I am looking for some help. It seems I am getting upset and have a short fuse on Intent ever since the whole Dorothy Rabinowitz article came out and Deepak’s response so I am going to vent a bit and hope someone out there can help me put my BS into perspective.
My "OZ" has been exposed, and I am upset with OZ, er Deepak. Is this his fault? Nope. He cannot help my expectations of him. In his response to the Wall Street Journal and his anger, it showed me he is actually a human being and not my enlightened Guru as I built him to be. Or assumed he was through all his books. I am also disappointed in Deepak because he doesn’t interact with us on Intent. He throws blog after blog out there, and never once has he answered a comment or commented on a comment. Nor has he ever appeared to comment on someone else’s blog. This annoys me. We are here reading all his words and sharing, yet he isn’t reciprocating. Are we not good enough to have open correspondence in a give and take forum? I have read many many of Deepak’s books and I have now found he doesn’t practice what he preaches. What also annoys me about Deepak is last year I had my heart set on going to an event Deepak has every year in Sedona, Az. It is awesome because it is a smaller venue so it would have been a more intimate group where we’d have had more access to Deepak in all his wisdom (this was before "OZ" was exposed). But guess what? The price was over $3000. WOW. So only the wealthy get access to him? Only the wealthy are graced by Deepak, and given his spiritual wisdom? My thoughts were how much money does a person need? Why does he need to charge so much? If one wants to get the message out to heal the planet and expand the consciousness, why would one charge so much? Isn’t that something you’d want to be able to reach the masses with? Well, the masses don’t have that much money to spend on 2 days with Deepak. As many books as I have purchased and told my friends to purchase should that not be helping to put plenty of food on Deepak’s table. NO?
My friends and I discuss this, but no one has the cahonees to actually state it out loud and on his daughter’s website. Well, I do because I am annoyed and needed to vent.
Maybe I am being unfair. I don’t know, but all I know is that this needed to be said, and I had to speak my truth. Hopefully I can let this go now that it is in the universe, and I can now allow Deepak to be Deepak without any attachment or expectations on my part.
Namaste,
Krissy
You have a right to voice you unhappiness with Deepak and i'm sure if you emailed him, he would respond. I'm sorry you feel that he's so un-accessible. There are hundreds of us out there that don
Hi Krissy,
I don't have the relationship with the wizard that you apparently had. Mine began with Deepak's CNN interview and Ms. Rabinowitz's op-ed. I was actually taken with the maneuvering of Gotham when he said that he had not taken the nonviolence pledge that his father had taken and so he was really going to rip Dorothy Rabinowitz a new one for his father who couldn't defend himself.
My friend Syamala expressed it best when he wrote that Deepak is really motivated by fame and wealth. All of his actions can be viewed through that prism.
L'shalom,
Rafi Schutzer
Hi Lily,
Nice website. Why didn't Deepak answer Krissy? Are you his volunteer publicist?
You referred to Deepak's email address.
Could you please send it to me?
Thanks,
Rafi
I can't say I've read any of Deepak's books, or have seen him perform, but I do know that holding anyone as your "guru" comes with some serious expectations. I recommend you look into Andrew Cohen's writings about gurus – very interesting!
Perhaps it might be easier to label him "teacher" – someone whose philosophies you agree with MOST of the time, but not ALL of the time. This way you can easily choose to dismiss some things that don't resonate with you.
Also, have you tried reaching him directly? Approaching him as an enthusiastic student looking for answers and insights?
Note: I'm not picking sides here… just putting stuff out there I think might lessen your frustration.
In good health,
~Liz
Dear Krissy, god I really responded to your blog. I
This is exactly why Gary Vaynerchuk says to "answer every freakin' email (and blog comment) for the rest of your life." Because it is THAT important to engage your audience.
With that, Krissy, I'm off to go answer some blog comments. Be sure to acknowledge yourself for expressing your thoughts & feelings. That counts for a LOT!
Jeannette
Thank you everyone for your comments thus far
Carrie,
I love your response!! I know this is a direct reflection of me and issues I'm struggling with, and there are MANY!! I love the name Guru, and I don't attach anything extreme to the word. All it means is teacher in Sanskrit or spiritual guide. And my expectations of Deepak aren't his fault.
I do get annoyed he writes all these blogs yet has no desire (or at least what I've witnessed thus far) to interact with those trying to interact with him. It is disrespectful. If one has the time to expound on subjects, you'd think he'd have time to express thoughts when someone asks especially when they are directly referencing his own original thoughts.
