On the eve of his Australian tour, controversial spiritual guide Dr Deepak Chopra explains his philosophy of life to Larry Writer – and why the global financial crisis was a spiritual wake-up call.
Dr Deepak Chopra, like countless prophets before him, has been pilloried for his unconventional views. Yet, today, many of his critics are choking on their words. Dr Chopra is too gracious to say, “I told you so”, but in the wake of the global financial crisis, which has swept away fortunes and property like sandcastles by a turning tide, it’s clear that some have learned the hard way that he was onto something when he preached that spiritualism, not materialism, is the key to happiness.
This month, at seminars in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the India-born sage, physician, author and lecturer on mind-body medicine, spirituality, quantum mechanics and peace, is bringing that message and others, such as “our body is a soul made flesh … the end product of our experiences, love, suffering, emotions and aspirations, and to live a full life, we must get in touch with and resurrect our soul”.
7 Secrets of Success
In 1994, Deepak Chopra’s book The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success: A Practical Guide To The Fulfillment Of Your Dreams (Amber-Allen Publishing, rrp $33.99) became a worldwide best-seller. And little wonder given its message is that we do not have to work relentlessly until we drop of exhaustion in order to make our dreams come true. All we need to do is follow a simple set of rules.
- THE LAW OF PURE POTENTIALITY
Take time to be silent, to just be. Meditate for 30 minutes, twice a day. Silently witness the intelligence within every living thing. Practice non-judgment.
- THE LAW OF GIVING AND RECEIVING
Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift: a compliment or a flower. Gratefully receive gifts. Keep wealth circulating by giving and receiving care, affection, appreciation and love.
- THE LAW OF KARMA
Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.
- THE LAW OF LEAST EFFORT
Accept people, situations and events as they occur. Take responsibility for your situation and for all events seen as problems. Relinquish the need to defend your point of view.
- THE LAW OF INTENTION AND DESIRE
Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Make a list of desires. Trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason.
- THE LAW OF DETACHMENT
Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. Do not force solutions – allow solutions to spontaneously emerge. Uncertainty is essential and your path to freedom.
- THE LAW OF DHARMA
Seek your higher self. Discover your unique talents. Ask yourself how you are best suited to serve humanity. Using your unique talents and serving others brings unlimited bliss and abundance.
Read a full interview with Deepak Chopra in the April issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly on sale now with Michelle and Barack Obama on the cover.