You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why It Matters

If you have a passion for science, cosmology and Eastern Philosophy this is a must read book. This 276 page hardcover volume (You are the Universe: Discovering your cosmic self and why it matters by Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos) explores the many mysteries of the universe and how it relates to our place in the cosmos. This book attempts to unite the scientific facts and positions with the mysticism, spiritualism, and mysteries of humankind. Though I found this treatise both interesting and thought provoking; nevertheless, I am not sure it has proved its case enough to be accepted by traditional hard science. Since many of the issues brought out in this book may not be resolved with our present knowledge and experience, we may have to face the fact that we may never have the answers to all the mysteries of the cosmos. Indeed, we may have to realize our own intellectual limitations. This book is organized into two parts. Part one (The ultimate mysteries) explores what came before the Big bang, How does the Universe fit together so perfectly, where did time come from, what is the universe made of, is there design in the universe, is the Quantum world linked to everyday life, do we live in a Conscious Universe, how did life first begin and does the brain create the mind. The second part (Embracing your cosmic self) explains the power of personal reality, where you really came from, and home free. The appendix sections are also very important to read in this book. In conclusion, this is the kind of book that will force you to think more deeply on the many mysteries and questions concerning the universe and humankinds place in the Cosmos. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and Warrior Haiku and Senryu).

Awesome book and despite the subject matter being complex at times, the authors did a great job relating hard to understand scientific concepts with real life analogies. The greatest sages and prophets throughout time have espoused the same things but did not have the science to go along with their teachings. As stated in the headline, Stephen Hawkins needs to change his book from "The Theory of Everything" to "You Are Everything." If we humans had the capability to see the smallest subatomic particles, when we looked at trees, houses, other humans,...everything would look the same. You wouldn't see an outline of a human, the inside of the human, or things outside the human. The "inside" of the body would look just like the "outside" of the body. There would not be a location for "me or I." There would be no inside/outside concept. The sun, trees, plants,... are just as important to us as any organs "inside" our bodies. I read a one star review for this book that related it to the same snake oil Deepak has been preaching for 40 years. My question, how did snake oil work? How does the placebo work? Where is the mathematical equation for the effect of the mind on the cells in the body? And if the mind can effect cells that are inside the body why wouldn't it have the same effect on things "outside" the body? Thank God (as the expression goes or in this case the Universe) that we do have the observer effect in quantum mechanics. Maybe the greatest breakthrough in science - along with this book!

One of the things I appreciate most about this book is its optimistic message. By exploring the interconnectedness of all things, Chopra and Kafatos offer a vision of the universe that is both awe-inspiring and empowering. They remind us that we are not separate from the universe but rather integral parts of its ongoing evolution.

It is sad that the reviews thus far, as of this writing, are so limited in generalities that they give YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE a dismissive attitude. I hope to correct this nonchalant audacity in my review by presenting this book by following the words by Pabla Picasso, "Every act of creativity is first an act of destruction." YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE is a blistering attack on the claims of scientific materialism. And, it introduces us to a quantum leap, that is, the observer now sees something new - a new consciousness that is unfolding a new potential human purpose. Hence, we are grounded in the future potential rather than chasing materialism. I gathered the above information in a book written in 2004 by Deepak Chopra called THE BOOK OF SECRETS, Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life. And guess what. Secret # 2 bears the title THE WORLD IS IN YOU. We are the center of the universe. "To embrace one reality again, we must accept that the world is in us." page 25. That is to say, 'The one reality has already revealed a deep secret: Being a creator is more important than the whole world." page 27. This last quote get's to heart of YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE. "I have no need to control anyone or any thing: I can affect change by transforming the only thing that I have ever had control of in the first place, which is myself." page 28. I suggest that you should purchase THE BOOK OF SECRETS as a companion resource for the book YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE. As I place the book,YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE, on my lap I stared at the title and subtitle and asked these questions. How shall I experience the YOU in the title? How shall I experience the "you (r) as a cosmic self"? How shall I experience the YOU in our 13.7 billion year evolutionary history? The agenda of this book is on page 3 and has similarities with THE BOOK OF SECRETS. They want to demonstrate "that this is a participatory universe that depends for the very existence on human beings." The YOU. Now let's get into the construction of this agenda. How does Freeman Dyson contradict the scientific materialism credo that nature is both random random and mindless? Dyson states: "... It appears that mind , as manifested by the capacity to make choices, is to some extend inherent in every atom." page 19-20 This the core of the paradigm shift in this book. So, keep this vital thought by Dyson in your mind as you begin your tour of this book. From my own personal conclusion I state this observation that human beings are children of Atoms, not Adam. "The answer, if Dyson is right, is mind. If mind links little things and big things, then dividing the universe into random and nonrandom events misses the point. The point is that mind may be everywhere, and our lives happen to reflect this fact." page 21. Therefore, Tagore on page 24, defines our world and YOU not as mere materialistic beings. He states, " This world is a human world ... the world apart from us does not exist. It is a relative world depending for its reality upon our consciousness." I have given you a real foretaste in order to experience YOU in this book. I suggest that you purchase both books THE BOOK OF SECRETS and YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE. From these books YOU will get a second birth from materialism to the enlightenment of your cosmic self.