When I first got on Intent and Deepak sent me a friend request, I was so excited. Little did I know, it didn't mean he would actually speak to me and it was only a hook. I guess this blog is all about my own expectations so these are truly my issues.
As for commenting on someone's wealth. I am going to stand by that. COME ON, how much does it cost to spread a message of peace? Well for two days with Deepak it is in excess of 3k. THAT SUCKS!! Peace is not elitist. Peace often comes with a price, but it shouldn't be monetary. Just my opinion. Isn't the pursuit of money about EGO? And I have ego, too, and am holding Deepak to a higher standard, which again is not his fault. I struggle with how much money I should be satisfied with.
I guess I am looking at the life of Paramhansa Yogananda ("Autobiography of a Yogi") and his renunciation for spiritual pursuits. People that exploit spirituality for monetary gain is something I am struggling with. Again, I understand this blog is more about me than Deepak, which is why I wrote it looking for help
Namaste,
Krissy
Dear Krissy…
I align with the wisdom and compassion Carrie and Lizette present here. The questions and considerations they both pose offer great perspective and opportunity for release and clarity.
I wonder if it might help to let go of the 'guru' belief pattern and see us ALL as unique sparks of God Source that we are…
…then tune into the deepest unconditional love and compassion you can muster and try to see things from there. Rise above the "looks as if's" and just see the pure essence of all that is, releasing yourself from judgment or ridicule…allowing yourself to just tune in to your own resonance field, unattached to outside/outcome/stuff that isn't you. From this place you make choices of how, when and where to participate with your energy and focus.
May peace, love and harmony be in your heart and on your path today and always!
Dear Rafi Schutzer,
No I am not a Publicist, i'm a student who just happened to choose Deepak as my Spiritual teacher/mentor. You can find more information on http://www.chopra.com and his email has always been askdeepak@chopra.com.
Namaste!
Lily
I am dealing with judgment. I get that.
Lily,
But you have zero real access to him if you aren't buying something from him. Notice you bought a book so he was there. If you want to spend time in his energy and learn it is minimally 3k. He does those promotional book signing events to sell more books. It is self promotion. It is bank account promotion. Again, these are just my expectations on what someone who follows his own teachings. Deepak is the messenger, and doesn't have to follow his own teachings just because I expect him to. It just surprised me is all. He doesn't have to practice what he preaches.
To me, it is capatalism, power, and religion that is the root of all of our war, famine, violence, etc, etc. This is what I have issues with. Exploitation for one's own financial gain of anything is a peeve of mine. Selling selling selling in the name of peace, spiritual enlightenment, etc. Everybody needs to make a living and feed themselves, etc, but when it costs one family $600 to get them off the ground and out of the elements in Cambodia, one needs to wonder where there is balance. These $600 structures are merely boxes of wood with no indoor plumbing or anything, but you'd think you built these people a mansion on the cliffs in Malibu. It is all subjective. So when I see someone selling his time for 3k for 2 day's access, that is something I have issues with. And I did contact Deepak and try to access him via his center in Carlsbad last year. No one even contacted me back. I even requested materials on his center, and nothing came in the mail. I guess it is because it was free info…lol. Sorry, I am no longer a blind follower of Deepak and coming to terms with it in front of the Intent family.
I appreciate your help and insight
Krissy
SEASON’S GRETTINGS!!!
“Learn to recognize counterfeit coins, for while they will purchase you moments of joy, they will then drag you for days, like a broken man, behind a farting camel.” Hafiz (not a precise quote, but accurate). I too have some reservations about the virtuosity of DC’s ego but have come to believe that I would not wish to be judged by my many worst moments and mis-steps on my own journey, so I have no right to judge others by thiers. It is not about right or wrong, winning or losing but about what works and does not work. As a result of my concerns, I resisted reading some of DC’s books for a long time and have now read a few. I find his books and Intent entries help me to better inform my own journey, I am gratefull and better for that but, in my view, DC is certainly no Mother Teresa, but then again who is. We can only hope DC’s own journey is better informed from by the journeys, beliefs and views of others without taking things personally.
BLESSINGS, LOVE and PEACE!!!
