SYNOPSIS
Possibly the first ever in-depth documentary about the ancient science of sound, this film explores the profound wisdom of Mantra—an esoteric knowledge preserved by the sages of India for millennia. The documentary takes viewers on an illuminating journey into how this sacred sound influences human physiology and psychology, revealing its potential to elevate consciousness and transform inner experience.
Enriched by the insights of Sanskrit scholars, spiritual masters, mantra practitioners, and musicians, this film weaves together timeless knowledge and lived experience, showcasing how deep insight into Mantras has uplifted and transformed countless lives. Particularly compelling are the accounts of medical and Ayurvedic practitioners, whose experiments and case studies reveal remarkable outcomes—successfully addressing conditions once considered incurable and helping individuals overcome mental and physical challenges thought to be irreversible. At its core, the documentary unveils the immense and omnipresent power of sound—a hidden treasure of nature, accessible to all. This is the eternal sacred sound of India: Mantra.
“TRUE WORLD OF MANTRA”
2026
Movie Director, Producer : Manish Vyas
India is my soul - I come from a family of Brahmins, that for generations and generations have been from this blessed region of the planet called India. Bhārat (India) has such a rich heritage that only few people can imagine. The depth of its sciences is such that it would require many lifetimes to even start mastering one small area. As a musician and a seeker, trained under some of the finest maestros and spiritual masters in India, I feel honoured to show to the world the depth of it.
We were able to dive into these subjects with knowledgeable people, many of them humbly hidden in some corner of India... but with so much knowledge and wisdom that one can simple bow down to them in respect and silence.
I dedicate this film to India and all these Gurus, teachers, musicians and participants in the film who are doing the same effort as me, to show an authentic source - without selfish interests but overall the love and respect for Bhãrat - forever my beloved India.
MANTRA and other forms of ancient sacred Sounds have their roots in India since more than ten thousand years; during the time of the Vedas, when Rishis (seers, wise ones) discovered existing Sounds that were related to a form, by which certain sounds can be related to a particular energy. In this way, it was realized that a certain actual result could be obtained by using a certain sound. So, certain sounds are able to produce transformation. That is why, in India it is said that Sound is God.
The source of Mantra is Sound - actually Mantra is a Sound, but not any sound! Mantra is not about music, entertainment, concerts, singing-together... it is about a very complex science, the science of Sound, where Sound is power, Sound is Creator, Sound is God.
About 40 different artists, scholars, masters, writers, doctors and practitioners have dedicated their life into exploring the depth of this science of Sound and have contributed with their knowledge and experience in this documentary.
an ancient source
Sanatan Dharma, popularly known as HINDUISM is the source of all the incredible wisdom and knowledge systems that India has gifted to the world. It is said that whenever anyone in any part of the world is seeking peace and true knowledge, he or she looks towards India because since millenia, this land and her people have invested a lot into the search of truth and elevation of human consciousness. And MANTRA is one of those amazing gifts.
Beyond my passion for the world of Mantra, Music and culture from India, the intention behind this documentary, is also to share the true essence of this ancient practice, or better to say, science. Also being able to reach the audiences in the West, where so many distorted presentations of Mantra (and other disciplines from India) have been happening since the last fifty years.
Mantra is not a world of concert performances and even less 'star-ship' where the focus is given to the singer - this is the first misunderstanding. Mantra is dedicated to God and He is all which matters when one chants a Mantra.
Yet, if sacred texts from India are put into music, this is done with uttermost respect and understanding on how to handle this process.
In this way we can connect to a more earnest approach towards these practices; which are ultimately tools to raise consciousness. Therefore, the purpose for which these paths have been conceived shouldn't be forgotten.
"To interact with the diverse learned and insightful referents in this subject, has been a great experience and a fortunate event. To be learning from each of these sources is a total blessing for any person in love with our history and culture."
Idea, planning, production, management, script, main editing:
Manish Vyas and Vanesa Nau
Since his childhood, Manish Vyas has been exposed to Sanskrit, Mantras, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gītā, spiritual poetries of Kabir, Nanak, Meera... He was playing and singing in Kirtan gatherings since young age at home or at the meditation centre run by his grandfather in Gujarat - a bhakti atmosphere that happens naturally and spontaneously in India, under its beautiful and unique traditions transmitted from generation to generation for thousands of years.
