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Who is Deepak Chopra?
Deepak Chopra is a renowned author and advocate for alternative medicine, known for his contributions to holistic health and spirituality. Born in New Delhi, India, in 1947, Chopra initially pursued a traditional career in medicine. However, after becoming disillusioned with Western medical practices, he turned to alternative healing methods, ultimately shaping his career as a global leader in the fields of mind-body medicine and personal well-being.
Early Life and Career
Deepak Chopra was born on October 22, 1947, in New Delhi, India. His father, Krishnan Chopra, was a prominent cardiologist, but Deepak initially had different ambitions. He originally wanted to become a journalist, but his fascination with medicine grew, leading him to enroll at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.
In 1970, Chopra moved to the United States with just $25 in his pocket, embarking on a medical residency in New Jersey. He later became the chief of medicine at New England Memorial Hospital in Boston. Despite his success, Chopra grew discontented with Western medicine’s heavy reliance on prescription drugs and began to question the overall approach to healing. He has openly spoken about the pressures and stresses he faced as a doctor, describing the medical environment as one filled with unhappy and stressed professionals.
It was during this time that he discovered transcendental meditation, which marked a turning point in his career. After a meeting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a renowned meditation guru, Chopra left his hospital position and co-founded Maharishi Ayur-Veda Products International, focusing on alternative medicine products like herbal teas and oils.
Shift to Alternative Medicine and Global Influence
Chopra’s embrace of alternative medicine led to the establishment of several affiliated clinics, and he quickly became a recognizable figure among celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, and Donna Karan. His work in the field of holistic health continued to expand, with his teachings blending elements of traditional Ayurveda with modern science.
In 1995, Chopra founded the Chopra Center for Well Being in Carlsbad, California, solidifying his place as a thought leader in the alternative medicine movement. His philosophy emphasizes the connection between mind and body, encouraging people to look within for solutions to health and happiness.
Best-Selling Author and Thought Leader
Chopra’s influence extends beyond his medical career. He is a prolific author, having written 86 books, including 14 bestsellers. His first major work, Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine (1989), introduced his approach to integrating mind and body in the healing process. However, it was his 1993 book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind that propelled him to global fame, selling over a million copies.
Chopra’s writings, such as The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, emphasize the power of inner peace, self-awareness, and mindfulness as keys to health and fulfillment. His work has been translated into multiple languages, allowing his messages to reach a diverse, global audience. In addition to his books, Chopra has written columns for major publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle and the Washington Post.
Chopra continues to be a major figure in the wellness and self-help space, advocating for a balanced approach to life that combines physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Media Projects
In June 1999, Time magazine recognized Deepak Chopra as “the poet-prophet of alternative medicine,” naming him one of the top 100 heroes of the century. Chopra has been a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, sharing his insights and serving as a confidante to pop icon Michael Jackson.
His career has also extended into the music industry, where he has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Madonna and Dave Stewart, the latter of the iconic 1980s band, Eurythmics.
Personal Life
Chopra married his wife, Rita, in 1970. The couple, who have two adult children, currently reside in California.