Ageless Body, Timeless Mind

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely outstanding
Review: "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" by Deepak Chopra, M.D. It covers 342 pages over five parts and five chapters. Before I reviewed this book, I pondered over the one-star reviews. Why would anyone degrade this book, I asked, unless they had some new basis in fact that Dr. Chopra was intentionally trying to mislead his readers. In lieu of what the author does at his seminars, it does not have any bearing on what he wrote. I found nothing in this book that "violated the Hippocratic Oath" or was meant to purposely cause harm. Nothing. I, too, noticed that the author lacked bibliographic references, but upon a deeper reading Dr. Chopra clearly embeds his references right in the main text. On pages 245-246, for example, even as early as this book was written (1993, about when new scientific discoveries were being made about the roles and rhythms of neurotransmitters, hormones and genes and how they are involved in the total life process). I also found nothing that "does harm to a patient" or "places an unfair burden" on him or her. The purpose of this book is nothing more than to offer reasonably coherent philosophical advice, tied in with physiological and psychological processes. There is nothing in "Ageless Body" that is malignant. I also did not see one single inference to the author's allegations about "living to be 200 years old," as one reviewer hastily mentioned. (It really is unhelpful to cite something without a specific location if it mentioned critically; to say anything good leaves more room for generalities).

What I did find in this book, in fact, was nothing short of very informative and helpful. So what if it comes off as common sense to some? Does that make the author any less intelligent or unworthy to write about it? No. On the contrary, each of the five parts in this book is explained simply with little pearls of wisdom that are meant to BENEFIT life--not to "take money from a gullible public." If the reader seeks clinical proof, and if actual time is given to an unhasty review, it is clearly PART of the main body text. A basic understanding of liberal arts will also make a significant difference in accepting Dr. Chopra's assertions. They needn't all be taken at face value. As an educated, wise mind thinks, take what you need and leave the rest; don't discard the whole thing as rubbish! What the author really means, I think, with his title of "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" is not the physical body so much as it is the INNER body, or spirit. At once, the ignorant, showing their annoyance and intolerance, cast their objections in the form of a one-star review. Perhaps it is jealousy in that such a person didn't think of writing a book like this first. Whatever the case, Dr. Chopra presents his advice and teachings brilliantly and focused enough, free of religious fanaticism, to the point where a continual sidetrack of footnotes would detract from his subject. From Part One, "The Land Where No One is Old," a captivating title, to Part Five, "Breaking the Spell of Mortality," Dr. Chopra only seeks to enlighten and guide, not to deviate and destroy. I suggest losing the negative frame of mind and opening up. That is the true mark of character. This book deserves the same. Remember, many personas throughout history were mocked and ridiculed in exactly the same way as some people have done here, long before their work was finally recognized as genius. Again, history repeats itself. I suppose, to the uneducated or overzealous, a work such as this is not welcomed in its own time--such as the prophet not recognized in his own land. But I guess some of us are farther ahead than others.

Rating:
Summary: Unique, Beneficial and Harmonious with Accepted Theories
Review: "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" by Deepak Chopra, M.D. It covers 342 pages over five parts and five chapters. Before I reviewed this book, I pondered over the one-star reviews. Why would anyone degrade this book, I asked, unless they had some new basis in fact that Dr. Chopra was intentionally trying to mislead his readers. In lieu of what the author does at his seminars, it does not have any bearing on what he wrote. I found nothing in this book that "violated the Hippocratic Oath" or was meant to purposely cause harm. Nothing. I, too, noticed that the author lacked bibliographic references, but upon a deeper reading Dr. Chopra clearly embeds his references right in the main text. On pages 245-246, for example, even as early as this book was written (1993, about when new scientific discoveries were being made about the roles and rhythms of neurotransmitters, hormones and genes and how they are involved in the total life process). I also found nothing that "does harm to a patient" or "places an unfair burden" on him or her. The purpose of this book is nothing more than to offer reasonably coherent philosophical advice, tied in with physiological and psychological processes. There is nothing in "Ageless Body" that is malignant. I also did not see one single inference to the author's allegations about "living to be 200 years old," as one reviewer hastily mentioned. (It really is unhelpful to cite something without a specific location if it mentioned critically; to say anything good leaves more room for generalities).

