Prolific author, humanitarian and pioneer of mind-body medicine Deepak Chopra barely needs an introduction. He is after all the pioneer of alternative medicine and advocates a healing approach that seeks to integrate the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions. ntpages caught up with him ahead of an Australian appearance at "I Can Do It! 2011" – a conference hosted by Hay House Australia and featuring a veritable who's who of high profile authors, including Robert Holden and Doreen Virtue amongst others.
Tell us a little more about the mind body connection and how it came to fascinate you?
"There are many scientific experiments that demonstrate clearly that mental phenomena affect physiological phenomena. Studies have shown that immune cells react to our internal dialogue. This is one discovery in the field of medicine, called psychoneuroimmunology, that emerged only in the last few decades. The mind-body connection not only fascinates me, it's essential to our wellbeing."
Do you think modern medicine has a lot to answer for – for example do you think that we have become overly reliant on prescription medicines?
"I attended the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. When I graduated I moved to the USA to practise Western Medicine and became a teacher at the University of Boston Medicine. Uncomfortable with modern medicine's reliance on prescription drugs, I extended my practice to bring together the best of ancient wisdom and modern science."
How can I develop my intuition and learn to listen to my body?
"We are intelligent. Intelligence is information that knows that it is information. You have the ability to self-actualise as we are conscious of our consciousness and intelligence and are therefore capable to evolve."
Happiness is a state many people aspire to but struggle to achieve. Can one find happiness?
"Yes. All we need to do is spend a little time with ourselves. You don't even have to listen. Learn to become quiet and still and solitary, and the world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked. It has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet."
You are a big fan of meditation - what part does it play in your life?
"The purpose of meditation is spiritual development and is a journey that takes us to our essential state. There are numerous types of meditation. Some use visualisation, others sound or smell and of course affirmations. These are all useful forms of meditation and can bring about healing. I personally use a type of meditation that takes us beyond the mind, to the individual soul, and finally to the spirit, or universal consciousness. This particular type of meditation is called Primordial Sound Meditation."
What message do you have for all your fans in Australia?
"I have many friends in Australia that I am looking forward to catching up. I'm also pleased to be presenting Healing Transformation & Higher Consciousness for the first time in Australia."
Originally published on Jul 08, 2011
