David Wants to Fly (2010)

In the 1950s, the tranquil peaks of the Himalayas witnessed the birth of an extraordinary success story - that of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Descending into the glittering world of Hollywood, the guru propagated his unique school of meditation, aiming to "achieve world peace". His teachings attracted a star-studded following, including the Beatles, Mia Farrow, and Clint Eastwood. Today, nearly six million people worldwide practice his transcendental meditation (TM). David, an aspiring filmmaker thirsty for inspiration, is drawn towards this path. His admiration for legendary director David Lynch, an ardent practitioner of TM, fuels his curiosity. Encouraged by Lynch's claim that this form of meditation is the key to creativity and success, David embarks on his own journey into the world of TM. He plunges into pricey training, acquires his personal mantra, and attempts the curious skill of "yogic flying". However, this path isn't as straightforward as he expects. The humble organization of the Indian guru has grown into a billion-dollar empire, and following the Maharishi's sudden death, a contentious battle for succession unfolds. David Lynch steps into the role of the organization's prominent international ambassador, nudging David further into the heart of this spiritual turmoil. Amid growing doubts and a personal heartbreak, David Sieveking remains hopeful of enlightenment. He sets off on a pilgrimage, visiting the different stations of the TM movement. His journey takes him from Berlin's Teufelsberg to the enigmatic streets of Hollywood, and then to the spiritual heartland of the Himalayas. As he delves deeper into the Maharishi's peculiar empire, he stumbles upon well-guarded secrets that provoke legal threats from David Lynch. Undeterred, David's quest takes him across the USA and onto India. His initial pursuit of the promised "heaven on earth" morphs into a startling exploration of abysmal depths. His journey culminates in the frosty embrace of the Himalayas, at the source of the Ganges, where he finally uncovers his own truth. David Wants to Fly is a captivating tale of investigative truth-seeking. It artfully combines spiritual exploration with the thrill of a detective story, painting an engaging picture of a young man's odyssey into the self. It's a journey filled with eccentric observations and spiritual experiences, beautifully woven into a cinematic tapestry.

David Wants to Fly is a documentary movie directed by David Sieveking.

It is possible to buy David Wants to Fly on Amazon Video.