DEEPAK CHOPRA, M. D.
A GREAT SPIRITUAL LEADER AND HOW TO LOOK AT HIS WORKS
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A REALISTIC LOOK AT DEEPAK CHOPRA
Deepak Chopra has contributed immensely to the lives of others. Much of his work is similar, though it looks different, to the wisdom of the ages.
However, what is often called "the wisdom of the ages" is not always only composed of what is true, but it has a bit that people made up to feel the gaps with "explanations" that do not stand the test of reality and truth - though they argue that it is true, without sufficient evidence or proof, based on their faith in it.
It is like the process of putting together a sequence of steps which occur one after (or before) another to produce an ultimate result. Some people can't identify each of the steps (which may not be identifiable), so they make up what occurs during that step, in what I would call "and then magic happens" to create the next result (step) in the chain.
To really harness Chopra's work (or Wayne Dyers or other great spiritual gurus), one first has to develop some perspective on what is true and what is made up. You should know the concepts of how we attribute intention to inanimate (not conscious) objects and how we make up beliefs and then make them the truth by reading The Believing Brain Summary page at least.
Once you can separate out what is not reality from what is reality, then you can harvest what is reality and then see what else is left as possibly useful metaphors, where one recognizes that the usefulness does not mean it is true.
Deepak has my highest respect and appreciation, though it might seem disrespectful to question some facts and ideas it is meant only with respect for him and ultimately for you as I believe that you can operate better in life based on reality. Those things that are arguable and not proven I have no quarrel with, as some could be true even if not proven - but how can we tell which could be.
And, no, "quantum physics" will not manifest something strictly from mental intention, as even Jack Canfield, though a part of The Secret, acknowledges - you've got to do something or it won't happen. We can't go from "unmanifest" to "manifest" without going through at least some intermediate steps. The strange, sometimes mystical, terminology Deepak and other spiritual gurus use need not through us off from harvesting what we can from the teachings.
BUT WHAT OF HIS SHALL I READ OR USE IN SOME WAY?
MY EXPERIENCES WITH HIS BOOKS
When I first heard him speak, I was spell bound. So spiritual and so wise and such great vocabulary, much strange sounding but quite intelligent looking. But somehow I had trouble sorting what he said down into reality and applying it to life. I also have similar experiences with his books.
Later, as I studied and studied philosophies and life, more and more I began to look at sifting out the great value from the hypothetical "theories" presented as facts. And in doing that I could cull out the valuable for use. My writings on Deepak Chopra may thus include explaining ways that you might alternatively understand what he is writing, culling out some of the mystical or nonsensical, and identifying what to use.
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SOME NOTES TO ME, FOR LATER INTEGRATION
We let ourselves go into "biological chaos", caused by adrenaline, cortisol and many other things we create that have effects that are undesired.
We live also in "psychological chaos", where we bombard ourselves with bad news, violence, watching things that conflict with our higher beliefs, where we keep ourselves too busy...
We live in "cultural chaos", where we reinforce the chase and put out what things we shouldn't be happy about. Where we have alot of performance anxiety and peer pressure. (Which we need to learn to rise above.)
The key is to always "stay grounded" (and return to it when we are "off"). [There is no power from an ungrounded person.]
The power of intention
Inner calm
lightness of being
[pause and pace]
He is not concerned about outcome.
Such a grounded person lives in a "state of grace".
Self-referral success
not looking for help from o/s
still able to generate love
Life is an integrated whole of
$
ego
rel., love
higher consciousness - intention, imagination, creativity --> enlightenment
Daily commitment
joyful energetic body
Loving
Clear mind
Must move
move food
healthy emotion (no time for resentment, anger, fear)
water sleep
Plant based , nontoxic - no manufatured, antibiotics, petroleum products - messes up biological balance
Reactions are always ego-based -
Observe your reaction to react - observe bodily response.
Press pause button
Proceed with love, compassion, understandng
Grounding
who am I
what is it I want
First we want physical, ego, approval, then love, rel. then peaceful, centered
meaningful (such as contribution), the enlightenment
what is my purpose (aligned with what I want, of course)
what am I here for?
Dharma
Purpose: enlightenment
desire --> fulfill, but if get heart attack...
transcend
effortless spontaneity [easily misunderstood]
infinite being manifesting the universe [really!?]
when suffering comes
of what it is
attributing a purpose to it [believing brain], intention
Overwork - epidemic of our time
1st how health is
Doesn't matter if I don't get what I don't get done
it is the attitude
why do you want what yu want?
Do you really want it?
Aliggnment of laws of nture
local - resistance non-local (free)
State of flow:
Rest in being, existence
Awareness
ananda joy
Nobody can say I don't have these (even baby has them)
"universe is helping you choose a better path" - not literally true
"we are not taught to stay in that space"
[It is synchornious w/ my work (kg) , in harmony though different]
' only way to achieve is a long hard road" - disputes
ideas cropping up not noticed before! (makes life easier)
you're living awareness
release suff from old beliefs, limitation
geat "mystical phrases...
