Science and Spirituality with Deepak Chopra

In this episode, join Deepak Chopra and Hareesh Wallis for a thought-provoking conversation that merges science and spirituality. With Hareesh's deep understanding of Sanskrit and Deepak's insatiable curiosity, together they explore the profound nature of consciousness and its relation to our perception of reality. Discover how our thoughts, emotions, and experiences shape our sense of self and the world around us. Dive into the depths of consciousness, as Deepak and Hareesh guide us towards a deeper recognition of our true nature. Through their insightful discussion, we are invited to embark on our own inner journey of self-discovery and understanding. As we navigate the realms of science and spirituality, we uncover the interconnectedness of all things and the transformative potential that lies within each of us. Dr. Christopher Wallis (Hareesh) was introduced to meditation and yoga at 16. He is an academically trained scholar and traditionally trained practitioner with thirty years of experience. He is recognized worldwide as a lecturer, author, and translator of Indian philosophy and Sanskrit. He is internationally active as a spiritual teacher specializing in meditation, practical and Tantrik philosophy, and mantra science. He is the founder and director of a retreat center in Portugal, an online learning portal https://tantrailluminated.org, and offers guided tours in India. He is the author of Tantra Illuminated and The Recognition Sutras.

Discover a fresh look into the creation myths you thought you knew! Dive into a revolutionary exploration of the universe's origin. In this episode, Deepak Chopra challenges both traditional religious and atheist views on the origin of the universe. He proposes a radical new perspective that draws on quantum mechanics and ancient wisdom to suggest that the universe is a self-organizing, self-aware phenomenon, and that consciousness is not a product of matter but the fundamental reality itself. Are you ready to see the universe through a new lens? Join this exciting exploration of science, religion, and the power of consciousness.

Ever feel like your emotions hijack your logic? You're not alone! This episode dives into the surprising science of emotions with guest Leonard Mlodinow, author of Emotional: How Feelings Shape Our Thinking. We explore how emotions, far from being separate from reason, actually play a crucial role in guiding our thoughts and decisions. Learn how emotions evolved to keep us safe, how they influence what we pay attention to, and even if simple creatures like fruit flies use emotions too!

Are your relationships suffering? Do you ever feel misunderstood or defensive? In this episode, Deepak Chopra explores how our own anxieties and insecurities can negatively impact our connections with others. By understanding the concept of projection, we can learn to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

Is everything just a figment of our imagination? Join renowned author Deepak Chopra and philosopher Bernardo Kastrup as they delve into the nature of reality, questioning materialism and exploring the power of consciousness. This eye-opening conversation will challenge your assumptions about the universe and leave you pondering the true nature of existence.

Deepak Chopra explores an alternative explanation for the origin of the universe, the "Consciousness Model." It contrasts the limitations of the Big Bang theory, highlighting unanswered questions about its cause and the nature of things like dark matter and dark energy. The Consciousness Model proposes that the universe began not with a singularity, but with pure consciousness. This consciousness, possessing infinite potential, then manifested itself as various "qualia" - qualities of knowing and experience. These qualia eventually became the universe as we know it, including atoms, stars, and biological life. Deepak draws on Eastern philosophical traditions like Buddhism and Vedanta to describe the nature of this pure consciousness using terms like "Amrita" (immortal) and "Ananda" (infinite), and suggests that scientific thinking is just another mode of knowing within a species-specific consciousness.

This episode explores the fascinating question of where our thoughts come from. From the biological perspective, we’ll examine how the complex interactions of billions of neurons in our brains generate electrical and chemical signals that form the foundation of thought.We'll then look at the psychological perspective, considering how mental processes like memory, attention, and language shape our thoughts.Finally, we'll explore the philosophical perspective, pondering the nature of consciousness and whether thought is a fundamental property of the universe or an emergent property of complex systems like the brain.What about the idea that our thoughts are shaped by karma, the residue of our past experiences, and how these patterns can contribute to conflict in the world?Key topics:Multiple Perspectives on Thought: Biological (neural activity), Psychological (mental processes), Philosophical (nature of consciousness).The Role of Karma: Past experiences and their interpretations shape our present thoughts and future desires, potentially leading to conflict.Thought as a Source of Conflict: Conditioned thought patterns contribute to anger, hostility, and violence.Meditation as a Path to Peace: By transcending conditioned thought patterns through meditation, we can cultivate empathy, compassion, and inner peace.The Power of Thought: Our thoughts shape our reality, and by understanding their source, we can create a more peaceful world.