I understand what you say. I have paid that big price for a Chopra Center/Deepak event where by the time Dr Chopra spoke I decided I was happier sitting by the pool then listening to or watching the others at the event act towards him. At the same time I have also been to those events and felt the medical and spiritual knowledge that Deepak gave to me and let it help me avoid major surgery number 8 and gain control over my health. What I learned over all this time was that it had nothing to do with Dr Chopra, but with me and how I decided to accept what he had to give me. Deepak is just a normal person like you and me and never has he ever tried to put himself out as being something or someone different or better then anyone else. It was how I decided to let myself learn from what he said or how I decided to look at him that made the difference. One day I could make it a healing experience and the next day I could take his same words and let it anger me. That was the lesson I have learned from him over and over. We have the mind and body control over how we chose to deal with any words. Also if you go look on chopra.com and see how much Dr Chopra travels, see how many books he is always writing, and how crazy his life is I can't believe he can even find time to write a blog or answer questions from people in a blog. I sometimes think there must be more then one of him. My suggestion to you is to not think he is any kind of guru, but a modern day medical doctor that you can learn from.
SEASON’S GREETINGS!!!
Indeed, we see the world as we are, not as is actually is.
Merry CHRISTmas!!!
Krissie,
Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to comment on the teacher/ guru question. Much of what I will say can be put down as clich
Hi Krissy,
I share your experience in many ways. I see how there are two separate blogs: One for ‘Intent Voices’, and one for ‘Our Members’. I am puzzled by this seeming division. By observation, some of those posting on the Intent Voices side appear to have something to sell, while the Members simply want a place to put their thoughts and ideas for others to veiw and perhaps comment on. While I make the choice to buy something or not, I prefer to not be bombarded by advertisements for things I wish not to buy. I feel that comments on either side would be best left to those that inspire us, and not those of self-promotion or shilling for wares and services.
At times I too have felt that Deepak was not available and wanted so badly for him to comment on something I had written, addressed to his http://chopra.com/askdeepakform website. While I did not receive a direct response from him, I did find the answer I needed (and not the one I was looking for) and realized that I am not so dependent on Deepak. I have learned that there are parts of Deepak that are available to me, and other parts aren’t. I can’t concern myself with the parts that aren’t; they’re none of my business. I asked myself why I needed Deepak to respond to me and after a while I came to the conclusion that it would make me feel important to be recognozed by one of the leading spiritual leaders of today. If he recognizes me, then that must mean I am slightly on par with him. Some part of me rationalized that some assiciation with Deepak elevated my standing. Now I know that it’s just the ego wanting to be better than, and this is a fool’s quest. This is what I realized for my own situation. This also showed me that I need not ‘elevate’ myself to Deepak’s level because he is already at my level. He is just another human being. His face may be more recognizable to more people than mine, but what does that mean? If I showed a picture of him to my mom, she wouldn’t have the slightest clue, and there are probably a dozen or more people that I know who would react the same way. But when shown a picture of me, immediately they would all say “That’s Phil!” So how is he better than me? How am I better than him? It doesn’t matter. We are all pieces of the same picture-puzzle. We interlock at different points, but we all join to complete the picture. Some things he knows, some things I know, and some things you know. Knowing or not knowing does not make us better than or worse than. It’s just who we are.
With respect to money, very few of us knows what it takes to keep Deepak Inc. running. With respect to his schedule, again, very few of us knows what it’s like to be in such demand for our opinions. Very few of us also know what it’s like to have an opinion that so many are so vehemently against, and so voraciously voice their opposing perspective, seemingly at any cost. When we have a disagreement, it’s usually with one or two people. Try taking on the negativity of thousands. I don’t begrudge Deepak for not responding to me, and I don’t begrudge him for charging the fees that he does. It’s none of my business. I don’t run his world; I run mine. If I can’t afford to attend one of his seminars, that’s my business, not his.
It’s good to have knocked Deepak off his pedestal. Now we see him as he truly is: as one of us. It may take some time to get used to the idea, but don’t be too hard on him. I don’t think he wanted to be up there anyway. Who wants all that pressure to be perfect all the time? Maybe an ‘ego-maniac’. Deepak is not perfect and he never was. Hear him thank you for taking him down to your level. He appreciates that you recognize in him the very things you see in yourself, and I’m sure he feels even more connected, now that he’s down here with us.
Krissy,
I have read all of your blog and comments. I do not share your experience with Deepak. He has graciously answered questions directly to me in the past. I am sorry you have not had the same luck. When I read Deepak blogs and books I feel love and compassion. Wisdom he openly shares. When I read your blogs I feel it resonate with a different feeling. ” have you tried to approach Deepak in a friendly way?” Why I wonder do you feel he has to respond to your blog ? I hope you are not offended by this but as an outsider in a free speech forum I feel I am entitled to speak openly. Change yourself…..not others. That is there problem and not yours. You have work to do on yourself and will not be completed by taking other peoples inventories!. Why can you not have unconditional love for Deepak as you do for others and yourself? We are all one , right? In my experience i find life is stress, period. Acceptance of what is , helps. If I change my perception I can feel better. Is it your perception of what is, that causes this stress? If so can you change your attitude to feel better? Again I don’t wish to offend but simply feel a need to speak. If you ARE offended then I am sorry you feel that way. Look and read your blog again, Krissy. Is it love and compassion? Is it peace?
