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How to Make an Angel

posted by Deepak Chopra Mar 23, 2008 5:49 pm
10 comments

Adapted from Life After Death, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2006).

In the field of psychology, “projection” is a term that is often used pejoratively, as a synonym for hanging a subjective state on an object outside ourselves. Instead of being able to accept their own negative emotions, for example, people frequently project them onto others.

Projection can get complicated. A society that feels endangered can project wild fantasies. Muslim fundamentalists project a West that is corrupt, unholy, and decadent, while Christian fundamentalists project an Islam that is barbaric, fanatical, and godless in return.

Projection is “successful” when we no longer can see reality but have created a false version based on fear, hostility, anxiety, or insecurity—any negative emotion for which we refuse to take responsibility. Projection also can be positive, as it is when a smitten lover sees perfection in the object of his love, although to friends and family the beloved remains an ordinary creature of flesh and blood.

Vedic rishis said that projection is the mechanism by which consciousness created reality. We are all familiar with this because the movie business depends entirely on projection. In Hollywood, a star is an actor who has crossed the dividing line between reality and projection.

Here are the some of the keys to turning the human into the supernatural:

Symbolism: Our projection must stand in for something deeper and more significant.
Desire: Our projection must fulfill a wish or need that cannot be fulfilled directly.
Fantasy: Our projection must operate in the realm where physical constraints don’t hold sway.
Myth and archetype: Our projection must be universal in meaning.
Idealism: Our projection must connect us to higher values.

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Life After Death

The Burden of Proofbuy now

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Sandra Goodridge

Thank you for a wonderful thought provoking challenge/idea.Even if we are unable to achieve the 'impossible' on this egotistical, linear plane of existence the spiritual holds us in eternal embrace with all of our dreams, hopes and ideals.If I have a problem I cannot resolve here I place it in the power of higher self, guardian angels, Creator and invariably there is a solution and healing that takes place.
I truly resonated wuth the 'Simple Solution' and deepen my resolve to strive for my absolutely highest ideals on this plane of existence. If it cannot be this life then the next! I can wait!

Margie W.

In theory, this makes complete sense. However, either because I'm just not spiritual enough or because I'm just plain clueless, I cannot fathom how to project only positive and beautiful thoughts when I've been treated with negativity by others all of my life. When I do try to do so, I still receive rejection, like others do not want to be happy or kind in return for some reason... How do I get past this?

Maria Cynthia P.

We can make a difference by projecting ONLY POSITIVE and beautiful thoughts. Remember that reactions and responses we receive are reflective of what we think and do. It's a MIRROR WORLD, what we are is what we see.

Norma Scott

That thin line that is imagined by most or used metaphorically truly is there between all things. Just the flip side of the coin. Thank-you.

  • says
  • Mar 31, 2008 1:55 PM

How coincidental. I have a book by Neville RAndall. Life After Death(Corgi books 1975) Any similarities Deepak?

  • says
  • Mar 31, 2008 1:53 PM

How coincidental. I too have a book on my mind Life After Death by Neville Randall (Corgi Books) 1975. Any similarities Deepak?

John Brensinger

I would to see someone discuss the differences and similarities between projection and aura.

Emerald Jordan

This article stimulates my imagination. Somehow, I see a correlation between the idea of faith, projection, and as a man thinketh in his heart. Very thought provoking.

Christina Sutton

I have been reading your books for sometime, but do to moves, work,etc. have been exceptionally busy. However, seeing the title How to Make An Angel caught my attention and noticed it was you, Deepak, thank you once again for re-igniting my senses of what's kept me consciously connected all these years! Christi S.

Deborah B.

Thank you Deepak for bringing awareness to this subject and solutions. I enjoyed reading this book. AMEN

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Adapted from Life After Death, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2006). Reprinted by permission of the author.

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