TOW #6 - Article: "What I Love: Deepak Chopra" by Joanne Kaufman

In "What I Love: Deepak Chopra" by Joanne Kaufman, the life of Deepak Chopra, the most famous new-age guru, is examined. His life on the 69th floor of a Mid-town west condominium in Manhattan contrasts against the "Inner Stillness" he claims he can find anywhere, even on the subway.  Chopra recently relocated his primary residence from the sunny southern coast of California to bustling New York. Chopra's urban residence is describes as shrine-like, with statues of Ganesh, Vishnu, dancing Krishna, and the goddess Lakshmi scattered throughout the spacious apartment. Rainbow spices sit in tins about his kitchen. Sharing this building with A-list celebrities such as P. Diddy, Deepak Chopra's elevator rides have been filled with queries about yoga and meditation, even making house-calls to help out his fellow building-mates. Kaufman artfully juxtaposes the serenity of Chopra's life to the chaotic scene that is Midtown Manhattan. However, Chopra states that he needs this stimulus, that the energy the city provides, he has been absorbed. "The apartment is my extended body, and when I look out the window and see the steel and concrete - that's my exo-skeleton." Adding another level of juxtaposition, Kaufman contrasts Chopra's home in Manhattan. His coastal home in California provides the Deepak with an incredible view of the ocean, with access to the beach, 24/7. However, Deepak Chopra states that he only travels to Cali in order to teach at his center for yoga and meditation. Chopra is aware that his home in California is irreplaceable, but mentions the lack of difference between his personality and the area. New York adds energy to the Deepak, while California enables his energy to plateau. He is able to feed off of Manhattan because of its bustling nature. The city that never sleeps is leaving Deepak Chopra well-rested.