Thank you everybody for your comments. This whole situation is a coming out, if you will, for me. It is showing me things I need to pay some attention to inside of myself.
Thank you, Phillip for saying what you said about ‘Intent Voices’, and then ‘our voices’. Up until recently our blogs didn’t show up at all on the latest posts page, which I inquired about. Unless you had a DR before your name, or were an author, moviestar, etc, or whomever Intent deemed important enough, our blogs didn’t count. We are not our “titles” or our education. We are all human beings here having a spiritual experience and I found it odd that unless you were deemed “someone” in Intent’s eyes, we were not worthy of reading so our blogs weren’t made available, and that paradox also annoyed me.
Wayne, as always, your wisdom is just that…WISE!!
I love all the comments and they are all exactly what I need. Thank you also for being gentle with me. This is why I wrote this as I knew the wise souls on Intent would be able to guide me through this as I am not here intending to judge, yet that is what I am doing. And what it comes down to is that I am judging myself, and all of this is a part of me exclusive of Deepak. He is just my punching bag so to speak. None of anything he does should affect me. I know all my answers are inside of myself and this has made me question needing a teacher at all. And like Wayne said about a teacher needing to learn what he teaches. I am at a crossroads within myself and my ego is fighting for survival. A new me is emerging but my ego is truly trying to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Namaste and Happy Holidays to you all!!!
Krissy
Stu,
That is the whole reason I posted this was to ask for help, and if you read my comments throughout I am taking ownership that this is about me and not even necessarily about Deepak. And NO, I am not feeling peaceful or compassionate and that is why I wrote it because I thought if I voiced my grievances they would go away. If I honored myself in this moment and accepted myself and my imperfections (which are really perfections as we are all perfect in each moment) that I'd be able to work it out. I am not comfortable feeling this way. But I mostly did it to get help because I have been feeling this way for a while, and would like it to work its way out of me as it isn't peaceful. Like I said before to Phillip, and you and I have also discussed the fact that unless we had some important "title" we weren't deemed important at Intent. All these issues are within myself and I wanted help ridding myself of my way of being. I am not perfect and my blogs reflect this, which is why I am here on Intent so that I can feel safe to share and learn from wise like-minded souls. So when you read Deepak's words and they resonate peace, and then you read mine and they don't, what is your point? I am here working on myself every day and here humbly asking for help.
You are really the only one whom I feel judgment from in the comments and don't feel compassion, which I attribute to the issues you and I have had in the past. You also have anger issues Stu or you'd not recognize them in me and you'd have more love and compassion in your words.
So again, thank you!! I had already typed my comment and you and I must have been writing at the same time so I didn't see yours until after I posted, so I wanted to address your comments.
Krissy
Dear Krissy: I believe you are a sincere person searching for truth. I can't give you the answers you seek, they can only be found within you. I can only share my experience and perspective. Through his writing, perhaps more than anyone, Deepak has taught me not to invest my hopes in gurus – the truth is available to everyone, it can only be found by making the arduous and sometimes lonely journey within oneself. Taking responsiblity for our spirituality, something we must do if we are to grow into the authentic spiritual people we are called to become, often comes with the price of pain. I'm referring to the pain of releasing beliefs that formerly brought us comfort, beliefs that prevent us from growing. Investing our hopes and dreams in leaders is one of those pains. Do you remember when you first realized your parents were not perfect, simply flawed human beings who simply did the best they could with the information and experience that was available to them? The same is true of spiritual leaders. Most of them do the best they can with what they have learned through the prism of their life experience. I can't judge whether the price of Deepak's retreats are excessive because I don't know the costs of operating them. With my present family circurmstances (children!) I would not be able to afford them. But does that mean his teaching is available to only the affluent? The public library in my small town of 12,000 people has most of his books and many of his tapes on it's shelves. One only has to present their library card in many places to encounter Deepak's teaching. As a bank vice-president in my secular occupation, I encounter people everyday who are driven to acquire wealth with the sole "intent" of making themselves happy and secure, most of them have no handle on what it means to live with compassion, relationship and joy. I do not judge them, I live with the mindfulness of one of the universe's primary laws – what we do to others always comes back to us. Each one of us lives with the consequences of our choices, each one of us, with the love and support of community, must ultimately search for the truth on our own. I can't respond to your question about Deepak not being available on blogs. I can only share with you that I wrote him a letter after the events of 9-11 after watching two evangelical Christian ministers humiliate him on CNN for expressing his views honestly. Two months later, to my surprise, I found an autographed copy of his most recent book in my parish mailbox and a very warm and kind note expressing thanks for my concern and my apology for my brother ministers' comments. I don't have all the answers Krissy but in my heart I believe that the world famous author and thinker who took the time to respond to my letter with such graciousness and kindness isn't a fake but indeed is the real thing. I don't think you are a fake either Krissy, simply one of us, simply someone on the path, someone growing and living into the person she was created to be. I wish you and your family a joy filled and peaceful holiday season. Follow the light that burns within you, dare to use it to warm and light the path of others and the warmth of that light will always come back to you. Love, Greg
Hi Dear Krissy ,Something i wud like to say here is ..
