When our spiritual teacher's fall short it always cuts deeper as a recent conversation i personally had with friend several weeks ago. Either we grow through the process or sink deeper into hurt.
I've had two encounters with Deepak that taught me something. At a SAND conference, I questioned claims he made regarding the nature of existence that weren't accurate and asked why his panel had no women's voices. He laughed—awkwardly, dismissively. He said he would come to my talk the following day to explore the nature of existence further. He never came. Years later, I declined his endorsement of my book, knowing what it would cost me in visibility and sales.
I share this because we're all swimming in this culture. We've all made these calculations because we've all been part of systems that reward visibility over integrity. We've all had moments where we overlooked something because it was complicated or costly to address.
It does cost something to choose differently. But this is what it takes—each of us willing to ask these hard questions of ourselves first.
I'm hopeful we can do this. This deeper inner questioning is happening at The Association for Spiritual Integrity public webinars.
The desire to be in circles of power is very attractive to many. Some get that feeling being with the rich and famous. Others get it by believing they are close to the source of life called God and many other names. Still others, find power within their body-mind's connection to the web of energy that sustains life on Earth. In the first two connections power is believed to be outside a person and must be gained through contact with certain people, places. and/or deities. Many people approach spirituality based on this belief. Acting as if power is outside us leads to dependency on hierarchy. This belief structure invites us into a game of who has power and how can I get some. Being close to power draws some into becoming spiritual teachers. It gives a person the image of being higher up the power ladder than one's students. Sexual energy is an essential life-giving power and is often at the core of the dynamics of searching for power. Powerful men often feel more powerful when they dominate women's power through sex. Dominating others to feed one's delusions of having greater power leads to all sorts of distorted ideas and behaviors. There are laws against it. Those who participate are subject to the power of these laws and should be prosecuted. When those who are seen as the most powerful individuals in society are caught in these power from others games one must enter the games and play by their dynamics to get the high octane power believed to be there. This perpetuates the fiction that power is in another and weakens everyone involved. To turn away from society's power from others games and open to the inner power that is already available takes courage and integrity. There are dangers of believing one is superior to those who play the power from others game. Much more could be said, but I will leave it there. I have no idea if or how Deepak Chopra fits into this description. If he believed or believes he gains power from his students he damages his students and himself by promoting fiction as wisdom. He may say that the universe is already and always the power within each individual and be saying it from a viewpoint that seeks power from others. Let's face the situation openly and honestly without excuses or giving anyone a pass for "being human."
Yes, learning this has caused me some hurt. Truth be told, I am still hurt by my teacher from me early 70s on in his actions with women. I know it’s for my learning. It’s still hurts.
It seems to be more than a human character flaw (all of us make mistakes) and more of a moral failure and shadow bind spot. The shadow is not talked about enough in these circumstances.
I did not know about ASI - I’ll check into it and join.
I'm so glad that you have addressed this. Deepak has been very influential in my spiritual development. I found his writings particularly effective because he was a physician and a spiritual teacher. I have always loved both science and spirituality and he embodied both, especially in the 80's and 90's when I was reading his books. I was shocked to see his name was in the files and some of the content of the emails. I know there have been gurus who have been accused of improper sexual relationships with their disciples and the deep disillusionment that those occurrences produce. I'm trying not to be judgmental, but I am profoundly disappointed. I think the Reverend Alexander's pointing to the shadow, and a shadow blind spot, helps me the most in understanding this. And I do want to understand, not just turn away. This is the first place I've seen where a sensitive discussion on Deepak Chopra was put forth. Thanks, Phil
Thanks Julie. There are many discussions about the Deepak/Epstein mess online. I tried to shift the focus away from Deepak himself to the larger issue of charismatic teachers being placed on pedestals they should not be on.
As someone who worked closely with Deepak Chopra for many years, I’ve been asked about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. I only know what is publicly known; nothing more. What I can speak to is my direct experience of him during the years we worked together.
I experienced him as thoughtful, humble, and often somewhat aloof as he was often absorbed in his work—traveling, writing, speaking, teaching. At the time I truly felt like we (Deepak and all who worked alongside him) were on a shared mission: to wake people up to the timeless knowledge of the Vedas. It was exciting!
Over the thirty years I've known him, I saw him evolve from being a physician in a local hospital to becoming a widely respected spiritual leader who kept company with the wealthy, famous, powerful, and influential. All the while I trusted his good judgment and character.
I was shocked to learn of his relationship with Epstein and of the seedy underside of the world of privilege. The news prompted me to look more deeply at something I was already exploring: how easily one can put aside their spiritual commitments, morals, and values in the pursuit of their desires. How one inadvertently signs up to sell their soul.