World-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels joins Deepak Chopra to explore the intersection of design, mindfulness, and human well-being. They delve into Bjarke's innovative projects in New York and Copenhagen, before discussing their inspiring encounter with the Bhutanese royals and Bjarke's unique role in developing a new mindfulness city in Gelephu. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends visionary architecture with the wisdom of Eastern traditions.Get Bjarke's book, BIG. Formgiving

In today’s episode, Deepak Chopra explores the profound idea that life as we know it may be an illusion. Listen in as we explore Eastern wisdom traditions and their perspective on the dreamlike nature of reality. Learn about "pure consciousness," the true Self, and how to awaken from the dream through meditation and self-inquiry. Key topics:How various spiritual traditions like Buddhism and Vedanta view our waking state as a temporary and ever-changing projection of consciousness, similar to a dream.The concept of "pure consciousness" as the unchanging reality underlying all temporary states of experience.The importance of meditation and self-inquiry to directly experience this reality.How understanding this perspective can challenge our conventional understanding of ourselves and the world.

Today’s episode explores the potential of psychedelics in various aspects of mental and physical health, from treating depression to confronting death anxiety. Deepak Chopra shares some personal stories about his experiences in the areas of consciousness exploration and psychedelics, while Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris shares scientific findings which give hope to the revolution of our current healthcare system.

Our brains are amazing, but can they truly grasp the infinite complexity of reality? Join Deepak Chopra for an exploration into the fascinating world of animal senses, explore the limits of human perception, and question what "real" even means. This episode blends science and spirituality to explore the mind-blowing mysteries of existence. 

Why should you upgrade your nervous system? Today, let’s explore the concept of Polyvagal Theory and how to use it to understand and regulate our nervous response. Join Deepak Chopra and Deb Dana for a deep dive into the vagus nerve, the key to unlocking wellbeing, connection, and calm. Deb, author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, gives us an in-depth understanding of the vagus nerve and unveils practical tools to tap into our ventral vagus and optimize our human potential. Take a moment to unwind and learn the key to stress management and inner peace. Tune in to this episode and discover the body’s neural pathways to calmness, safety, and connection.

Is your body more than you think? Delve into the fascinating science of the quantum body and uncover its profound implications for your health, well-being, and spiritual growth. This episode will explore how our physical bodies are intricately connected to a subtler realm of energy and information. Discover how cultivating this connection can lead to a life filled with vibrant health, deep connection, and lasting joy.

In this captivating conversation, Deepak Chopra and Matthew Fox challenge our assumptions about reality and embark on a profound exploration of spirituality in the 21st century. Deepak, disillusioned with the limitations of scientific materialism, shares his journey into the "formless" experience of the divine and his newfound embrace of surrender. Matthew, a theologian and author of "Essential Writings on Creation Spirituality," offers a vibrant alternative to traditional Christianity, grounded in nature, wisdom, and compassion.

What if the key to a long and fulfilling life wasn't hidden in genetics, but in simple yet powerful choices? Join Dr. Gladys McGarey, a 102-year-old pioneer of holistic medicine, as she reveals her six time-tested secrets to health, happiness, and thriving at any age in this lively conversation with Dr. Deepak Chopra.Dr. Gladys McGarey is now 104 years old and is still consulting as a doctor. Recognized as a pioneer of the allopathic and holistic medical movements, she is also a founding diplomat of the American Board of Holistic Medicine. She is the co-founder and past president of the American Holistic Medical Association, as well as the co-founder of the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine and the founder of The International Academy of Clinical Hypnosis. Her book, THE WELL-LIVED LIFE, is now available.Dr. Gladys lives and works in Scottsdale, Arizona, where for many years she shared a medical practice with her daughter. She currently has a medical consulting practice, maintains a healthy diet, and enjoys a good piece of cake now and then. She has spoken at TEDx.Follow Dr. McGarey on Instagram - @begladmd