That living this life is not possible without being imperfect.This is a flaw which comes with our 'being'.
We often say soul is perfect.It is right ,because in the world of souls there is no worldly scale….Souls in its purest form is raw ..without any impression…..
but soul in human body 'by virtue of being in life' is bound to be called imperfect, because they are innumerable number of scales….so every body gets very often tested by and and is concluded different on different scales.Scales with multitude of protypes exist in our world and we all love to measure.This measurement is fundamental to us.
So if you fit on one scale , you naturally are misfit on some other scale.This is inherent flaw of life.
If we talk about about all sears and famous icons
Gautam Buddha: World knows him for core of spiritualism and his teachings are astounding.But dark side?….there is certainly……
He left his wife and son alone in royal palace with his parents to discover 'truth'.He returned after many many years ,refused to live in palace and set out for journey to spread buddhism…then wife and son also joined asceticism and left royal palace to be with him.He left his parents behind him.
So Budhha , jesus , and every one wud testify great on scale of spiritualism but what if i start measuring them on scale as a son or as husband , father , prince.They wud score very low.
Every single icon of this past or present world wud fall in one or the other category, or on one or other scale from very high to very low. It is not fault of person but that is inherent fault of being in this life .
When you stand on extreme left corner, on scale beginning from extreme right , you wud be found last of all.
So bottomline is ,as said by Greg , it is better to avoid a guru-student attachment with Deepak and give a benefit of doubt to him like every human being deserves. That wud prevent you measuring him on certain scales and it wud be easier for you to concentrate on what he has written more than on his own persona.
Krissy,
My comments were said to try and help and not judgemental at all. That was not my intention. Simply asking some questions and was hoping you would find answers within yourself. The serenity prayer helps me alot. Reminds me to look at me and not others. No one can make me feel upset, only I can do that. My perception of events leads me to stress not the actual event. I find peace of mind when I accept eveything and everyone as IT IS. That was my point. I try not to take other peoples inventories, period! I work on myself and my attitude. If you feel this is harsh or judgemental then so be it. Again, your perception is causing your stress. Not the event, Krissy. Not me , not Deepak, not anyone. You are the controller of your feelings Krissy. I was hoping you would find some comfort in that. I know I do. I am trying to help, really. Again I am sorry if it is not what you want to hear. I feel ,however , this may help rid you of this feeling you have. I have experienced these feelings and that is why I want to help. Not to seem better than or anything. I could simply ignore your blogs but I would rather feel connected and helpful. Try to understand Krissy . I mean no harm. Just trying to help.
Hi Krissy,
You are 100% right. In everything you wrote. Everything!
When I first found this site I was very excited but immediately upon reading some of the "Featured" bloggers I was stunned…many were totally void of any love and many laced with judgement and ridicule and intloerance. I truly was shocked. I wrote a blog saying so.
I think it was someone named Lily who said something to your blog like when we speak with spirit we speak of love when we speak with ego we speak with hate and anger…she wrote that in defense of Chopra…I judge no one but Lily did. Was it not Chopra's ego speaking against Rabinowitz. And that is the least of it in any case. What you have said about the "featured" bloggers I believe many also feel. But the idea that we non "featured" bloggers read with interest every word of many blogs, and sometimes even leave questions that go
unanswered, is without excuse. Totally.
I have stopped reading and writing many blogs because I do not see much sincerity on this site at all, just a lot of advertisement and yes…ego.
And that blog….that God should not be at the inauguration of the president of the United States…just because he (Chopra) does not like the minister became the last blog I will read by Chopra.
