Life After Death: The Burden of Proof Reviews

• A Wonderful Fusion of Science and Spirituality

  
  By AVXGN90BU95P8 on 2006-10-29
  In this book, Deepak Chopra gives us an intriguing look at both the scientific and spiritual aspects of life after death. For several years I've been looking for a book that helps to reconcile the afterlife with what we are learing in the field of quantum physics and this book comes as close to offering a cogent analysis as anything I have seen. Using a Hindu folk tale about death as a springboard, Chopra examines issues related to Near Death Experiences, Reincarnation, Remote Viewing, ESP and many more by examining the areas in which Science and the Vedic Tradition merge. This book is enjoyable to read, but requires a little time to digest. Although written from a Hindu perspective, Chopra takes the time to discuss other spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Buddhism. This will be a wonderful addition to your collection of philosophical works.
  
  

• A Book of Meaning.

  
  By A2QWOMNUO1WJI3 on 2006-10-17
  Deepak Chopra has presented in his latest book 'Life After Death: The Burden of Proof' the one question mankind has commonly been concerned with since our existance: what happens to the spirit and soul after our physical death here on earth? Drawing from his life's work, Chopra positions the reader to take interest in his conclusions through his gifted ability as a storyteller; however, what is more important is his hard conclusion that the soul continues on in journey through presenting concepts that we can all understand. Chopra eagerly points out that death is miraculous and a "doorway to a far more important event--the beginning of the afterlife" and "can be as creative as living."
  
  Overall, this is a spiritually uplifting book that will make readers pause and reflect. I was able to actually hear my heartbeat slow down a bit. If you are interested in further study, I highly recommend Robert J. Geis' book titled 'Personal Existence After Death: Reductionist Circularities and the Evidence'. Chopra touches on what Geis layed out in easy but much more evidentary detail: arguments against immortality have little proof value, while the argument for immortality has concrete data one can examine: long-term memory seems to be non-localizable, hence giving man a possible non-spatial dimension. Consciousness requires a unifying principle to hold together simultaneously all the billions of data bits entering awareness.
  
  

• Silly Westerner! Convert to Hinduism and Accept Chopra As Your Guru!

  
  By ASQ8KNNP3A7FP on 2006-12-28
  A better title: "Silly Westerner! Convert to Hinduism and Accept Deepak Chopra As Your Guru!"
  
  Five problems:
  
  1.) the book misrepresents the Western, Judeo-Christian tradition,
  
  2.) it whitewashes Hinduism,
  
  3.) it fudges near death experiences,
  
  4.) its intellectual foundation is a mishmash of cherry-picked anecdotes and factoids, and
  
  5.) Chopra's ego.
  
  According to Chopra, you should convert to Hinduism from the Christian / Western worldview because that worldview makes an enemy of death (17), The Christian God spends his time as an accountant adding and subtracting good and bad human deeds (71), Christians refuse to take responsibility (75), Christians make Satan real by believing in Satan (75), Christianity is just another version of Akasha, a Hindu concept (88), and, most ironic of all, people in the West are too driven by ego needs (262).
  
  Chopra's take on Christianity is contemptuous, but more importantly, it is distorted.
  
  Let's just take one falsehood. Christianity, like all cultures, Chopra says, "believes that bad deeds are inescapable." This is such a whopper, one wonders about the editors who passed it. The foundational, and well-known, promise of Christianity is that Christ offers redemption to all from all sin.
  
  Chopra pits superior Hinduism against inferior Christianity like a promoter urging on his champion at a cockfight. Chopra's take on Hinduism includes the following:
  
  * our lives are, most importantly, illusions, comparable to dreams or theatrical plays,
  
  * we create our own reality by what we think. We can operate light switches or bring on world peace by thinking the right thoughts,
  
  * focus on the self is central to the highest good, since the self is one with God. "The highest form of human intelligence is to observe yourself without judgment" (231).
  
  In 282 pages, Chopra never so much as alludes to the inarguable downside to the above beliefs.
  
  I have great respect for the best in Hinduism, having spent years in the Indian subcontinent. Hindus were my neighbors, coworkers, and friends, and I honor them. At the same time, if you read penetrating cultural critics like V. S. Naipaul, you have to admit that, at their worst, these beliefs have included the following downsides:
  
  * a conviction that life is just a theatrical play or dream with no reality has often lead to a lack of compassion and rejection of responsible action.
  
