This is an interesting book in spite of how repetitive Chopra gets on particular points. I think it is admirable that he has, himself, reached what he considers the highest plateau and is trying to help others reach it. Unfortunately, I also think it is a trap to assume that the journey ends there. I don't entirely agree with David Brin's take on the subject as put forth in the book _Earth_, but I think Brin realizes that it would be a mistake to be too smug. Ego is probably the biggest problem for people who have reached what Chopra calls Stage 7, yet I didn't see much mention of it as a concern.

I think, too, that he has essentially given a Cliff's Notes of the Kabbala. All these stages are given, with more information, in several books - though they are possibly not as palatable to the average Christian. And, naturally, all of this is contained in the Tao - again not a popular Christian manuscript.

Maybe what Chopra succeeds in doing is reaching out to almost all belief systems. Even Oprah likes him. :)

Released on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at Blueberry Hill in University City (St. Louis suburb), Missouri USA.

7:30 pm, non-smoking section, St. Louis Area BookCrossers meeting.

I found this book at Caffe Tostare in St. Charles on 7/9/03 and look forward to reading it. It will be the first Deepak Chopra book that I'll have read.