Unfortunately, we're learning that in these elite circles it's a frequent habit to objectify others—children, women, the less privileged, anyone without power, and those outside of their “tribe.” Once objectified, their resources are then extracted, their boundaries are violated, they are lied to, and I fear, this is just the start of the list of a whole lot of awful things.
It's a private club, one where silence and privilege protect behavior that is, at its core, predatory and soulless. They all excuse themselves, as is done in gangs or criminal organizations as the group normalizes what would otherwise shock one's conscience. This culture of debauchery ultimately diminishes one’s own morality and empathy (if they existed in the first place.)
Deepak once wrote, “The soul is not in the business of exploitation. It expresses itself through creativity, compassion, and truth.”
If someone (Deepak) spends time with a predator (Epstein), and is aware of a predator's abuse (sex offender), while seemingly benefitting from the relationship, I imagine a moral erosion can occur. It likely happens slowly as excuses are made and intuition is ignored.
As Deepak himself wrote, “When awareness is clouded by desire and power, we lose our connection to the deeper self.” That rings true.
This is exactly what the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna was pointing to when he warned of “women and gold” as obstacles on the path to enlightenment. He was not condemning women or wealth, but naming how attachment to desire, power, and status can hijack one's conscience. When sex, money, and influence become objects of worship, the loss of morality can somehow feels justified—at least for a time. One's values quietly get set aside. And when debased appetites are normalized and no one around you is willing to ask the harder questions, our shared humanity is what’s being lost.
I’m still trying to understand how so many people become entangled in such disturbing behavior, and how someone like Deepak could go along with it. I’m not writing this to judge, but to stay awake. I believe this kind of erosion can happen to anyone, especially in the face of the timeless allure of sex, power, fame, and fortune—and that’s why I feel a responsibility to remain alert, first and foremost in myself.
So yes, there is a lesson here—one I take seriously. I am doubling down on my commitments to truth, compassion, and reverence for life, and, as Rumi advised, choosing to keep the company of those who awaken the soul—and whose souls are not for sale.
When our spiritual teacher's fall short it always cuts deeper as a recent conversation i personally had with friend several weeks ago. Either we grow through the process or sink deeper into hurt.
THANK YOU!!!
Very well said, as your readings always draw me in.
I've had two encounters with Deepak that taught me something. At a SAND conference, I questioned claims he made regarding the nature of existence that weren't accurate and asked why his panel had no women's voices. He laughed—awkwardly, dismissively. He said he would come to my talk the following day to explore the nature of existence further. He never came. Years later, I declined his endorsement of my book, knowing what it would cost me in visibility and sales.
I share this because we're all swimming in this culture. We've all made these calculations because we've all been part of systems that reward visibility over integrity. We've all had moments where we overlooked something because it was complicated or costly to address.
It does cost something to choose differently. But this is what it takes—each of us willing to ask these hard questions of ourselves first.
I'm hopeful we can do this. This deeper inner questioning is happening at The Association for Spiritual Integrity public webinars.
The desire to be in circles of power is very attractive to many. Some get that feeling being with the rich and famous. Others get it by believing they are close to the source of life called God and many other names. Still others, find power within their body-mind's connection to the web of energy that sustains life on Earth. In the first two connections power is believed to be outside a person and must be gained through contact with certain people, places. and/or deities. Many people approach spirituality based on this belief. Acting as if power is outside us leads to dependency on hierarchy. This belief structure invites us into a game of who has power and how can I get some. Being close to power draws some into becoming spiritual teachers. It gives a person the image of being higher up the power ladder than one's students. Sexual energy is an essential life-giving power and is often at the core of the dynamics of searching for power. Powerful men often feel more powerful when they dominate women's power through sex. Dominating others to feed one's delusions of having greater power leads to all sorts of distorted ideas and behaviors. There are laws against it. Those who participate are subject to the power of these laws and should be prosecuted. When those who are seen as the most powerful individuals in society are caught in these power from others games one must enter the games and play by their dynamics to get the high octane power believed to be there. This perpetuates the fiction that power is in another and weakens everyone involved. To turn away from society's power from others games and open to the inner power that is already available takes courage and integrity. There are dangers of believing one is superior to those who play the power from others game. Much more could be said, but I will leave it there. I have no idea if or how Deepak Chopra fits into this description. If he believed or believes he gains power from his students he damages his students and himself by promoting fiction as wisdom. He may say that the universe is already and always the power within each individual and be saying it from a viewpoint that seeks power from others. Let's face the situation openly and honestly without excuses or giving anyone a pass for "being human."
Thanks for taking the time to share the wisdom, Tony.
