Deepak Chopra, the thoroughly modern guru, proves that technology can be an effective spiritual tool. As the author of more than fifty books translated into over thirty five languages, including several “New York Times” best sellers, nobody can argue against the breadth of Chopra’s influence. A modern “Renaissance Man”, Dr. Chopra has written on a variety of subjects that range from spirituality to health to cooking and even golf.
Chopra is a graduate of All India Institute of Medical Sciences and a former leader of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation and Ayurvedic medicine programs. He is responsible for popularizing Ayurvedic medicine in America, which is a form of alternative treatment that uses yoga, massage, herbs, and meditation to heal both the mind and the body.
When he is not giving lectures and publishing books, Dr. Chopra can be found delivering uplifting messages in 140 characters or less on his Twitter account. "The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness", he recently tweeted to more than 100,000 people who follow Chopra’s updates. Between his short inspirational announcements, he also updates his blog, manages a satellite radio show, sells spiritual DVDs and CDs, and is the owner of several holistic centers that contain his own line of dietary supplements.
What could possibly be next for Deepak Chopra? He is negotiations with producers to create his own television and Broadway show and even develop an iPhone application that will deliver Twitter-like messages to its followers. Although such a hectic schedule would take its toll on the best of us, Chopra keeps himself grounded with meditation. While meditating, he suggests focusing on a simple sentence or thought such as “I am”.
"Whenever you become aware that you have drifted away from, 'I am,' then very gently bring your attention back to, 'I am,'" Chopra recently told ABC Health.
However, as a young physician, Chopra was not always so spiritually balanced. He smoked, drank, and worked too hard, which brought him to the realization that life is all about the pursuit of happiness. Shortly thereafter, he became a pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, blending science and spirituality. Chopra is so adamant in his belief that the mind can heal the body that he argues that individuals can actually reverse the aging process. By thinking happy thoughts, the body will create molecules that will help bolster your immune system and protect you from degenerative diseases and colds.
Although his views are sometimes met with skepticism, Chopra’s beliefs are nothing short of thought-provoking.
