The film Baraka introduces a variety of views regarding religion and spirituality within the larger context of the human experience. It actually embraces the ideas of religion and spirituality in ways many would find some relevancy in their practice based on the silence nature of the film, and the lack of vocal articulation by the characters portrayed throughout the film. Actually, the views taken by the film on this subject are expansive and exceed that of a tunnel vision view regarding religion and spirituality.
In essence, this film embraces the ideas of religion and spirituality in the larger context of the human experience in various ways for individuals from different cultures and societies across the globe. First and foremost, the film depicts the development of religion primarily around social cultures, norms, and traditions. These depictions have become some of the ways individuals are influenced by social behaviors stemming from the application and use of moral persuasion within their societies and cultures.
Based on the above, one could infer that these behaviors embrace religion in different ways and influence commitment or devotion for a particular religious faith or observance based on individual beliefs. Such beliefs also equate to that of a person’s inclination or institutionally embedded bearing, attitude, disposition, practice, or philosophy. These could also translate to a cause, principle, or system of belief held in general by a religious faith.
Alternatively, the film shows spirituality as the sustaining breath and transformative process which extends religion to a viable, inspiring, and sustainable life inside a person. According to the film, the essence of spirituality is generated from inside an individual. On the other hand, religion lies outside. Actually, spiritually cannot be given to a person unless the creator connects with that person or the person with the creator; however, an organization is capable of imposing religion based on the person’s undedicated consent and the influential power of an organization.
Based on the film, one is able to see that spirituality comes from inside; alternatively, religion comes from outside. Spirituality is then embedded in self understanding of one’s reality by submission to a higher power. The higher power in this regard is the demonstrated belief and faith that is beyond the person’s intellect; such a power one would normally find in the persona of God, who is an archetypal in nature. As shown in the film, when one is settled in solitude and nature one will come to find God in one’s heart as a “Supreme Power,” which brings about the essence of spirituality as an extension of religion.