Our physical body is deemed to age, get injured, decay, and rot, but the quantum body exists, and it's infinite. The quantum body is the source of our daily reality, and the physical body will cease to exist without it. Today, Deepak Chopra, John Horgan, Jack Tuszynski, and Brian Fertig discuss their new book, Quantum Body, which explores the intersection of quantum physics, biology, and consciousness. They talk about their journeys and motivations for writing the book, the limitations of materialism in explaining reality, and the potential of expanding the conversation about consciousness and existence. Let's explore and unveil our body and mind with Chopra, Horgan, Tuszynski, and Fertig. Tune in to this episode as we dive deeper into the new science of living a longer, healthier, and more vital life.https://www.johnhorgan.org https://www.scientificamerican.com/author/john-horgan7/https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Body-Science-Living-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0BXKLMHV3

Happiness can be a very elusive concept. How can we be happy in a world filled with things that make us feel otherwise? Deepak Chopra invites to the show spiritual teacher and philosopher Rupert Spira, who brings his book, You Are the Happiness You Seek: Uncovering the Awareness of Being, to shed light on unlocking happiness. In particular, they dive deep into facing painful emotions. Rupert shares the basic approaches for how we can embrace these emotions, collapsing the distance and resistance until we can no longer name them. Discover how to transcend painful emotions by going into the heart of it. Let this conversation show you a way to find the happiness that you have been seeking.

Dive deep into the fascinating world of magic mushrooms with Dr. Deepak Chopra and legendary mycologist Paul Stamets. This conversation explores the science, spirituality, and potential of these remarkable organisms, from their role in ancient rituals to their modern-day applications in healing and consciousness exploration. Embark on a mind-expanding journey through the mycelial network, revealing the profound potential of mushrooms to heal our bodies, minds, and planet.Key topics:Unraveling the Mystery: Paul's journey from childhood fascination to leading authority on mushrooms and their impact on the human mind and body.Psychedelic Secrets: The science behind psilocybin and its ability to promote neuroplasticity, reduce anxiety and depression, and even increase neurogenesis.Microdosing Magic: Unveil the benefits of microdosing with psilocybin and discover the "stack" that could be a game-changer for cognitive function and aging.Mushrooms, Myths & Morality: From Soma to Manna, explore the historical and spiritual significance of mushrooms across cultures and traditions.Healing the Planet: Discover how mushrooms can hold the key to ecosystem restoration, bioremediation, and sustainable living.Quotes:“People out there don’t know that psychedelics are non-addictive. In fact, they are anti-addictive by nature.”(14:45)“I believe psilocybin makes nicer people.”(18:09)Hashtags:#mushrooms #mycology #psychedelics #microdosing #consciousness #science #spirituality #healing #climatechange #sustainability #DeepakChopra #PaulStametsPaul Stamets BIOPaul Edward Stamets is an American mycologist and entrepreneur who sells various mushroom products through his company. He is an author and advocate of medicinal fungi and mycoremediation. Follow him on social media at:www.instagram.com/paulstametswww.twitter.com/paulstametswww.facebook.com/paulstametshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-stamets-14272910?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2FFor his references and publications, please visit www.mushroomreferences.comTo enroll in the study: www.microdose.me

The vagus nerve, known as the "healing nerve," holds the key to unlocking deep relaxation, reducing stress, and boosting your overall well-being. Discover how to tap into its power through simple practices like eye movements, breathing exercises, and even smiling! In this episode, Deepak Chopra reveals fascinating facts about the vagus nerve and offers practical tips to activate it for a calmer, healthier you.

In this interview, Julian Lennon shares stories from his remarkable life, reflecting on both tragedy and joy. He talks about the loss of his mother, Cynthia Lennon, and the profound impact it had on him. He also describes the moments of immense happiness he has experienced, including his work with the White Feather Foundation, which he founded to help indigenous communities around the world, and shares his vision for himself and for humanity at large.Learn more about his remarkable work at https://julianlennon.com/