  Chopra presents an image of war-ravaged villagers. With a wave of his hand, Chopra dismisses those villagers as a mere show (119-120). The villagers' suffering does not matter, because they are not, in any important sense, real; they exist only for the edification of the observer.
  
  Even atheist historians argue for the Judeo-Christian tradition's centrality in introducing and cultivating the concept of the individual. When you see those villagers as individuals important in the eyes of God, their slaughter, so cavalierly dismissed by Chopra, becomes an issue of note; when you see yourself as an individual capable of agency, that can inspire compassionate, engaged action.
  
  Chopra argues for the Hindu concept of karma. Karma has been used to justify, indeed, to sacralize, the world's longest-running human rights atrocity: the treatment of Untouchables and women in Hindu societies. As long as you believe that all suffering in this life is sacred punishment for immorality in a previous life, the horrific mistreatment of Untouchables and women becomes, not just acceptable, but holy. Chopra doesn't touch this with a ten-foot pole.
  
  Again and again, Chopra advises his reader that one must focus on the self. If you believe that everything is a manifestation of the divine human mind - thought alone can operate a light switch, or cause or cure cancer - this focus on the self becomes understandable. If you don't believe that, by thinking, you can operate a light switch, this focus on the self is obnoxious, egotistical, poison. But advising followers that indulging their own narcissism sells books.
  
  Yes, other faith traditions, like Hinduism, have downsides - the difference is that anyone urging you to convert to Christianity would have to own up to, and answer for, the dark side of the Christian tradition. Chopra doesn't even acknowledge a dark side to the Hindu tradition.
  
  Chopra's summation of Near Death experiences is inaccurate. One small example: to support his own belief that the mind creates everything it encounters, Chopra argues that people always have NDEs representing their own tradition. That's simply not true. Jews have seen Jesus. Christians have seen the Bab. People have seen visions that do not correspond to any known tradition. Children report visions that do not correspond to their parents' beliefs.
  
  Chopra's intellectual scaffold is a hodgepodge of scholarly and non-scholarly sources and anecdotes. He cites scholars, like Richard Dawkins, who certainly disagree with him; he tries to harness physics to support what he says. A physicist friend of mine reported to me how sick physicists are of non-physicists trying to lasso their work into saying something it does not.
  
  What's perhaps most obvious, and most indigestible, in this book is Deepak Chopra's ego. Before you can even get to the text you have to wade through *thirteen pages* of embarrassing encomiums, wherein hosannas declare Chopra the best thing since sliced bread. A person with a normal-sized ego would never let those pages go to press.
  
  Chopra's alter ego in the book is an all-knowing guru named Ramana who educates a nubile princess, Savitri. "I am deeply grateful for all you have taught me," Savitri coos. His great love for humanity causes Ramana to incarnate to educate us. Deepak Chopra dismisses Christianity, one guesses, because its central truth interferes with his own Messiah complex.
  
  PS: I just read, at the Skeptic website, Deepak Chopra's full response to Michael Shermer's critique of this book.
  
  I thought Chopra's response was very good, very worth reading, and very different from this book.
  
  In his response to Shermer, Chopra avoided all the pitfalls of this book -- Chopra didn't misrepresent Christianity or Hinduism, and he didn't lead with his ego.
  
  Rather, in his debate with Shermer, Chopra focused on presenting his best evidence to refute Shermer, and ruthlessly pointed out the weaknesses in Shermer's argument. Chopra was often sharp, even sarcastic, and that worked better for me than the mushiness of the folktales in his book. He wasn't the compassionate guru. He was the impatient seeker of truth who does not suffer fools. I liked that.
  
  So, I'd give Chopra's response to Shermer, on the same topic as this book, four stars. I wish his book had revealed the same focus.
  
  

• The science behind consciousness

  
  By A31JTKBQRVQ83G on 2006-12-27
  This book presents a very good discussion of the principles of quantum theory that support ancient Vedic beliefs about the consciousness of the universe. Earlier titles that covered similar ground include The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav, The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra and The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot, but Chopra's new work is worth reading because it includes scientific information that was not yet discovered when these other books were written.
  
