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What is the Meaning of Life?

posted by Deepak Chopra Apr 2, 2008 3:55 pm
18 comments

Adapted from The Book of Secrets, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2004).

Life refuses to be pinned down. Whatever meaning you want the universe to reflect, it provides.

In medieval Europe, people wanted the universe to reflect their intense belief in the Holy Trinity; at that same period in history, people in India wanted the universe to reflect the cosmic dance of Shiva and his consort Shakti. Wherever Islam held sway, the universe was expected to reflect the will of Allah.

Right now, agnostics expect the universe to reflect their own spiritual confusion and doubt; therefore, the cosmos seems to be a random explosion that began with the Big Bang. Many religious people accept this reality, except on Sunday, when the universe feebly reflects the possibility of a divine maker.

If you try to pin the universe down to one reflection, you pin your own life down at the same time. Reality is like a two-way mirror that shows you yourself as well as what lies on the other side. This mutual effect is mandated because the universe doesn’t possess one set of facts. You the observer bring your version of reality into being.

The meaning of life is everything.

More on Deepak Chopra's Tips (196 articles available)
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Kimberly Smith

My philosophy on the meaning of life is we must find meaning in our life. Find a purpose and fulfill it. Find a few. I find meaning in being a mother, a member of the community, a writer, a friend...

Sherene Subaasini

Life seem to be a journey full of mysteries... Without a single clue of what might turn out at the edge. We can plan, plan, prepare and pursue our journey... Almost all the time, they are not like what we wanted them to be...

However, there is always a gift or a lesson to be learned some where along the journey, when we least expect them but surely deserve them... a mysterious gift... i have always wondered how these things happen.. sometimes i think that they are just in my head.. but usually it doesn't make sense..

Whether there is a genuine superpower or simply the logic of the law of physics, i love the mystery behind this unknown truth, as it keeps my mind curious and questioning...as well as thrilling lifetime journey

Subramaniam Shankar

The perception of the mystery of the primordial force is elusive and often skeptical.Fact remains that in a long string of time as we measure it with reference to the solar trajectary we spend a miniscule part with the knowledge of one slef(ourselves)that we know and interact with.The billions of such selfs have been through initiations and rites that make them see the universe in the eyes of a maker,player,giver,taker and so forth.Ultimately all knoledge rests with the ability to observe,perceive and understand the truth about our universal self.Universe might exist in our absence,but is incomplete and not whole.We make it hole and must know that Universe also wants us to completeitself.We are chemically and biologically just matter,but matter with such indomitable energy and awareness to be able to be part of the whole and yet with identity.

Alberta Thomas

Deepak, I love your reflection of the meaning of life. It is indeed EVERYTHING. What I have learned is that I should have FUN, I am 64 years of age, and everyday I try to keep a smile on my face, and some joy in my heart. I see beauty all around. The sky, the sun, the moon, a newborn baby, into my brothers eyes I see my own soul. Life is whatever we choose, I choose joy, peace and happiness. I choose to stay in the flow, in the ongoingness of life, it is ever changing. I can enjoy the cycles. THANK YOU

Gershon M.

FROM OMY OWN TINY PERSPECTIVE LIFE IS MY TINY WORLD...

Narendra D.

Narendra Prasad Das
Life is a mission.To fulfill the mission one must understand and master over, the desire, belief and expectation. One can achieve this through, loveand , prayer that leads one to surrender.When one surrenders he/she gets ready to receive and learn.When you get ready to learn the Teacher arrives to teach. But our living is so complex that we cant get ready.e can make the living simple.Being simple does not require erudition or cleverness rather it requires renunciation of I, Me and Mine.Being simple makes one see things directly in their right perspective. Then only you can fulfill your mission.

Maria Cynthia P.

Life is recognizing that we are part of God's divine plan; that WE ARE HERE FOR OTHERS. Life would only have meaning and purpose if everyday we have done something good that can contribute to the betterment of other people. We do not deserve to pray for a longer life if we are not helping others.

Peter Coles

I like Barbie's concept - Life is a school - but who or where are the teachers? Life is for learning for learning is life. My Teacher and guide happens to be Jesus Christ, but for Him, and me, life is God's gift to flow through us for this "little while" we live on earth. What and accident - what a gift !!!!

C Skye Freeman

So very true ... anyone who tells you they know the meaning of life, and tries to apply it to everyone, is delusional - if not dangerous.

William Anderson

My search for meaning was made a lot clearer when I saw "The Ascent of Man" and heard Niels Bohr state at the beginning of his lectures: 'Every sentence that I utter should be regarded by you not as an assertion but as a question.'

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Adapted from The Book of Secrets, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2004). Reprinted by permission of the author.

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