Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old [Paperback]

Deepak Chopra (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 27, 1994

There is nothing inevitable about aging--that is the inspiring message from Dr. Deepak Chopra. "Once again Dr. Chopra presents us with information that can help us live long, healthy lives. For all those interested in a long, full life, this book is a valuable resource."--Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles Over 1.5 million copies sold. National bestseller. Line drawings.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chopra ( Quantum Healing ) is one of our perennial gurus, appealing to millions but offering them a suspect brew of panacea and escapism. The message of his new book? "We are not victims of aging, sickness, and death. These are part of the scenery, not of the seer, who is immune to any form of change. This seer is the spirit, the expression of eternal being." The basis for his belief, Chopra argues, is quantum physics and the work of such scientists as Heisenberg, Bohr and Einstein, with whose help Chopra proposes to tell us how to stave off the inevitable changes brought on by mortality and the passing of years. He advises us on how to "defeat entropy," to "believe" enough to offer palpable resistance to processes of physical alteration, and to "reinterpret your body" such that renewal will come of it. He himself believes in "a land where no one is old," and where "we create our bodies as we create the experience of our world." He is also a proponent of "the science of longevity," and cites research by doctors (sometimes nameless) to back himself up when expounding upon it. But alert readers will finish the book with unsettling questions, the result of a book that is rife with inspirational conviction but at times thin on substance. 150,000 first printing; major ad/promo; author tour; BOMC and QPB selection.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Chopra, a proponent of the Indian Maharishi Ayurveda system of healing, has written a book that combines philosophy, biology, and modern health research in an attempt to convince the reader that the effects of aging are largely preventable. Since the practical suggestions are mixed in with theory, case studies, and rather complicated biological data, the book sometimes rambles and seems disorganized. Several of the recommendations about diet and exercise contradict each other. Followers of Chopra will demand this book. For libraries that have the author's previous books ( Perfect Health , LJ 6/1/90) and large alternative medicine collections. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/93.
- Natalie Kupferberg, Montana State Univ. Lib., Bozeman
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (December 27, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517882124
• ISBN-13: 978-0517882122
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Founder of The Chopra Foundation
Founder of YouTube/TheChopraWell
Founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing
Senior Scientist, The Gallup Organization
www.deepakchopra.com
www.facebook.com/DeepakChopraCommunity
www.twitter.com/deepakchopra

As a global leader and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Chopra transforms the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Known as a prolific author of over sixty-five books with twenty New York Times best sellers in both the fiction and non fiction categories.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#17 in Books > Self-Help

#23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#33 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#65 in Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs

#70 in Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#17 in Books > Self-Help

#23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#33 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting

#65 in Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs

#70 in Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 71 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Unique, Beneficial and Harmonious with Accepted Theories February 21, 2002

By Bladerunner B26354

Format:Paperback

"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. Read more ›

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gain wisdom and strength in the reality of getting older. June 1, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book illuminated my hope for a possible chance of growing to reach my ultimate goal of a healthy age of "102" (I am 40 years young). Mr. Chopra gives needed advice on how to develop awareness toward positive changes in everyday life. He also shares His knowledge on how to eliminate the fears of growing older, with wisdom, strength, courage, and the ability to accept each new day as a gift from the creator. There is so much valuabe information in this book., I use it as a health and spiritual reference guide, and an emotional uplifter, when I feel out of balance. This book is so much of a necessity in my daily life that I went out and purchased it on audio cassette, so that I can absorb the valuable wisdom at my convience. To my suprised, Beetle "George (My Sweet Lord) Harrison" wrote and sang the three beautiful songs for the 6 tapes/audio version of the book. Get the book or audio set, which is packed with truely valuable information. You won't be dissapointed. Also, "any" reading material with Deepaks' name on it is worth investing in.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book of possibilities. February 19, 2002

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I read this book a long time ago and just reread it again recently. I think there is a lot to be gained from reading a book like this, just to stimulate ideas on what is possible if nothing else. For that alone I'd give it five stars. I noticed a few reviewers dismissed this book and Deepak as "unscientific" and a "quack," but I think they're missing the point. Not many of the great advancements in human history were considered practical, or do-able, when they were first considered. I believe someone already mentioned some of the technologies that we now take for granted - like flying. Or for that matter, vaccinations and any other advancement that was once unheard of - or even thought of. It's by looking forward and exploring new ideas that we move humanity forward. I don't think that anything in this book were dangerous or unhealthy. I do think it was a great example of daring, positive thinking on what is possible. And that can only be a good thing in the end, whether Chopra's ideas prove to be true, or not. I liked the book and I highly recommend it!

76 of 99 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Finally, an easy solution April 9, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Rating this book 1 star may seem unfair: After all, there is much valuable information, and a good bit of superficial representation of dr. Chopra`s Indian heritage. But my reasons for giving a low evaluation:

- There is a painstaking process going on in medical circles, where the establishment gradually learns to accept new (or maybe rather ancient!) approaches to health, from vegeatbles/antioxydants to meditation. Books like this is an insult to research-oriented doctors, abounding with unsubstantiated claims - and it closes many scientific minds to looking into the potential of meditation to keep and regain health, given dr. Chopra`s fame, fortune and public standing, which obscures the view of workers of more substance, like dr. Dossey. In other words, dr. Chopra is doing the slow-working, more humble-minded doctors that work in the alternative field a disservice and is slowing down the rapprochement between the medical establishment and those who use meditation, sound and the like.

- In doing so, he is selling false hopes and capitalising on people`s fear of death, becoming one of the richest doctors in history in the process. Is it not better to learn to accept aging and prepare for death? I have met many people who have bought Chopra`s books and attended his workshops, but none who have had a fraction of the effects of his methods that he claims. Where is the ethical aspect in this?

- Having worked with a large number of cancer patients through the years, following their fears and struggles, it seems like an insult to ordinary humble workers to say "Reprogram your quantum mind and get rid of the cancer".... If Chopra could show one case of a person who could do this, including himself, I`d be willing to change my view of this as a condescending way to treat suffering humans who need compassion and good palliative care, not easy solutions that give the responsibility to the patient, whereas the doctor stands with no soil of the human factor on his hands. This is a travesty of the Hippocratic ideal, and will strengthen the view of alternative doctors as superficial, money-loving peddlers of false hopes. 1 star rating is inevitable, I hate to say. Luckily, there are many good sources of the same knowledge that Chopra embezzles. (Hope I haven`t been too harsh, I have no wish to attack Chopra, but I wish to strengthen a more substantial approach to the issues of aging, health and dying). Read more ›