In India, when one learns music, one cannot remain untouched by the spiritual element of it, the sacred text of ancient India, where so many Beings became enlightened and many of them expressed their journey and state through songs, verses and mantras.
Film Fundraising
Crowdfunding / Contribution / Donation
"Life is an echo, what you send out comes back."
I once heard, "making a documentary is like raising an elephant..." and it is a little bit so! That's why, as an independent film maker motivated by the love of India and its treasures, I appreciate your support. We are very proud of what we are doing through this documentary, and though the purpose of it is not getting a commercial benefit but the passion for the subject, still, we would be happy to cover the expenses (or some expenses) of the film-making... mainly due to the extensive time and traveling dedicated to this. With your support we can realize the documentary to its full potential.
All contributors (of at least 100 USD) will receive a digital link to view the film and will also receive the WAV files of the album with the film music.
If you would like to help in this project, you can find the options to make a donation (any amount) on this link
or faster option thru Paypal: namaste@manishvyas.com (Paypal email)
I'm working with a wonderful film crew in India and a smaller team in Switzerland. Thank you for your interest and support, and stay connected! With His Blessings and Gratitude, Manish Vyas
Status of the funding received until now: about 25,700 USD - Thank You!
The estimated movie budget is about 45,000 USD
some feedbacks received from the previews
"This is going to be so good, simply because the trailer is extraordinary. Chanting is not performance. Whatever you do, do it with a qualified teacher."
"I was really excited to see the trailer of the movie. I much appreciate your daring efforts to capture and show case these Hindu cultural values such as Mantras. Keep up your social and divine efforts. Have shared your movie info with my friends and families too."
"Thank you for spreading the word and sound. It's so important what you are doing, I feel blessed, when I discover a little bit of this ancient and sacred world."
"The trailer is exquisite it taps into the beauty of Vedic wisdom. Thank you, i can't wait to see this and more."
"The real deal."
"So happy you are doing this Manishbhai - The truth must be known."
"Wonderful work! Thanks for all you do to revive the ancient wisdom of India."
"Outstanding."
"I'm eager to see this, learned already from the preview."
"This is the original and ancient point of view, which has been unknown to the rest of the world. It is time people know the real flavor instead of rock-n-roll mantras and kirtans. What you're doing is great."
"I just wanted to say thank you for making the Mantra documentary. From the first few moments you could feel the calm and power. It’s the first documentary on mantra that I feel I really want to watch!"
"Amazing! Listening to all these talented musicians, seeing their dedication to learning and absorbing is inspirational. Listening to mantras and classical Indian music has always affected me positively for years. I can't wait to see the entire movie!"
"As a westerner, it's so difficult to understand what is the role of a student in vaidika dharma, but this beautiful work explained the finesse of it. Thank you so much. Amazing work!" Gabriel
"This is a short note of gratitude. Just to humbly express the adoration of your music, emanating from the silent space of your heart and reminding us that we too are That. For such blissful music can only be a manifestation of the love for God. I am deeply touched by your honoring of the Indian culture and music and how this reflects in your mission to keep true and authentic while enabling the Western ears to connect with it." Maya
"Thank you for showcasing the musical and spiritual people of India and their wisdom on the science of Mantra and its role in increasing one's awareness. Honestly, till now, I was clueless about the science of Mantra. This message of yours has kindled my inquisitiveness to know more. I am sure your forthcoming documentary film will be an enriching experience. What is heartening is to see your revered expression of Guru Bhakti to the awakened masters. Also, more important, you continue to remain with an attitude of sincere student and not attempting to get into the shoes of the Guru; thus remaining as an instrument to channelize the right knowledge to thousands of your followers. Also, I salute your resolve and passion towards showcasing Vedas and Upanishads to the world in right perspective and making an effort to preserve its authenticity." Mateo
"Thank you Manish for this, so needed to delve into the roots & share this wisdom today with all. It has been an honor to follow & enjoy your offerings all these years." Amrita
"Thank you very much Manish. You are revealing the glory and dignity of Indian culture, art, literature and ancient traditions in the true sense, by revising and presenting them to the world in the most beautiful way, through this pure divine music and documentation." Satya
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