16/07/2026
"Sound of the Gods" - Film review by Yoga World
Manish Vyas, an Indian musician living in Switzerland, describes mantras as "a direct transmission of the wisdom of the Vedas." He has now dedicated a film to these "magical, hypnotic, meditative, and powerful sounds": "True World of Mantra."
TEXT: CARMEN SCHNITZER
What a mammoth project! Manish Vyas worked for more than five years with his wife Sã and his team on this 193-minute film about the sacred sounds of India. "True World of Mantra" takes us to the multi-instrumentalist's homeland, which he calls his soul: "India is my soul." His goal: to convey a deeper understanding of mantras, which have far more to offer than inspiring, feel-good concerts, as he emphasizes; see also the short interview below.
He does this by visiting various regions of the subcontinent, whose character he captures in fascinating images – and, of course, underscored by appropriate sounds. Even though the film repeatedly speaks of turning inward, one wouldn't want to do without these colorful “external” images, especially since they wonderfully convey the message. Varanasi, in particular, appears again and again, the holiest city of Sanatan Dharma, better known in this country as Hinduism. Anyone who has experienced the Ganga Aarti ritual at sunset here will never forget it.
On his journey, the filmmaker delves deep into the history of mantras and speaks with around 40 people who have dedicated themselves to the exploration of sound in various ways.
Among them is, for example, the philosopher and Sanskrit mantra coach Ram Vakkalanka. He emphasizes, among other things, that positive affirmations such as "I am beautiful, I am powerful, I am rich" are perfectly acceptable and can help to a certain extent on an emotional and mental level to overcome inner darkness, but "the evolution of consciousness is only possible through mantra." Their language is not man-made. Rather, the Rishis once captured the sounds and vibrations of the universe — and mantras were not written in Sanskrit, it was the other way around: Sanskrit developed from the mantras.
How and when these sacred sounds first originated is unknown, according to the film, because initially they were created and passed down orally. The first written records are around 10,000 years old. That there is far more to them than just a pleasant spiritual wellness product has now also been scientifically proven. For example, rhythmic meditation can lower the heart rate, reduce stress hormones, and calm brain activity. Another reason to explore mantras and learn more about them. "True World of Mantra" makes a valuable contribution to this.
Why do the Jodelchörli Schönenengrund choir from Appenzell or the Alphorngruppe Schlossruef Oensingen also appear in it? You'll find out when you watch the film yourself...
You can stream the English-language documentary for approximately €12 as a featured film or divided into four parts, optionally with German or Spanish subtitles.
Quick Talk - MANISH VYAS
What motivated you to make this film?
Well, with the rising popularity of yoga, mantra and kirtan have also become very popular in the West in recent decades. That's great, but sometimes the entertainment factor takes over. Many people lacked information about the truly deep, authentic meaning. I believe it's time for people here to learn to understand the true essence of this powerful science of sound.
A very broad field...
Indeed. For the film, we met a great many people, mostly in India, who have been working and researching in this field for many years, often in silence, but very intensively. Some of them are very well-known, some not at all: Sanskrit scholars, mantra healers, scientists, doctors, artists, even Ayurveda experts who integrate mantras into their medical practice. I've learned a lot too.
It's about so much more than just singing together, right?
Exactly. That certainly puts you in a pleasant state. It's perhaps like a medicinal herb that could heal you completely. You can certainly use it for nice wellness treatments, but that doesn't unlock its full potential. Mantras can connect you with the divine.
Book recommendation Media 99 YOGA WORLD MAGAZINE, GERMANY, JULY-AUGUST 2026 - Original in German as in the picture (free translation)