Yes, learning this has caused me some hurt. Truth be told, I am still hurt by my teacher from me early 70s on in his actions with women. I know it’s for my learning. It’s still hurts.
Thank you for the comment. I'm sure it hurts, but as you know you're far from alone in that.
It seems to be more than a human character flaw (all of us make mistakes) and more of a moral failure and shadow bind spot. The shadow is not talked about enough in these circumstances.
I did not know about ASI - I’ll check into it and join.
Thank you, Rev. David. I should have used the term shadow. It's critical to understanding the phenomenon.
I'm so glad that you have addressed this. Deepak has been very influential in my spiritual development. I found his writings particularly effective because he was a physician and a spiritual teacher. I have always loved both science and spirituality and he embodied both, especially in the 80's and 90's when I was reading his books. I was shocked to see his name was in the files and some of the content of the emails. I know there have been gurus who have been accused of improper sexual relationships with their disciples and the deep disillusionment that those occurrences produce. I'm trying not to be judgmental, but I am profoundly disappointed. I think the Reverend Alexander's pointing to the shadow, and a shadow blind spot, helps me the most in understanding this. And I do want to understand, not just turn away. This is the first place I've seen where a sensitive discussion on Deepak Chopra was put forth. Thanks, Phil
Thanks Julie. There are many discussions about the Deepak/Epstein mess online. I tried to shift the focus away from Deepak himself to the larger issue of charismatic teachers being placed on pedestals they should not be on.
Paramahansa Yogananda was a spiritual leader and teacher.
Mr Chopra falls under a heading closer to spiritual entertainer.
As someone who worked closely with Deepak Chopra for many years, I’ve been asked about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. I only know what is publicly known; nothing more. What I can speak to is my direct experience of him during the years we worked together.
I experienced him as thoughtful, humble, and often somewhat aloof as he was often absorbed in his work—traveling, writing, speaking, teaching. At the time I truly felt like we (Deepak and all who worked alongside him) were on a shared mission: to wake people up to the timeless knowledge of the Vedas. It was exciting!
Over the thirty years I've known him, I saw him evolve from being a physician in a local hospital to becoming a widely respected spiritual leader who kept company with the wealthy, famous, powerful, and influential. All the while I trusted his good judgment and character.
I was shocked to learn of his relationship with Epstein and of the seedy underside of the world of privilege. The news prompted me to look more deeply at something I was already exploring: how easily one can put aside their spiritual commitments, morals, and values in the pursuit of their desires. How one inadvertently signs up to sell their soul.
Unfortunately, we're learning that in these elite circles it's a frequent habit to objectify others—children, women, the less privileged, anyone without power, and those outside of their “tribe.” Once objectified, their resources are then extracted, their boundaries are violated, they are lied to, and I fear, this is just the start of the list of a whole lot of awful things.
It's a private club, one where silence and privilege protect behavior that is, at its core, predatory and soulless. They all excuse themselves, as is done in gangs or criminal organizations as the group normalizes what would otherwise shock one's conscience. This culture of debauchery ultimately diminishes one’s own morality and empathy (if they existed in the first place.)
Deepak once wrote, “The soul is not in the business of exploitation. It expresses itself through creativity, compassion, and truth.”
If someone (Deepak) spends time with a predator (Epstein), and is aware of a predator's abuse (sex offender), while seemingly benefitting from the relationship, I imagine a moral erosion can occur. It likely happens slowly as excuses are made and intuition is ignored.
As Deepak himself wrote, “When awareness is clouded by desire and power, we lose our connection to the deeper self.” That rings true.
This is exactly what the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna was pointing to when he warned of “women and gold” as obstacles on the path to enlightenment. He was not condemning women or wealth, but naming how attachment to desire, power, and status can hijack one's conscience. When sex, money, and influence become objects of worship, the loss of morality can somehow feels justified—at least for a time. One's values quietly get set aside. And when debased appetites are normalized and no one around you is willing to ask the harder questions, our shared humanity is what’s being lost.
I’m still trying to understand how so many people become entangled in such disturbing behavior, and how someone like Deepak could go along with it. I’m not writing this to judge, but to stay awake. I believe this kind of erosion can happen to anyone, especially in the face of the timeless allure of sex, power, fame, and fortune—and that’s why I feel a responsibility to remain alert, first and foremost in myself.
So yes, there is a lesson here—one I take seriously. I am doubling down on my commitments to truth, compassion, and reverence for life, and, as Rumi advised, choosing to keep the company of those who awaken the soul—and whose souls are not for sale.
Bravo, Sarah. I was hoping you would weigh in, and you went above and beyond. Many thanks.