He was never my guru or teacher of hero or anything else more superior than myself…But that blog of his saying to leave god out of it smacked of arrogance…it was not the Chopra of any of his books. Plain and simple….and so I just choose not to read any more of his words, books, blogs, articles or otherwise.
I am not disappointed, not let down, nor have my expectations been dashed. I just choose not to read him any more. That is not about me, except my choice. It is about Chopra. He made it about himself.
I am with you 100%. Krissy you are fully within your spiritual right to feel the way you do, he gave you reason. You spoke your heart and bared your soul and you did it in love. And did he recognize you yet? It does matter. You are somebody. You are a beautiful somebody.
Razz
PS Krissy,
You were not the only one from that blog of Chopra's that had an issue with it, many people did, including me, but you were the only one who took it on directly in a pure and loving way. Kudos.
Peace to you my friend,
Razz…I am also very sorry about some of your experiences with men and other things…I also believe that you are a very courageous and loving soul in that maybe you chose, ions ago, to save someone else from going through it…you stepped up to the plate and said yes…to life.You may have known that you were meant to get through it and b e stronger and more loving for it.
Maybe, I don't really know, I have no special insight to those things… except I believe you are a special soul.
Oh Razz, thank you from my heart. I appreciate your words. I was upset with myself for even getting upset with Deepak…lol, but you know it revealed who he was. He is NOT his books. In fact, Deepak Chopra needs to read his own books…lol. When I find resonance in a book, I read it 3 times to make it part of my truth so it permeates my subconscious. In other words, I basically have a few of his books memorized, and he doesn't walk his talk. AT ALL!! I saw he is disingenuine and also came to the conclusion that what is most important to him as far as expansion is concerned is his ever-expanding bank account. How can you put a price on peace?!! And why would you want to? If spreading peace is important to you, wouldn't you want to do whatever you possibly could to get it out and reach the masses? Then why on earth would you charge $3600 (if you paid in advance and over 4k at the door)?!!!! For 2 days?! Deepak has power. People will listen. There is much to be done, but if one is too busy being focused on selling books, retreats, and everything else going on at Deepak, Inc INCLUDING Intent.com, then when does one have the time to spread peace to the people who just plain need to hear it who don't have the money? Exploiting peace for financial gain is inexcusable. Nearly blasphemous. Only other thing that is on that level is exploiting children or animals for financial gain.
And yes, I am upset with Intent.com because it is just another money venture masked as a spiritual growth, peace-spreading endeavor. I feel duped, and I have made some beautiful friendships on here, and don't want to go. Still thinking about if I will or not. It was exciting to find Intent as I wanted to get together with like-minded people and project beautiful energy so we could expand the consciousness of the planet. And then I find all these "Intent Voices" peddling their wares, etc, and it is BS as far as I am concerned. I mean COME ON can we not have a place to go where there isn't commercialism, capitalism, and power dominating in the name of peace? We are not our titles or our jobs or who we think we are as humans. Shame on Intent for insulting my intelligence and everyone else's as if we wouldn't notice we "member bloggers" are second class citizens on this site and until a week ago, our blogs weren't even important enough to display so no one read them. How does one become an "Intent Voice" anyway? No one asked me anything about any titles I had when I signed up. I think you have inspired one more blog on this topic before I will let it rest and move forward to important things.
I love you and love your insight.
Hope you had an amazing holiday
Krissy
Krissy,
In the past 15 years I've been blessed to be a participant in many workshops, seminars and travels (usually 3 or 4 times a year) with Deepak Chopra. Some have involved 500 or more participants, some as few as 15. Some have cost a lot of money, some have cost less, some have been free. I can say that the wisdom is the same. The answers are the same. If you attend one of the free lectures associated with his book tour or an inexpensive evening hosted by The Learning Tree, you will have no less of an experience in quality than at an intimate seminar. If you want to attend in order to see Deepak in person, rather than him see you in person, it really won't matter how many other people are there.
(This might not match the marketing for the Chopra Center seminars, but it has been my experience.) 
As you've said in your blogs, this is about you, not about him, so you might want to consider that, too. 
He fully gives of himself no matter how large the crowd or what they paid (or not) to be there. 
As for him meeting your expectations: Deepak has not claimed to be enlightened, or to have created anything that he teaches. He is a human being. He teaches ancient wisdom. His talent is in taking that wisdom and phrasing it in a way that the Western mind can understand. In the labels of the world, he calls himself a son, a father, a husband, a doctor, an author, a lecturer, and perhaps a teacher. never a guru, no one's savior. I remember one time telling Deepak that I'd had a dream that he had "the answer". it was at a seminar of 300 people and I was standing at one of those public microphones, so everyone there could hear. He immediately, kindly, and pointedly said "YOU have the answer". A humbling experience for me, to say the least.