What I did find in this book, in fact, was nothing short of very informative and helpful. So what if it comes off as common sense to some? Does that make the author any less intelligent or unworthy to write about it? No. On the contrary, each of the five parts in this book is explained simply with little pearls of wisdom that are meant to BENEFIT life--not to "take money from a gullible public." If the reader seeks clinical proof, and if actual time is given to an unhasty review, it is clearly PART of the main body text. A basic understanding of liberal arts will also make a significant difference in accepting Dr. Chopra's assertions. They needn't all be taken at face value. As an educated, wise mind thinks, take what you need and leave the rest; don't discard the whole thing as rubbish! What the author really means, I think, with his title of "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" is not the physical body so much as it is the INNER body, or spirit. At once, the ignorant, showing their annoyance and intolerance, cast their objections in the form of a one-star review. Perhaps it is jealousy in that such a person didn't think of writing a book like this first. Whatever the case, Dr. Chopra presents his advice and teachings brilliantly and focused enough, free of religious fanaticism, to the point where a continual sidetrack of footnotes would detract from his subject. From Part One, "The Land Where No One is Old," a captivating title, to Part Five, "Breaking the Spell of Mortality," Dr. Chopra only seeks to enlighten and guide, not to deviate and destroy. I suggest losing the negative frame of mind and opening up. That is the true mark of character. This book deserves the same. Remember, many personas throughout history were mocked and ridiculed in exactly the same way as some people have done here, long before their work was finally recognized as genius. Again, history repeats itself. I suppose, to the uneducated or overzealous, a work such as this is not welcomed in its own time--such as the prophet not recognized in his own land. But I guess some of us are farther ahead than others.

Rating:
Summary: Infantile Theories, Witless Book
Review: About three years ago, I would have given this book maybe three stars. But since then, after having graduated from New Age literature to philosophy, I have grown a bit older and much wiser. People who have read "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" crow incessantly about it, like the ideas Chopra presents in it are right up there with Einstein's Theory of Relativity. However, I have news for you-- there is nothing that Chopra presents here that hasn't been thought up-- or debated-- before by the world's greatest thinkers throughout the entire history of Western philosophy. ("Ooh! Ooh! Your mind creates reality!" he writes. Zzzzzzzzzzz-- geez, this idea was only thought up by the ancient Greeks over a thousand years ago! Hey, Chopra-- your watch is little behind-- you need to set it for Post-Modernism.)

But here's the major reason why I have given Chopra a one star. Can anyone who has read the book and loved it tell me exactly what practical advice he gives to help one lead a more healthy and longer life? C'mon-- name me just one thing. Now, now-- don't quote me those repulsive weak-minded self help ideas he rehashes again and again in his tired little book (like the belief that we control reality with our thoughts). Tell me EXACTLY any practical solutions he gives to help YOU, the reader! But you can't tell me, can you? All you can do is look out into space with this glazed, hopeful gleam in your eye that somehow, you can defy the Grim Reaper with the wondrous powers of the mind.

Exactly!

You see, in my three years after having read "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind," I have not only grown older and wiser, but more savvy. What people think is a wonderful book of wisdom is nothing more than a book padded with New Age mumbo-jumbo lacking any tried and true helpful, practical advice (and evidence) for its target audience. Chopra wastes over two hundred plus pages to tell us how terrific the mind is and how it can do all these spectacular things for us, then doesn't offer us any suggestions as to how we can use this very same mind. At least Zen masters, as kooky as they are, whack you with a stick or assault you with a weird koan or something!

This lack of practical advice on Chopra's part only suggests to me that his book may have been created less out of the desire to help people and more out of the cynical motivation to line the author's (and the publisher's) pockets with hard-earned money from unsuspecting dupes. My recommendation is to save your money and turn to a professional in the health industry to help you age gracefully. But do not buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Why Follow an 'Anti-Aging' Guru who's Growing Old?
Review: As the New York Times pointed out, Deepak Chopra is aging at the same rate as you. So why model yourself after an 'anti-aging' guru who's growing Old? Why not model yourself after an anti-aging guru who is "the only anti-aging guru who has actually stayed young"?

This is what Investor's Business Daily's Marilyn Much says about the anti-aging guru Elixxir.

If you want to stay young, The Elixxir Program is your best bet. It is based on the only scientific way to dramatically retard, even reverse, aging. And extend your maximum lifespan.

The book you want to read to introduce you to the anti-aging philosophy behind The Elixxir Program is The ImmorTalist Manifesto by Elixxir. Available on Amazon.

It is an incredible read. An Eureka experience. After that, search for Elixxir's website and find how to get the Executive Memo about The Elixxir Program.

The stakes are too high if you really want to fight off Old Age and Death. You cannot afford to listen to Chopra who claims that yoga and meditation can do the trick. They cannot. And you will grow old -- and overweight -- like Chopra.

I tried Chopra. Did not work. I tried The Elixxir Program. It works. I slimmed down to my college weight! They all wanted to kill me at my class reunion. And my blood works is that of a 21 year old.

Elixxir is the anti-aging guru to "the pampered set." But you can get The Elixxir Program by reading first The ImmorTalist Manifesto and then the Executive Memo about it.

The only scientific way to stay young. The only way!

