truth behind the law of attraction phenomenon and experience what they unexpectedly discover along the way. You’ll hear from compelling religious, scientific, and spiritual leaders as they share what makes the law of attraction work, why it sometimes fails to work, and ways to avoid mistakes so that you can use it to the fullest.
From understanding how negative thoughts and limiting beliefs influence your subconscious to the impact of positive thoughts on your life, this film shares what you can do to improve the outcomes.
Year Released:Â 2008
Run time:Â 58 minutes
Director:Â David Priest
8. The Reality of Truth
Could ancient wisdom and spiritual practices be the solution to today’s modern problems? Find out as you join the journey to explore the myths surrounding reality in this documentary guided by Mike Zapolin and Michelle Rodriguez.
Explore the relationship between religion, spirituality, and the healing potential of plant medicines such as Ayahuasca, which is used by ancient cultures throughout the world. You’ll also hear from spiritual leaders, including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Ram Dass, Bruce Lipton, Michael Beckwith, and more. The Reality of Truth was the winner of the Van Gogh Award at the 2016 Amsterdam Film Festival and continues to be one of the most thought-provoking documentaries streaming online today.
Year Released:Â 2016
Length:Â 1 hour, 9 minutes
Director:Â Laurent Levy and Mike Zapolin
9. Yogic Paths
In this docuseries, Gaia takes you on a trip across India, exploring mystical landscapes and ashrams while providing insight into various yoga traditions through unprecedented conversations with spiritual leaders.
These interviews will speak to your heart and provide encouragement to pursue your own journey of self-discovery, helping you go beyond the physical and ordinary to guide you to true freedom.
Year Released:Â 2017
Length:Â Varies
Producer:Â Tatyanna Wright
10. Kalachakra: The Enlightenment
Kalachakra, or “the wheel of time,” is the highest initiation within Tibetan Buddhism. This secretive ceremony, often led by the Dalai Lama, is rarely filmed, which makes this documentary an important addition to the available spiritual resources today.
The story begins with a woman who suffers the loss of a sister early in life and, once older, begins to question what purpose her life has in this world. Set in the vibrant location of Dharamsala, India, the woman, as well as three individuals with differing backgrounds, begin to face their fears as the transformational power of the initiation and spiritual experience approaches. During the ritual, they each enter into an unknown and ancient dimension, which will change them forever.
Year Released:Â 2017
Length:Â 1 hour, 24 minutes
Director:Â Natalie Fuchs
Start Your Spiritual Journey with Gaia
On your journey of self-discovery and personal growth, spiritual movies can be beneficial by providing new ways of looking at reality and learning how to live a more meaningful life.Â
With access to Gaia’s streaming service, you can choose from our Spiritual Growth collection of videos and watch them at your own pace.
About the Author
What Is the Akasha and What It Can Reveal About Your Soul
The Akasha is a spiritual concept that refers to a subtle dimension where all the information of the universe is recorded. It is considered a vibrational field that contains the memory of every soul, its lessons, and purposes. In this article, we explore what the Akasha is, how it is understood in different traditions, and what it can reveal about your evolutionary path.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Akasha in Spirituality?
- Akasha as the Fifth Element: Ether and Universal Vibration
- Differences Between Akasha and the Akashic Records
- The Akasha in Different Traditions and Philosophies
- What Does It Mean to Read the Akasha and What Can It Reveal?
- How to Access the Akasha? Spiritual Connection Methods
- The Akasha as a Mirror of the Soul and a Guide for Personal Evolution
What Is the Akasha in Spirituality?
In spirituality, the Akasha is known as the invisible fabric that sustains all of existence. It is a universal field of information where the experiences, thoughts, emotions, and intentions of all beings are recorded. It is not a material substance, but an energetic dimension beyond time and space, connecting all levels of being.
From this perspective, the Akasha acts as a cosmic memory. Every soul leaves there the imprint of its past lives, its decisions, its lessons, and the challenges it has yet to integrate. Accessing this information allows for a clearer understanding of recurring patterns, karmic ties, and the deeper meaning of human experience.
In the series Inner Worlds Outer Worlds, available on Gaia, this concept is explored in depth. The episode dedicated to the Akasha offers an accessible and profound vision of how this dimension has been recognized by different cultures and how it influences both individual and collective consciousness.
Akasha as the Fifth Element: Ether and Universal Vibration
In many ancient traditions, the Akasha is considered the fifth element, also known as ether. Unlike water, earth, fire, and air, ether has no form or weight. It is the primordial substance that allows the existence of the other elements and acts as the space that contains everything. From this perspective, the Akasha is the field where the vibration that gives rise to matter, sound, and thought is born.
This field is not only subtle, but also vibratory. Everything that exists emits a frequency, and that frequency is recorded in the Akasha as an energetic imprint. For this reason, it is said that it is an inexhaustible source of information, accessible through expanded consciousness. Understanding the Akasha as ether allows it to be seen not only as a spiritual archive, but as the invisible foundation of reality itself.