Lastly, as far as those high prices for his seminars go, (and this is not meant to justify nor defend them), that is The Chopra Center who charges those fees. That is not Deepak. And even though the Center has his name, Deepak himself does not profit from the Center. It is a private business that is separate from him, a business that needs to make a profit in order to survive. Deepak's career is as an author, and what is associated with that.
I hope this helps.
btw, I also don't profit by anything The Chopra Center does. so you know I'm not being paid to say any of this
As a satellite teacher for the center, I've been certified to teach meditation (which I LOVE doing!), and as such I'm more or less an independent contractor, free to do what I want with it, to teach wherever I want to, whenever I want to, as long as I teach the program and conduct myself with integrity. The Center cares about what we do, and does keep an eye on things to be sure we do act and teach with integrity. 
As far as intent.com – I've noticed that several people use it to promote what they have to offer. I'm not offended by it. I like knowing what others are doing, and I just ignore the stuff I don't want to bring into my life. At the same time, it's a nice place to interact with like-minded folks. I especially enjoyed all the pre-election and election day intentions.
:)
And Deepak promoting himself here? I think it's a bit redundant. chances are anyone on here already knows about his books and tours, so I don't think the people in charge of that part of his life really anticipate the little book ads here making a big difference. And I have to say I really enjoy reading his answers to people's questions and the blogs that follow. Perhaps I'm naive, but I honestly believe he participates on this site out of a wish to help, not to further promote his career as an author. This is a man who, after 9/11 (literally on Sept 12), when he was on a book tour and was supposed to fly from city to city to promote his latest book, when he found himself grounded and heard that literally thousands of people were showing up for his lectures (not to find out about his book, but to ask spiritual questions about the 9/11 tragedies), he rented a car and drove himself from city to city to be there to help those people find some sort of peace in their lives. No profit to be made. No promoting his books. Deepak in his life truly does live what he speaks; and even though he gives a lot of himself to help others, that does not mean that his life belongs to us.
Now I've written a tremendously long blog. didn't start out to do so. Again, I hope some of this will help.
Namaste
Mahaila,
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to write your comments.
Like I said, this blog is mostly about me, and not necessarily Deepak. I've been having some growing pains. I just want to make sure we are clear on what is happening here on Intent.com, and not exploiting peace for wealth accumulation. I am intensely passionate about peace and don't want to take part in any part of anything that is misguided in its intentions.
Now I feel bad knowing what Deepak did 9/11.
I am working on myself and allowing. People are human. Deepak is human. I know this. This blog and the others hurt me more than anyone. I get that. I will say that I couldn't let it rest until I spoke my truth, whether it was accurate or not. I do and did feel this way or I'd not have expressed it. I honestly haven't thought about this since I finished my last blog on the subject a couple of days ago. Prior to that, I was not able to get it off my mind for weeks since the Dorothy Rabinowitz article in the WSJ. And I know myself well enough that if I didn't blog about it, it would not go away, and would continue to bother me. It was a release, if you will.
I appreciate your comments and all your smiley faces
You are gentle and loving which I also appreciate. I need to tap into that within myself. I am such a fighter sometimes, and can be so aggressive, yet my true essence is that of love and light. As is everyone's.
Krissy
Good day
Although your post appeared a while back and you`ve received many comments, I just found your post and wish to add a comment.
I too felt that somewhat taken back by the comment on the blog that since Deepak`s son had not taken a vow of peace that he could unleash an attack on the person who wrote the article.
It surprised me. However, I didn`t hold on to it for very long.
I started on my spiritual journey because I read The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle. That lead me to a woman called Gangaji and she lead me to someone who has passed away but continues to influence Papaji.
I then viewed a series of interviews with Deepak about his book “The Third Jesus
Marie,
Thank you for your comments.
I, too, have grown exponentially from many books, and I loved "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle
Deepak's words in his books have much resonance within me as well, including, but not limited to, "Power, Freedom, and Grace", "The Book of Secrets" "The Third Jesus". They are great books!! Sometimes I wonder if Deepak wrote them, however. Maybe someone is channeling through him…lol, because when you look at his response to Dorothy Rabinowitz, it just plain surprised me that maybe he wasn't practicing what he preaches. I now learned to take what I learned from Deepak's books without any attachment.