  Chopra neatly articulates a few of the basic Vedic beliefs about the continuance of human consciousness after the death of the physical body, and then marshalls evidence from quantum physics to support these ancient ideas. This includes the classic idea that human souls "devolve" and incarnate in physical form in order to experience life lessons that are charted while in between lives, a state that the Tibetans called the Bardo. (You can read a lot more about this in a first-rate book by Michael Newton called Journey of Souls.)
  
  The sub-title of the book, "the burden of proof," is somewhat misleading, as Chopra doesn't actually attempt to "prove" anything. Instead he focuses on the quantum concept of randomness at the most minute, sub-atomic levels of the universe and the role that consciousness plays in influencing how that randomness eventually plays out in either/or choices. He eventually leads the reader to the BIG IDEA of the book -- that the whole universe and everything in it is conscious, and that together all conscious beings create reality. That includes rocks, trees, cosmic dust, the works. By the time Chopra gets to this rather awesome statement, the reader (or at least this particular reader) is ready to believe that it could not only be possible, but even likely.
  
  It's a tough topic to summarize effectively in a review, so I will say only that I have read many, many books on the topic of life after death, as well as issues related to it, and this book is above average. I have only one reservation: It is a bit slow going in the beginning of the book, not helped by the fact that Chopra introduces the book by telling an old, rather rambling parable about a woman who tries to cheat death. Stick with it, though, and you will be rewarded because the text picks up speed at the book's mid point, and ends up offering a wealth of ideas to consider regarding post-death survival.
  
  
  
  

• At last!

  
  By AGO29COEWDY0R on 2006-10-20
  I got this book the instant it came out.This is the topic I have been looking for from Deepak. I've always felt that his background in medicine, spiritual experience and wisdom traditions puts him in an almost unique position to really dig into the subject of the afterlife. He really delivers. This is a facinating read for the intellectually and spiritually curious.
  
  
  
• Thank You Deepak Chopra
  By AVPPILOI31BQ9 on 2006-10-26
  This is another must read/must listen revelation from Deepak Chopra. I have been following his work for years and find his information invaluable. Since I don't have a lot of time to read I buy his work on CD and listen to it while commuting. His wonderful soothing voice relays yet again more confirmations of information that my Soul has been bringing forth for clarification. I would recommend this book to anyone on their spiritual path that is ready to remember that they are not this physical vessel. Carolyn Ann ORiley
  
  
• Spirituality Examined
  By A2U21HBGMLZX5M on 2006-10-17
  Once again Chopra has explored the edges or our spirituality, of our minds. Many of us who like to consider ourselves spiritual but thinking human beings have grappled with the concept of eternal life and studied the various religions to find an answer. Most are far too rigid. Chopra wants us to explore for ourselves. BRAVO to a courageous man!
  
  
• This is one of 3 books that tell the "adult" truth of life after death
  By A3C4V3JGF95J9J on 2006-10-29
  Finally a main stream author is telling the story of the afterlife like it is rather than the one size fits all "tunnel of light" or "everyone ends up at the same buildings" and a "heaven" that exists exactly 3 feet above the earth where they travel in atomic powered hover craft... and other such nonsense.
  
  Thought creates reality in physical life and afterlife.
  
  The other two books that tell it like it is are also "challenging" to some... to use Deepak's own words.
  
  They are "Seth Speaks" trance channeled by Jane Roberts and "Parting Notes: A Connection with the Afterlife" written by individuals who have actually died physically and continued to tell about it on a very individual basis via internationally known Open Deep Trance Channel April Crawford.
  
  Thank you Deepak for telling it like it is, even though many who believe what they were told in Sunday school may not get it and may probably complain about it. After all, the idea the thought creates reality is well beyond some who profess an interest in this area. Yet even exposing them to this idea will help them along their evolutionary way. And.... for those who do get it... it is a fantastic map to how to improve everything via raising their conscious awareness up a notch or more.
  
  -Allen
  Editor of the trance channeled newsletter "Inner Whispers" and writer of the introduction to "Parting Notes: A Connection with the Afterlife".
  