Differences Between Akasha and the Akashic Records
Although they are related, the Akasha and the Akashic Records are not the same. The Akasha is the universal vibrational field that contains all the information of the soul and the universe. It is a subtle dimension that exists beyond words and forms, and access to it does not depend on a specific structure.
The Akashic Records, by contrast, are an organized way of accessing that information. They function as a symbolic or narrative “translation” of the Akasha, which can be interpreted through tools such as meditation, channeling, or guided reading. They are a means of consulting specific aspects of the soul, but they do not encompass the totality of the akashic field.
The Akasha in Different Traditions and Philosophies
The concept of Akasha has been present in many worldviews throughout time, though under different names and approaches. It has been interpreted as a subtle element, a unifying field, or a universal memory. Despite cultural differences, all agree that there is a non-visible dimension that sustains, records, and connects all that exists.
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Akasha in Hinduism and Buddhism
In Hinduism, Akasha is one of the five great elements and is considered the first of all—the space that allows the existence of the others. It is associated with sound and vibration, and is seen as the medium through which the universe manifests. In Vedic texts, Akasha is not only the material basis of the cosmos but also the container of all consciousness.
In Buddhism, although the term “Akasha” is not always used, there is a similar notion of primordial space or emptiness. This dimension is not absolute void, but a dynamic matrix that enables the emergence of phenomena. In certain schools, such as Tibetan Buddhism, it is taught that accessing this space allows one to perceive the interconnectedness of all things and be liberated from suffering.
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The Concept of Ether in the West
In Western philosophical tradition, especially in ancient Greece, ether was considered the fifth element that filled the space between celestial bodies. Aristotle described it as a pure, incorruptible substance, different from the four classical elements. For centuries, ether was thought to be the medium through which light and energy traveled across the cosmos.
With the rise of modern science, this idea was discarded in physical theory, but it remained in various esoteric and philosophical traditions. In alchemy and in some hermetic schools, ether was upheld as the bridge between the material and the spiritual. In this context, it was given symbolic and energetic significance very similar to that of Akasha in the East.
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Modern Perspective on the Akashic Field
From a contemporary point of view, some researchers and authors have related the Akasha to the concept of a unified field or quantum field. They propose the existence of an energetic matrix that connects all information in the universe, similar to what quantum physics describes as the zero-point field. This interpretation does not seek to replace spiritual views but to offer a modern language to understand the subtle.
Authors like Ervin Laszlo have developed the notion of the “Akashic field” to explain how information is preserved beyond time and space. In this model, Akasha functions as a network of cosmic memory that influences the evolution of the universe. This perspective integrates science, spirituality, and philosophy, and opens new ways to understand consciousness and the soul’s purpose.
What Does It Mean to Read the Akasha and What Can It Reveal?
Reading the Akasha means accessing the information that the soul has recorded throughout its existence. This reading allows you to uncover past life experiences, the lessons the soul has integrated, and the challenges that are still active. It is a way of viewing the soul’s journey from a broader and deeper perspective.
Many times, current blockages or conflicts originate from unresolved karmic patterns. By observing them from the akashic field, it becomes possible to understand their origin, release the emotional burden, and transform the present. One can also recognize soul contracts, repetitive bonds, and forgotten talents that are ready to be reactivated.
In addition, Akashic reading can offer clarity about the purpose of life. By connecting with that information, people gain a more coherent vision of who they are, what they came to experience, and how they can align with their evolutionary path. It is not about divination, but rather deep self-knowledge through consciousness.
How to Access the Akasha? Spiritual Connection Methods
There are various ways to connect with the Akasha, although all require a state of expanded consciousness. Deep meditation, clear intention, and energy work are some of the most common methods. Many people also access it through lucid dreams, contemplative states, or intense moments of introspection.
Some spiritual schools teach specific techniques for conducting Akashic readings, such as opening prayers, guided visualizations, or connection rituals. These tools do not guarantee automatic results, but they help focus attention and tune into the field of information. The key lies in inner readiness and conscious practice.
There are also trained Akashic readers who can facilitate the process for those seeking guidance. However, the Akasha is not exclusive to a few: it is available to all who wish to connect with their deepest truth.
The Akasha as a Mirror of the Soul and a Guide for Personal Evolution
The Akasha does not deliver external answers, but rather clearly reflects what is already within the soul. It functions as a deep mirror that reveals the motivations, wounds, gifts, and challenges that shape each person’s path. What it reveals is not separate from the seeker; it is part of their essence.
This field does not impose a destiny but shows possibilities. Through it, it is possible to make more conscious decisions, release old patterns, and embrace a life of greater meaning. The Akasha guides, but does not direct; it offers orientation from the soul’s wisdom, without judgment or imposition.
Using the Akasha as a guide involves an attitude of responsibility and openness. It is not just about receiving information, but about integrating it, acting upon it, and growing through it. In that process, every human being has the opportunity to become their own teacher and to live in greater alignment with their purpose.