It is obvious that the book is written out of the authors' love for both science and truth, but most importantly, for humanity. Maybe that's what makes the written words so luminous. I found the book very educational, it presents the latest theories about the nature and origin of the universe in a way that allows even non-scientists to understand. The authors explain the dead ends reached by each theory and gently introduce the possibility of a new perspective, which ties everything together in a much more elegant, intelligent and logical way, solving what seemed to be insurmountable problems. The perspective presented is tremendously inspiring and empowering, and will resonate with anyone who is interested in their own consciousness. I am impressed by how this book was written in a way that makes the insights accessible to scientists and laymen alike, and which returns science to its true purpose, the evolution and well-being of mankind and all life. I have read many books by Dr. Chopra (alas, none by Dr. Kafatos), but this book has brought me new insights in a new language. It has made it possible to envision a world where science, in its own way, expresses the same wisdom that has been communicated by sages everywhere, laying a new foundation for more life-affirming structures in our societies.

I enjoyed reading this treatise regarding the reality in which we find ourselves. There is much to applaud in the text regarding some very clear theories that have been around for hundreds of years and espoused in many texts that precede this difficult argument. However, I challenge many of the absolutes that flaw the theme because most of the ideals of measurement are based in science and employ too much of the physical world when addressing the ethereal world of a created reality. Like trying to measure vapor with a yardstick; you just can't.

This entire book can be summarized by one Aya that God mentioned: " We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness? Unquestionably, they are in doubt about the meeting with their Lord. Unquestionably He is, of all things, encompassing. " - Quran He also said: " ( 19 ) And those who have believed in Allah and His messengers - those are [in the ranks of] the supporters of truth and the martyrs, with their Lord. For them is their reward and their light. But those who have disbelieved and denied Our verses - those are the companions of Hellfire. ( 20 ) Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of ***delusion***." - Quran The fact that reality is not real did not surprise me at all. What surprised me is that science could reach this conclusion.

A different way to look at science, religion and shows how science could actually improve by expanding their search by stop denying the existence of a designer of it all. At least open up their mind a bit and realize there’s more to all this than something to se and measure objectively, much more. Thanks

Great..Great...Great... Inmense book, full of knowledge, erudition and intuition.. Reader should be previously conditioned to really appreciate the value of this book Congratulaions to the authors ...

Dieses Buch von Deepak Chopra mit Menas C. Kafatos einzigartig! ... Und fällig! So oft hat Deepak diese Ausflüge in die Quanten-Physik und Relativitäts-Theorie schon unternommen. Und jetzt ein ganzes Buch / Audio-Programm dazu. Immerhin, die physische Welt im Kleinen und im Großen ist die Realität in der wir leben - oder die wir SIND - oder die wir gar ERZEUGEN. Unterhaltsame, spannende und interessante Einsichten - und Fragen - der modernen Wissenschaft. Denkt das Universum? Na klar! Bin ICH nicht ein Teil des Universums? ... Damit fängt es erst an ... eine Fundgrube zu Fragen wo wir her kommen, wer wir sind - "Radioempfänger" der grossen Seele(?) - bis gedankliche Reisen zurück zum Urknall ... Mulitversen ... u.v.m. Frisch, interessant und unterhaltsam. Einzig - wünschte ich mir 1 MP3 CD statt dieser vielen Scheiben ... :-( Fazit: Sehr h ö r e n s w e r t !!

Es un tema sobre el que he venido trabajando desde hace tiempo, mentalismo. No he terminado de leer, llevo tres cuartas partes leído, pero atravez de sus páginas me ha ido aclarando, reforzando el tema.

A very interesting read. Intellectually challenging but I like the way he systematically builds up his argument . Made me rethink about my place in the world. Makes me want to read more of Chopra’s work.

Wow... enlightening and makes you really consider things you haven't before. It is a bit of a 'smart' read (I guess?). Lots of Physics references I wasn't familiar with, but it was worth the read. Doesn't try and sway you towards any believe system. Shows you the 'evidence' and lets you choose.