I do have a problem with people expoiting peace by capitalizing on it and trying to make money. Expanding the consciousness of the planet is my BIGGEST PASSION, and soooo important, therefore I get upset if I feel people don't have beautiful intentions when it comes to this mission. I also find Deepak is a bit lost in his using the term non-violence with THE VOW because we are creating a synergy and all the people are going to be picturing violence, which is going to create more violence. It is irresponsible. Words, and the use of them, are important for creation. And then the violent thoughts the word non-violence will conjure up in our minds will create as well. Why couldn't he just use the word peace? It is the effect of the cause. That is why I now question Deepak and where he is at. He has much power and could use it to change the world, but I don't see him as the right leader anymore. I had to speak my truth, and so I did
Thank you for your recommendations as well.
Krissy
Wow! you have stirred emotions Krissy, 'so many posts' that i haven't ever seen before.
This is good. Your personal views are..just that, personal. in offering them to others here on intent you have found many resonate with your perception. Even I have to admit being taken aback by Deepaks 'need' to defend himself. i thought that such comments from that lady journalist would have washed over him like water off a duck's back. Valuable leson learned! Placing people on pede stals is forgetting they are afterall human and fallible at that. Guru's in my life have often been found to have feet of clay. My fault entirely for usurping 'my personal power' over to them in a way. I am reminded of the book 'After The ecstasy the Laundry' i read it twice. the first time i was offended and horrified to learn that these God men, guru's were behaving at times quite 'outrageously' as i saw it then with my 'spiritual rose glasses'. i had them all on 'God status' at all times because of what they taught. i guess i shot the messenger!! the second time i read it i had 'grown' some and realised the importance of humaness and understanding the lessons presented to oneself, ego patterns etc. i imagine now that when Deepak is writing his books he is in the 'field' so to speak, but interacting on the day to day basis places him out of that contemplative field. Even Jesus got angry at the money lenders!
Not that i am placing Deepak on the jesus level you understand, it is just an example of the human foibles behind within these 'special' people. The question of answering 'all his emails, letters' must be nigh on impossible. He probably has to flick a coin to decide, or i suspect choose those dearest, nearest to his heart. And yes that 'ego' perspective of not being replied to personally is just that. we wish with all our hearts to be replied to…because egotistically we believe our questions, comments to be worthwhile. It takes time for the penny to finally drop that you are being taught a spritual lesson on 'ego'.
Gosh this is large post((((((Hi Krissy)))))))), i'm not familiar with the Rabinowitz issue, but I do know that Deepak is human. I get that from him.
I am practicing brevity, blogging can turn you into a geek, it takes so much time to respond to all the human questions, but I felt called, because I too was having issues, and posted
some things that were my "truth " at the time.
I came back and deleted them because I felt that, this is place that we share where we "get to take responsibility for our stuff".
It is as Carrie says: You are a mom, you must have busy days right?
Can you even imagine what it is like to be on his schedule?
It's probably like being the President, I mean he is there for everyone, and his family, and yes , i would imagine he does run in wealthy circles.
The thing is: you have wisdom right in your own heart, to share and blog with so many wonderful brilliant people here. I have met so many people here drawn here by what the Chopra family Intends: that every one realize that they are carrying a special blessing in their heart, and it is time to help out and learn our lessons and share with the world, much in the same way they do.
I am not " over-awed" by them, but I do know that they are a welcoming tree sheltering all of us, and we need to put this place to good use, while it is here.
Oh my goddess, I am just wiped, blogalholic lately….
Myself, I honor the Chopra family for what they do, and that means I also honor how they spend their time/life energy.
I wish you all the best and love, and self-responsibility, and yes, I hear you, much love, Jasmina
Jas, as always so enlightening. We are conveying with wonderful and incredible beings here.
They have launched something for us to share. Krissy you have so much to say. We have so much to learn about you.
We are all students and teachers in this intent path.
It has been our choice to share.
Love
Adriana
Dear Krissy,
I just want to add… expect nothing from anybody but yourself.
You have all the answers for all the questions. What you have experienced with Deepak is unique and your own. We all have experienced and received diverse gifts from Deepak. Some had hung to him, some had not. We are the only ones to blame, not him.
All the above statements reflect a state of self. If you are disappointed, then he becomes human which is not bad; if you are expecting, then everything that he represents to your eyes will be disenchantment ; if you are having the idea of guru, he will never fit your own and unique profile of guru. In other words, whenever you take an attitude toward other being, you are really saying something about yourself. Your experience, in the subjective sense, is a mirror.
Our essence is the same, so we all are.
Amor
Adriana