Meditation is a way to practice letting go of expectations. In that spirit, “One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das” is a fine enough documentary, a nice enough introduction to a charismatic figure with a fascinating life, an unusual art and worldwide fans.
But oh, what might have been. (It is an elusive goal, this letting go of expectations.)
Krishna Das is a singer of kirtan, a call-and-response chanting of, normally, names for God in Sanskrit. Some of this film’s best moments feature him performing kirtan in his low rumble for ecstatic, blissed-out audience members in churches, yoga centers and concert halls. (He sounds a bit like Eddie Vedder.) Krishna Das, also known as KD to his fans, turns 66 this month and has a busy touring schedule and several albums, including one (“Live Ananda”) nominated for a Grammy.
He was born on Long Island as Jeffrey Kagel, who grew to be a budding rocker (and almost a member of Blue Oyster Cult). As a confused seeker in the late ’60s, he met Ram Dass — also American, born Richard Alpert — who turned him toward India and Neem Karoli Baba, known to his followers as Maharajji. Mr. Kagel considered Maharajji his guru, and Maharajji gave him his new name. With his guru, the reborn Krishna Das chanted, loved and learned.
Still, Maharajji sent him back to the United States and, soon after, died. His devotee then felt lost in grief, wrestling with depression and drugs before remembering his promise to his guru: I will sing for you in America.
Yet Krishna Das, having reversed his life’s course several times, is no stereotypical mystic: He wears his Long Island heritage as closely as he does his red flannel and red T-shirts (red being popular among followers of the deity Hanuman, who practice service). Casual, humble and appealing, likely to speak obscenities as well as ideas, he is a thoughtful talker in the lengthy, medium-frame shots in this film, and the images of his youth and time in India offer some visual context.
The first-time feature director Jeremy Frindel has gathered stars of the American meditation and yoga firmament to sing the praises of Krishna Das: people like Ram Dass, Lama Surya Das (another American, born Jeffrey Miller), Sharon Salzberg, Daniel Goleman and the record producer Rick Rubin. But perhaps all those names were a distraction, because the film makes almost no room for its subject’s interactions with others. “One Track Heart” is too hagiographic to dive into messy spots, where truth tends to live. YouTube clips can offer as much insight.
A little dialogue, a little mixing it up with friends, a little picture of Krishna Das’s daily life would have gone a long way toward giving this documentary texture. Instead it’s another bunch of talking heads, and the result might fare better on the small screen.
One Track Heart
The Story of Krishna Das
Opens on Wednesday in Manhattan.
Directed and edited by Jeremy Frindel; director of photography, Mr. Frindel; music by J Mascis and Devadas; produced by Mr. Frindel and Mike Harrop; released by Zeitgeist Films. At the IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas, at Third Street, Greenwich Village. Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes. This film is not rated.