Rating:
Summary: He meant well
Review: Attacking the so-called teachings of people like Dr. Chopra is a thankless task. Specifically, they mean well (unless of course they're just capitalizing on the public's desire to find meaning in their lives, and live longer and better lives.) It's a pity that Chopra doesn't substantiate any of his claims with data. He tries, but fails because he can't; and in so doing he tries to affiliate his ideas with revolutionary thought in physics and biology. He'd like the audience believe that his thinking is a natural outgrowth of theories proposed by such luminaries as Einstein, Schrodinger, etc.. Nothing could be further from the truth. Then again, perhaps Dr. Chopra is nothing more than a New Age snake oil salesman, and a spin-off of the '60s cult-of-gurus, appealing primarily to aging boomers who are desperately trying to give life meaning beyond science. Given the fact that Dr. Chopra is charging upwards of $700 per person (as of the early '90s) to dispense a "primal sound" compatible with that person, I suspect that his motives are about as murky as his thinking.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful!
Review: Before venturing off into more mystical writings, Deepak Chopra built his publishing career with a number of best-selling health books, including this one. Chopra writes beautifully - and understandably - about the complex workings of your body, and how your lifestyle and health-related choices affect the aging process. Whether or not you buy into Chopra's contention that lifestyle changes can stop or reverse this process, we from getAbstract recommend that you read this book for its enlightened advice about how to live a healthier - and longer - life.

Rating:
Summary: Good information but poor presentation
Review: Deepak Chopra is normally a very good instructor and I have enjoyed some of his other works a great deal. This program had good information however the presentation was monotone and made me tired. I tried to listen to it a few times before I made it all the way through. The rythum that he speaks with on this tape is almost hypnotic and I could hardly stay awake. The information was good and thought provoking. If this is a program you really want, you may want to get the book and avoid the tape or CD. Overall Deepak Chopra is great, this one didn't meet his normal mark. Try his (Seven Laws) CD, it's fantastic.

Rating:
Summary: Dangerous Quackery
Review: Dr. Chopra is a dangerous quack. Essentially, he promises what quacks through the ages had always promised: eternal life - IF you buy his book, and "quantum medicine" products. It's the same deal every medical con man did: your money for his groundless promises. This con works for the same reason other cons work: people are afraid of death and old age, and are willing to believe anybody who promises them they can be avoided.

Do not let Dr. Chopra's scientific-sounding "quantum mechanics explanation" of how he can give us eternal life fool you. Quantum Mechanical terms are in common use by con men as a rationale for their snake oil, because a). Few people understand quamntum mechanics, and b). Most people heard some vague things about how QM "says" that "our "consciosness creates reality". Let me put it this way: IT JUST AIN'T SO, JOE. Contrary to what Chopra and others tell you, QM does *not* say we can "create our reality" as we please, or change the world just by thinking about it. It's just a ruse to make the potential sucker... er, I mean, "customers" - think Chopra's snake oil is "based on science". It isn't.

The most convincing argument against Chopra's claims is Chopra himself. Look at recent pictures of Chopra. Now look at pictures of Chopra from 10 and 20 years ago. Surprise, surprise - Mr. "Ageless Bodies", the messiah of eternal life, is aging along just like the rest of us, if not faster. If what he claims works, how come Chopra looks *precisely* his age, and not significantly younger? I though this stuff was based on quantum mechanics... how can it fail to work for him?

I would not have bothered warning people if all the effect Chopra's quackery had was convincing some gullible people that they could live forever and making a few bucks from them. The danger of Chopra is that those who truly believe his nonsense are in great danger of not getting conventional, effective treatment when they are seriosly ill. People who try to cure themselves using Chopra's "mind medicine" could avoid conventional treatment until it is too late, and significantly destroy their health or even die. Try Chopra at your own risk.

Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: Dr.Chopra is an extraordinary man who can expostulate on both 20th century Chronobiology and Ayurveda (the 4000 year old Indian healing science), as well as contextualize them with respect to Unified Field Theory.

This book is a tribute to his insights into the holistic nature of the ageing problem that has haunted humans through the millennia. He explains to the layman in limpid prose, how to use this ancient wisdom of the seers and postmodern quantum science of today to become ageless (or eternal if you will).He is truly a Yogi , and it is baffles me that he is among us in normal society, writing books for us , trying to pass on his hard won profound knowledge to an uncomprehending audience, while he can live in bliss in a remote retreat .

Do not miss this book, because while Dr. Chopra will be around for another 100-150 years, you and I are not going to be sticking around for that long...unless we read his teachings, digest them and act on them.

Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: Dr.Chopra is an extraordinary man who can expostulate on both 20th century Chronobiology and Ayurveda (the 4000 year old Indian healing science), as well as contextualize them with respect to Unified Field Theory.

This book is a tribute to his insights into the holistic nature of the ageing problem that has haunted humans through the millennia. He explains to the layman in limpid prose, how to use this ancient wisdom of the seers and postmodern quantum science of today to become ageless (or eternal if you will).He is truly a Yogi , and it is baffles me that he is among us in normal society, writing books for us , trying to pass on his hard won profound knowledge to an uncomprehending audience, while he can live in bliss in a remote retreat .

Do not miss this book, because while Dr. Chopra will be around for another 100-150 years, you and I are not going to be sticking around for that long...unless we read his teachings, digest them and act on them.