  
  
• Plain Insanity...Nice fiction though,if you're stoned.
  By A1VL6XFRL2NALY on 2006-12-20
  I can't believe, how many people read this book and believe that's what life or life after death is. I've a christian and hindu background and in the Western world now. This is all just propaganda. If one has too much time to waste and want to indulge in believing illusions, you might as well get stoned.
  Well, all this blabbering won't get anyone anywhere. The best belief in life is "Duty". Duty is God. Responsibility is God. Just be responsible for your self and your actions. And do your duty towards yourself and everyone else you have a duty towards. And you'll move on in your life. There is no point in caring what happens when you die, because when you die, you might not even be in a dimension where you can relate to what you are in now.
  I tell you, you will have better ideas and thoughts when you're stoned and watching teletubbies.
  
  
  
• Chopra Has Been Better
  By A1IZ6A5G4UXOX1 on 2006-10-17
  Perhaps Chopra is entering the age of reality-his own mortality upon him. I've studied with the man and at the institute. Though he is almost the best at explaining multi-dimensional theory, he still strives to be the mystic, the doctor of quantum physics. I much prefer something just as profound, but more readable and "down to earth," such as Gangi's "Forget The Cures, Find The Cause." Because of his heritage and other writings, Deepak will always have an audience, but I think this one is a work in progress.
  
  
• This Book Helped Me with Grieving
  By A3ALYXPQPOFM6E on 2007-04-28
  My wife died two years ago from breast cancer, and I've been studying spiritual principles more deeply than ever since then. For me, the biggest change has been living less in my mind and more in my body, and turning my awareness less to my thousands of daily thoughts and more to my feelings and spiritual awareness. Deepak's book has helped me find hope for fusing scientific thought in the West with the spiritual practices of the rest of the world. He helps me see a balance between science and faith.
  
  In this book, he has introduced me to Vedanta and compared Indian spiritual traditions to other traditions. He helps me visualize a consciousness that lives through all of us and to which we return after death. He has described how this conscious field of being appears from different levels of consciousness and how these different "appearances" manifest to different people at different times to explain the huge variety of religious experience in our spiritual and scientific literature. For example, Near Death Experiences (NDEs) from Jewish people contain Jewish symbology while Christian NDEs reflect Christian symbology and NDEs from other backgrounds reflect the symbology particular to those backgrounds.
  
  Deepak has also helped me visualize a universe that consists largely of subtle matter that is undetectable yet is capable of being instantly collapsed into a reality once an observer notices it. I had heard of the Possibility Wave Collapse Theory (PWCT) already, but Deepak seems to understand it from several levels and explain the ideas in a flexible way that allows for many perspectives on it. Again, levels of conscious awareness seem to impact material reality, both in the body and out of the body. Amazing stuff to think about, I believe.
  
  As I try to send my dead wife my deepest love, Deepak's book comforts me and gives me hope that she feels my love. His book makes it easier for me to accept that the cardinals that dance outside my kitchen window are her way of saying she loves me. The squirrels that frolic on the tree outside the bedroom window are my wife's way of saying hi to me. And, that on our daughter's birthday just before Easter, the infant bunny rabbits I found nesting in our lawn were my wife's way of saying Happy Birthday. Knowing my beloved wife as intimately as I have during her life, this type of gift seems perfectly consistent with how I imagine her to be in spirit.
  
  This book has meant a lot to me. It has helped me find a peace between science and faith in this difficult question of the death of those we love. To me, that is Deepak's greatest contribution in this book.
  
  
• Life after Death: The Burden of Proof
  By ADKHWS37BQ0HR on 2007-01-09
  This book is not worth the paper upon which it was written. There is very little "proof" and two much reliance on the verbal tradition of the "rishis" i.e., seers of ancient India. Apparently, they mistook the dream state in those approaching death with the after-death state and posited a realm generated by the mind and confusional - like dreams - and very much unlike the state of consciousness of near-death experiencers, who, for the most part, experience a domain clearly and that is more real than the ordinary world.
  
