Deepak Chopra, is one of the best known and widely respected leaders in the field of mind/body medicine in the world today.

Time Magazine hailed Deepak Chopra one of the top one hundred heroes and icons of the twentieth century, and credits him as “the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.” With over 45 books in 35 languages and over 20 million books sold. 3008 is honoured to bring you this exclusive interview as Deepak Chopra heads to Melbourne this April.

What is the true meaning of ‘health’?
True health is a state of physical, emotional , and spiritual well being
but it also encompasses financial well being, career well being, and community well being.

As a medical doctor whose training has been in the science of western medicine, how hard has it been, or is it, to explain the wisdom and healing of the East?

It’s not at all hard to explain it. I have been doing it for 30 years. There is growing acceptance in the scientific community.

Is it possible for the mind, body spirit connection to halt or even cure disease, is this what is otherwise known as a miracle when western medicine cannot offer a scientific explanation for a seemingly impossible outcome?

Disease is complex and there are no simple answers. Suffice it to say that the body has a healing system that can be activated and there are spontaneous remissions where the disease disappears.

What is the main barrier or obstacle that people encounter in reinventing
the body and resurrecting the soul?

The main barrier in reinventing the body is that people think of the body as a fixed anatomical structure when in fact it is a process under your conscious control. The main barrier to resurrecting the soul is the inability to let go of control and the needs of the ego such as: approval, power, addictive patterns and addictive behaviors.

Your teachings include a focus on greater self reliance and self awareness, does this mean becoming responsible for all aspects of our lives?

Being a conscious choice maker.

How is the mind, body and spirit connection manifested when the mind connection seems no longer connected as in the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, or is this a misconception?

Brain damage certainly interferes with the clarity that is needed for the mind body connection. If your radio is damaged the reception of the music will be distorted. The body and the brain are instruments therefore it is important for us to keep them healthy. If your car is damaged you will be unable to drive it, even if you are a good driver.

In your lectures you explore the deeper meaning of our existence, what tools will your audience leave with?

I hope my audience feels empowered so that they can take charge of their destiny in every aspect of life.

When a fairly new community comes together as in the case of Melbourne’s Docklands, how does that new community create a sense of peace and prosperity, what is instrumental to encourage a harmonious community?

There are three things that communities should engage in:
1. Spiritual practice such as meditation
2. Selfless service at least part of the time for the community
3. Regular coming together as a social support system

How do you define the ‘soul’ and is it eternal?

Your soul is your core consciousness, on which is comprised of meaning, contexts, relationships. It has memory, desire, and imagination born of past experiences (karma) and it is transcendent therefore timeless and eternal.

See Deepak Chopra Live
Sunday 25th April
Hamer Hall – The Arts Centre
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or
www.theartscentre.com.au