“I think stress is the worst use of our imagination and creativity is the best,”
– Deepak Chopra
With a career built on the continuous pursuit of understanding the mind-body connection, Deepak Chopra is a prominent and somewhat controversial figure in the world of holistic wellness and spiritual exploration.
From his early days as a medical doctor to becoming a renowned advocate for alternative medicine, Chopra’s journey has been a fascinating one, drawing both praise and criticism along the way.
Pioneering such ideas as Quantum healing and aging as an avoidable and “learned” behavior, Chopra has stirred much attention around the world, and his life is marbled with insights, events, and impacts that make for an interesting read.
So, in this article, we’ll be exploring his:
- Early Life and Background
- Spiritual Teachings
- Controversies
- Disciples and Legacy
Deepak Chopra’s Early Life and Career
Early life
Deepak Chopra’s journey began in the city of New Delhi, British India, where he was born to Krishan Lal Chopra and Pushpa Chopra.
His father was a successful cardiologist, who left a legacy of service and dedication to medicine that inspired Chopra’s own journey, as well as that of his younger brother, Sanjiv Chopra, who is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Chopra’s interest in healing and the connection between thoughts, emotions, and biology began to take shape during his early career after his graduation from the renowned All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1969.
Deepak Chopra’s Career
Chopra’s first job took him to rural India, where he was fascinated by neuroendocrinology – the study of how the nervous system and hormonal systems affect and control each other. This fascination was fed with a desire to understand the biological basis behind the influence of thoughts and emotions on our well-being.
In 1970, Deepak Chopra married his partner, Rita Chopra, in India before embarking on a journey with her to the United States to practice medicine, taking advantage of a time when doctors from overseas were stepping in to support the medical efforts during the Vietnam War.
Despite some entry obstacles, he soon began a clinical internship at Muhlenberg Hospital in New Jersey, and went on to train at various esteemed institutions, including the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts and the VA Medical Center, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
This training culminated in his licensure to practice medicine in the state of Massachusetts in 1973, specializing in endocrinology.In what is described as his ‘East Coast Years’, Chopra’s early career saw him teaching at prestigious medical schools such as Tufts University, Boston University, Harvard University and New England Memorial Hospital in Massachusetts before establishing his private practice in endocrinology in Boston.
During this time, he was deeply influenced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and began exploring Ayurvedic practices, leading him to found an Ayurvedic health center – which many believe was the catalyst for his impending career in alternative medicine.
As he delved into the world of alternative medicine, Chopra became a founding president of the American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine and a medical director at the Maharishi Ayur-Veda Health Center.
Chopra’s “West Coast Years” began in 1993, when he moved to California to work as the executive director of Sharp HealthCare’s Institute for Human Potential and Mind/Body Medicine.
Here he also established the Chopra Center for Wellbeing with neurologist David Simon at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California.
From the late East Coast years onwards, Deepak Chopra established himself as an author on alternative medicine and New Age Spirituality.
His books, which are explored in more detail below, gained widespread popularity and brought him significant attention, leading to interviews and media appearances that crystallized his celebrity status for alternative medicine.
Deepak Chopra Books & Spiritual Teachings
Embedded in his legacy, Deepak Chopra has authored more than 76 books – that’s more than one per year he’s been alive!
These works span various subjects, with Chopra’s teachings focusing on the mind-body connection, consciousness, aging, mindfulness, the law of attraction, non-duality, spiritual healing, the soul, living in the present, and compassion.
He also has various unique “Deepak Chopra meditations” which you can check out on YouTube.
Something he’s most famous for is blending Eastern philosophies with modern scientific concepts to promote alternative medicine, holistic well-being and self-discovery.
Chopra’s books encapsulate his teachings and philosophy. Some of his most popular books include:
#1: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (1994):
Inspired by the natural laws that govern all aspects of creation, this book challenges the idea that success stems from relentless effort and ambition. Instead, Chopra here presents an alternative outlook on achieving success and fulfillment by aligning with spiritual principles.
By living in harmony with natural law, which he describes in the form of Seven Spiritual Laws, a profound sense of well-being, robust health, gratifying relationships, and material prosperity effortlessly blossom into our lives.
#2: Ageless Body, Timeless Mind (1993):
In this somewhat controversial work, Deepak takes a holistic approach to aging and well-being, emphasizing the inseparable connection between mind and body.
Continuing a theme in his life’s work, he sheds light on the role of consciousness in maintaining health and vitality, outlining the ways in which our thoughts and perceptions significantly influence the aging process.
#3: The Book of Secrets (2004):
Unlocking the hidden dimensions of life, in this book Chopra seeks to provide readers with a number of profound insights and transformative realizations to help them answer questions that plague us all: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here?
Chopra guides readers on a journey of spiritual growth through fifteen chapters, each of which discusses a transformative ‘secret’, including: The World Is In You; Transformation Is Not The Same As Change; Death Is Conquered By Dying Every Day.
#4: Quantum Healing (1989):
A unique merging of quantum physics and Eastern philosophy, in this book Chopra explores the connection between the mind, body, and healing.
This challenging conventional views of health by presenting an argument for the integration of the mind’s potential in the healing process has garnered a number of vocal followers, while others criticize Chopra’s discussions of quantum healing, describing them as “technobabble”.
#5: You Are the Universe (2017):
Co-authored with Greek-born American physicist and writer Menas Kafatos, this work delves into the nature of reality, consciousness, and our interconnectedness with the universe.
Shunning the notion that we are distinct from the energy and matter of the universe, Deepak and Menas explore how understanding our oneness with the cosmos is a missing part of our consciousness that leads to much of our suffering. They do so by asking nine intriguing questions, including “Where did time come from?” and “Does the brain create the mind?”
Deepak Chopra Controversies
#1: Misleading statements
The largest controversy that follows Chopra is criticism that his teachings are unfounded, incorrect and potentially dangerous.
Much of this criticism comes from medical and scientific experts, who often label Chopra’s ideas as pseudoscience. They argue that his alternative treatments work only as a placebo, and give rise to false hope that diverts individuals from legitimate medical treatments.
#2: Monetization of spiritual practices
Chopra is not only one of the best known but also the wealthiest figures in alternative medicine today (Deepak Chopra net worth is over $80 million!). This is a source of contention for many that argue that sincere gurus and spiritual teachers should not profiteer from the services they provide.
#3: Sexual misconduct
Over the years, Chopra has been involved in a few allegations of sexual misconduct. For example, one case in 2000 involved claims of sexual harassment by two women who formerly worked at Chopra’s mind-body wellness center.
Another from 1996 alleged that Chopra paid for sex while married to his wife. Both cases were dismissed in Chopra’s favor.
Legacy and Impact
Students and Followers
Having acted as a spiritual guide for such famous persons as Kim Kardashian, Michael Jackson, 50 Cent, Jim Carrey, Demi Moore, Madonna and Oprah, Deepak Chopra and his ideas have a varied list of fans and followers.
While the exact numbers and demographics of his followers are hard to find, he boasts over 2.3 million followers on Instagram and has sold more than twenty million copies of his books worldwide.
The Chopra Foundation
Guided by a vision to promote well-being, spiritual growth, and positive social impact, the Chopra Foundation was established by Deepak and his family in 2009 with a commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives globally.
With various initiatives in education, health and leadership, the non-profit seeks to empower individuals and communities to lead more spiritual and fulfilled lives.
To do so, the foundation focuses on integrative medicine, mind-body wellness, and mental health awareness which it believes can foster transformative experiences and programs that are able to resonate with diverse audiences.
Further reading:
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