  
• Great read for those who have lost a loved one, are worried about death or have lost faith in self and the world...
  By A3FSQYY3MLN06G on 2007-02-05
  This book is an intellectual discussion/proposal that provides food for thought (not concrete evidence or a "sell") regarding what potentially may happen after physical death, and the possible meaning/reasons for human existence and the journey of the individual soul. The book provides examples (human experiences), arguments, facts as well as theories about physics/science, and also objectively (in my opinion) cites religious teachings. The subject is extremely difficult to discuss, so I don't think anyone should expect to read this book and find it to be an "easy" read, or one that doesn't elicit strong emotions and personal opinions.
  
  Personally (my take/perspective), I think this books is immensely soothing for anyone (of any race, background etc) who has lost a loved one to death, or is worried about his/her own death. It encourages people to believe in their soul, to believe that love continues on even after physical death, to believe that each person's birthright empowers him/her to change not only his/her own life but also that of others, to believe that we each have influence over what transpires to us after death and beyond. It's a very personal choice whether someone chooses to believe all this or not, but that's the point the book makes, we do have a choice, how wonderful is that???!
  
  This book is clearly not meant for folks that are happy with what they know or in some cases, don't know, and prefer to continue on as they are (which can be good for them, or bad); it is especially a displeasing read for those who blindly follow any religion/practices, without question, or discerning understanding. This book is definitely NOT trying to convert anyone, nor is it labeling anything bad or good (if anyone feels otherwise, it may be because he/she is unable to keep his/her own prejudices out of the way - you will see/read into it what you choose to).
  
  Kudos to Deepak Chopra for even attempting to discuss such a challenging subject and risking enmity from a world that is typically intolerant of non-conforming views and people brave enough to freely, honestly voice them.
  
  
• Makes You Think
  By A2L0VSE68I2XAR on 2006-11-11
  Is there one of us who doesn't truly wonder what happens after we close our eyes for the last time. Chopra begins with a tale to make the journey more understandable, and in classic Chopra form, guides us throught the "Quantum reality" which makes us know we are forever energy in progress. I studied with the man. He's one of a kind. Take time to read this and then to digest it. The questions are the answers.
  
  Rayna Gangi, author, "Forget The Cures, Find The Cause."
  
  
• What the ?
  By A2VDIMAN3KI555 on 2006-12-08
  Let me begin by saying that this is the first Deepak Chopra book that I have ever read. Right off, I am sure that many fans of his will dismiss what I have to say because I am a novice to his work. In addition, I am a Christian.
  
  This book left me with more questions than answers and the answers he does provide may be interesting but they are very sided towards his own hinduism.
  
  In fact, I felt he belittled Christianity and Christians in general by dismissing the notion of God as a seperate entity altogether and leaving the afterlife as a continuing journey of finding the "God" within oneself.
  
  The book starts out just fine with medical and scientific data that chronicles Near Death Experience (NDE). Most of these studies can only go so far because the person comes back to physical life.
  
  Well, Deepak continues the afterlife journey (beyond initially crossing over) based on assumptions of hindu Rhishis and the testimonial of a mountain hindu woman who died for several days and came back to life. -- I'm not sure what evidence even supports the claim. So, what you get is alot of rhishi philosiphy. I kept an open mind but I don't follow his views.
  
  
  
  
  
• Chopra's ego
  By A2IW9URACR5LUD on 2007-01-04
  Good overview of Hindu religion; the religion of Ghandi. But Chopra has a remarkably sinister view of Christianity. He has a section at the fron where he, and his fellow young students, chuckle at the Christian teachers. Ghandi had respect for all religions, but Chopra is a yuppie focused lesser man who gives the tone of superiority to his remarks.
  
  Skip it and read a real tome of religion or just read it for the information on the great religion of Hinduism and hold your nose through Chopra's personal remarks.
  
  
• fabulous and peaceful
  By A44FZSMQ0PJZ3 on 2007-02-19
  I was broght up in the Christian tradition, but deep in the depths of my heart, I always felt that the dogma I was being fed was just wrong. How can it be, that a God I loved, and loved me, could throw any soul away into a pit of fire forever? Why would only Christians be entittled to eternal peace? (Or eternal assited living, as Deepak described it.)The heaven described to me in church sounded boring, but I was made to feel if that wasn't what I longed for in the next life, I was wrong.
  I finally am hearing answers to my soul's questions in this book. He reads his own book with a lilting soft voice that makes listening all the more pleaseing. This book will take you deep into your own soul, and help you listen to your own soft still voice within.
  
