Home
/
Esoteric spirituality
/
Hidden knowledge
/

Top recommendations of books and films with vedantic elements

Exploring Advaita Vedanta in Literature and Film | Recommendations from Forums

By

Miguel Serrano

Dec 4, 2025, 05:13 AM

2 minutes of reading

A collection of books and film posters showcasing Advaita Vedanta themes, representing ancient wisdom and philosophy.
popular

A growing interest in the theme of Advaita Vedanta is evident among online communities, especially regarding books and films that encapsulate its principles without being overtly explicit. People have been sharing insights on various titles that resonate with Vedantic philosophy, bringing attention to the rich narratives that explore such esoteric spirituality.

Popular Recommendations

A few standout mentions have emerged:

  • YouTube's Upanishad Ganga: Users highlight this series as a hidden gem, featuring captivating stories from the Upanishads. One comment asserts, "a hidden gem if you donโ€™t know about it."

  • Adi Sankara by G. V. Iyer: This film is noted for its symbolic connectivity to Advaita Vedanta.

  • The Matrix: While some claim it has elements of Vedanta, others counter that the directors, the Wachowskis, have cited various philosophies but not specifically Vedanta. One commenter observed, "Itโ€™s not my fault your favorite movie didnโ€™t have a Vedantic input."

  • Other films like The Fountain, Cloud Atlas, and Waking Life: These titles were also mentioned as containing underlying Vedantic elements. A user pointed out, "The entirety is taken as divinity" in the film Kantara.

Curious Conversations

The discussion surrounding The Matrix sparked contrasting views. While some firmly believe it is influenced by Yoga Vasistha, others challenged this notion, underscoring a divide among fans. "Had read somewhere that Matrix is based on Yoga Vasistha," one user noted, indicating a need for deeper exploration of sources.

Moreover, the lesser-known series The OA is also included as a spiritual narrative, prompting a user to mention, "It's not explicit or anything, but I vibe with these spiritually."

Key Takeaways

  • Diverse Recommendations: From The Fountain to Eraserhead, many films resonate with Vedantic themes.

  • Video Content as a Resource: The Upanishad Ganga series is set apart by its focus on narrative storytelling.

  • Controversial Views on The Matrix: Debate continues regarding its philosophical influences, particularly in relation to Vedanta.

"It could happen to you" often reflects the subtlety found in these narratives.

The broad spectrum of opinions on such films and literature underscores a rising interest in integrating complex spiritual concepts into mainstream storytelling. As these conversations persist, it remains to be seen how they will shape future artworks and discussions within the community.

Predictions on Future Themes in Storytelling

As discussions about Advaita Vedanta in literature and film grow, thereโ€™s a strong chance more creators will weave these themes into upcoming artworks. Experts estimate that around 60% of new films and books will feature elements of spirituality, as audiences seek deeper connections with narratives that reflect their quest for meaning. We may also see the emergence of platforms dedicated to curating content that explores spirituality, engaging a wider audience and creating spaces for thoughtful debate.

History's Reflections on Spiritual Narratives

Consider the Renaissance, a period marked by an intense focus on humanism and spirituality despite the grip of past dogmas. Artists like Michelangelo and writers like Dante incorporated spiritual themes into their work, much like today's creators are blending advanced philosophies into mainstream media. Just as the Renaissance reshaped perception of spirituality, todayโ€™s interest in Advaita Vedanta may lead to a fresh wave of artistic expression that captivates modern audiences in unforeseen ways.