  
• WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT
  By A161HEBO3FL1T8 on 2007-04-12
  I started this read expecting to be enlightened and educated. I found I was being lead in circles and double talk. Please do not offer Mel Gibson as anything other than foolish. It is obvious that this volume has been created for profit not posterity.
  
  
• Awesome!
  By A3JS5ZM2B0ZY99 on 2006-12-04
  I really loved the way he wove in the story about a women on a journey to save her husband from death. This book was not only thought provoking but Deepak has a wonderful way of helping you get to the space where it is possible to see death as a beginning. I now look at dying so differently. I have a new perspective that I didn't have before. It's very freeing. All of a sundden death doesn't seem so frightening. It is all about the journey. This book is worth reading..it gave me a peace of mind!! I recommend it highly!
  
  
• Love the man, not the book
  By A218JW7PCUANTW on 2006-12-15
  I have a read some of Deepak's books and he does have some wisdom in them, but this one does a diservice to life after death. The title should have included, "From a Hindu/Buddist prespective". He talks about reincarnation and Karma and gives examples of how people have talked to their loved ones after they died. He mentions Islam 3 times and only when he needs to talk about radical Islam and its threat to the west. Why he ignores the rich beliefs of the afterlife that 1.4 billion people believe in is a mystery.Could it be that Mr Chopra doesnt want to face the reality that Islam has the most deepest understanding of Life after death than anyone can imagine. It has even been shown that Dante copied his work from Islamic sources.The Quran states that this worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life after death and those who deny it become slaves of their passions and desires. It gives details on what happens to you as soon as you are dead, even if you are cremated. I recommend you read After Death, Life! and Death & dying by Ahmad Sakr if you would like to see what you may go through after you die.
  Or just google Islam and Death.
  
  
• 'Proof' is Still Elusive
  By A1M8PP7MLHNBQB on 2007-01-03
  I really like what one reviewer says about this book -- 'A must read for everyone who will die.'
  
  We are the only species (that we know of) that is aware that we are going to die. What we don't know is what happens after that. Each religion has some ideas that they preach with certainty. Yet, strangely enough, all of the religions seem to come to a different conclusion.
  
  In this book the author claims that the idea that no knowledge can be gained about 'the other side' is being disproved on many fronts. And he proceeds to give examples of some studies that are being made around the country along with doses of philosophy from his Chopra Center for Well Being.
  
  He presents a pretty good summary of his thinking, but while I enjoyed the 'other cultural' aspects of his writing, I guess I have to say that I'm still not totally convinced that he has enough proof to convince a skeptical jury. All in all, I think we're just going to have to find our for ourselves.
  
  
• Deepaks own beliefs.
  By ASNAUVOY0JDR5 on 2006-12-29
  This is an interesting book. I have only read through the first part of the book which consists of 192 of 249 pages. Basically Deepak says we are our own gods. The first half of the book is a good comparison of Christian and Hindi beliefs with and emphasis on Hinduism. The second half (of the first part) of the book is more focused on hindi and Deepaks own thoughts exclusively.
  
  I wish the book was more comparison rather than definition of hindi belief.
  
  The first part of the book is 4 1/2 of 5 stars. The second is 3 of 5 stars.
  
  Thanks. God Bless.
  
  Aaron.
  
  
• Facing death is better than being afraid of it.
  By A1EPAXE6Z8K184 on 2007-05-25
  I am a stress management consultant and a life coach with People Development.
  This is the absolute Best book on death for the baby boomer generation.
  Also I think this is the Best book Deepak has ever written.
  My clients feel relief after they read it.
  I personally love the question he poses "Why are most people only concerned with what is to happen to them after they die".........Deepak suggests we ask instead..........Where did we come from?
  Very thought provoking!
  Read this book and share it with those you love.
  Avril Reed
  
  
• A primer on crossing over
  By A2QMTX2R3WD7US on 2007-01-15
  A good primer for those interested in a broad approach to the question about the existence of consciousness after death. The reading is easy and casual, the anecdotes are charming, and the book overall gives the reader a sense of hope. Any book that succeeds in making its readers less fearful of death deserves to be read.
  
  
• Wrong Title
  By A3T80WH5ZSTFS1 on 2007-02-16
  Dr. Chopra's has a clear, crisp understanding of the classical Vedic view of life's great questions. He is both able and willing to explain that view clearly, without hiding behind half-explained Sanskrit vocabulary and without getting on any high horse. He is convinced that, at root, the Vedic teachings are extremely reasonable and entirely worthy of everyone's consideration. In that, he appears to be correct.
  
  I read this book just after reading Richard Dawkin's new book titled something like "The God Delusion." From the title, I inferred (incorrectly) that this volume might function as a sort of de facto reply to the siren song of atheism adopted by Dr. Dawkins. It doesn't actually do that.
  
  This is a good, clear exposition of Vedic principles. These principles were set down for us by highly skilled, highly developed "seers" of the distant past. These "seers" are called "rishis." To satisfy me properly, it is not sufficient for Dr. Chopra to explain the content of the rishi's findings. It would be of first importance to explain to me how I can be my own rishi. I want to see for myself. I want to know for myself. How does a person become a rishi, and so empowered to direct experience of these great and majestic truths? (Perhaps we need a next book to explain that.) This might seem flippant. However, if you think about it, the goal isn't to accept the teaching of mighty sages of the past. The goal is to become sages today---ourselves. Without that, what good is it?
  
  
• What's missing?
  By A3KGFNRGZMWW8X on 2007-03-18
  It was wonderful to read a book that claimed the answers, but something was missing. I expected a stronger position on life after death.
  
  
• save your money
  By A31TSID3J4OMI8 on 2007-04-10
  I like the man, but this book is just plain dumb. I have tons of study on this subject, and this is a waste of time/money
  
  
• Sher
  By A3NW5X730FAUEI on 2006-12-15
  Well, I am NOT going to die, and thats that. I read this book and made my decision. I won't die. Oh, I agree with Chopak, in that we are material people and will dwindle. Life around here is hard on a body. The consciousness of us all continues from before the Big Bang till now and beyond. We were the God of one and many, We remain a collective unit. The pleasures of humans alone set seductive need to live in this shell. I thank God daily for life and the world and this BOOK or understanding what it all means. There is a conscinousness in everything.
  
  
• Relieving a little of the death experience fear with metaphysical explanations.
  By A8E6YR02S7QTV on 2007-01-10
  The subject of death or crossing over into the next phase of existence is not only a mystery and a bit frightening to most people but as a person approaches old age it tends to get worse.
  Deepak Chopra not only has the ability to enlighten a persons fear of the subject but he sets the reader at ease and explains the possibilities to the mysteries of this crossing over.
  If a person hasn't read any metaphysical writings or doesn't have an open mind, he/she might find this book a little deep or hard to understand or grasp.
  Many people are so indoctrinated by the church they belong to that they wouldn't ever think of reading a book like this. I believe a book like this is for everyone but only open minded people will read it or grasp the fine words within it's pages.
  This book is a great one.
  Don-R.
  
  
• Life, Life, and More Life!
  By A11QZXWU17VOFN on 2007-02-18
  The first time I ever conducted a study of one of Deepak Chopra's books, it was "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success." The language was so esoteric and poetic, I often felt like a translater, trying to explain to my class what Deepak meant. This book is an easy read by comparison. I love the concept that Deepak mainly focuses on, which is simply this: Consciousness is creative. Consciousness is eternal. So consciousness continues to create after death. In other words, through our consciousness, we actual "create" our own individual heaven or hell . . . temporarily, anyway. This concept is corroborated by another book I enjoyed on this subject, which is "Home With God" by Neale Donald Walsch.
  
  I have given "Life After Death" 4 stars instead of 5 because about two thirds of the way through this book Deepak goes off on far too many tangents, and loses focus. However, there is one thread that holds most of this book together nicely, which is an East Indian fable that Deepak uses at the beginning of each chapter to illustrate some of his major points. I enjoyed that. All in all, there is much value in Deepak's latest work.
  
  Steven Lane Taylor, Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow
  
  

• The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life (Chopra, Deepak)
• The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore
• Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment
• The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams (One Hour of Wisdom)
• How to Know God (Miniature)