“Deepak Chopra’s story is an inspiring gift for those who truly care and have the courage to seek.”
—Michael Baigent, author of The Jesus Papers
The founder of The Chopra Center and the preeminent teacher of Eastern philosophy to the Western World, Deepak Chopra gives us the story of the man who became Messiah in his phenomenal New York Times bestseller Jesus. The author who illuminated the life of Buddha now offers readers an unparalleled portrait of Jesus Christ, from carpenter’s son to revolutionary leader, that is fresh and inspiring—a remarkable retelling of the greatest story ever told.
---
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A gripping tale of one man’s archetypal journey through confusion, doubt, and despair to self-annihilation and the realization of his true identity as the ‘light of the world.’” -- Eckhart Tolle, author of A New Earth and The Power of Now
“Once again, Deepak Chopra combines spirituality with dramatic narrative to breathe new life into a story that we all assumed we knew. This unique and intriguing story inspires as well as educates. Chopra’s JESUS is every bit as compelling as his groundbreaking retelling of BUDDHA.” -- Tim Kring, creator of Heroes & Crossing Jordan
“A la the Da Vinci Code, this thought-provoking tale is sure to ignite exciting questions and controversy.” -- Jill Gregory, co-author of the international bestseller THE BOOK OF NAMES and the forthcoming thriller THE ILLUMINATION
“It is such an original and intriguing approach to imagine which Jesus was ‘left out of the bible.’ Chopra’s novel is a fascinating read.” -- Petru Popescu, author of the forthcoming GIRL MARY
“If you think all that could be said about Jesus has already been said, then this book will be an eye opener in the best and truest sense of those words. Do a major favor to your soul and read it.” -- Miceal Ledwith, L.Ph., L.D., D.D., LL.D, former member of the Vatican's International Theological Commission and co-author of THE ORB PROJECT
“Deepak takes on the story of Jesus in a way that is both respectful and common. If as a Christian you are afraid of what is inside these pages, don’t be. It quietly succeeded in restoring my faith in my own faith.” -- Kevin Costner
“In Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment, Deepak Chopra dares us to ponder paradigms imbedded deep within our very DNA and question unquestionable truths. Chopra introduces a breathtaking epistemology that is altogether fresh and divine. His powerful revelation threatens our ability to live our lives in darkness.” -- Cheryl Woodcock, Correspondent & Producer, Entertainment Tonight & The Insider
“We journey with a very human Jesus through a tough and turbulent landscape to discover his greatest message, that of personal transformation and enlightenment. Deepak Chopra’s story is an inspiring gift for those who truly care and have the courage to seek.” -- Michael Baigent, author of The Jesus Papers
As a Jew I was taught to reject Jesus. As a mystic I was drawn to his light. This brave book invites me to approach Jesus anew, with great curiosity and a humble heart, and to love him, in the end, as my Self.” -- Raphael Cushnir, author of THE ONE THING HOLDING YOU BACK
From the Back Cover
The New York Times bestselling author captures the untold story of Jesus in this surprising, soul-stirring, and inspiring novel.
About the Author
Deepak Chopra, MD is the author of more than eighty books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers in both fiction and nonfiction categories.
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Product details
Publisher : HarperOne; Reprint edition (November 3, 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
ISBN-10 : 0061448745
ISBN-13 : 978-0061448744
Item Weight : 1 pounds
Dimensions : 0.8 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #715,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#1,623 in Religious Historical Fiction (Books)
#1,718 in Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction (Books)
#3,386 in Biographical Fiction (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars 253 ratings
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Biography
DEEPAK CHOPRA™ MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. Dr. Chopra is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and hosts the podcast Daily Breath.The World Post and The Huffington Post global internet survey ranked “Chopra #17 influential thinker in the world and #1 in Medicine.”
He is the author of over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution and his book, Total Meditation (Harmony Book, September 22, 2020) will help to achieve new dimensions of stress-free living and joyful living. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century.”
www.choprafoundation.org
www.deepakchopra.com
www.chopra.com
https://apple.co/Daily Breath
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deepak chopra new testament son of god story of enlightenment mary magdalene dead sea lost years jesus life work of fiction thought provoking jesus a story path to enlightenment public ministry god is within open mind missing years sea scrolls many people higher level studies with the essenes
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Skydog
1.0 out of 5 stars The Patriarchy has its way again
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
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In writing a fictional account of Jesus, why would the author hang on to that old patriarchic lie that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute? Nothing in any scripture even hints that this was so. So why keep this bit of male propaganda in your bit of fiction? I find that fiction can and often does shed light on a figure in history or an event in a way that a mere historical account cannot do, and I hoped for something of the sort here, but I was disappointed. Tedious dialogues between Jesus and Judas, between Jesus and some mysterious Himalayan mystic, who seems at first to just recount a story he's been told, then suddenly, he becomes omniscient. This is not a story of enlightenment, especially not the enlightenment of a reader. It's meandering and unsatisfying.
15 people found this helpful
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Nicole
2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2018
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I really enjoyed Enlightenment Book # 1, Buddha, so I was excited to read this one. However, I was very disappointed with this book. Unlike the first book, this one didn't grab my attention and "flow". As a Christian, I was expecting more .. it was just not there. It was a story about a man in search of God and meaning. It didn't really portray Jesus as "special". It didn't go into His life as we've heard from the Bible. It told of his life from a different view as a searcher with doubts and a very anti-climatic ending.
I'll still read # 3 and # 4, hoping to learn from the prophets and hoping to gain some "enlightenment" on the way. I'm hoping they are as good as # 1 was.
3 people found this helpful
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V. Schafer
1.0 out of 5 stars Fiction
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2019
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Such a disappointment! Nothing based on any ancient unpublished or even rejected books of the Bible. Pure conjecture. Jesus is cast as ordinary with doubts. He didn’t have doubts at 12 as the Bible tells of the priests being astounded by his knowledge. I read this after reading Buddha as I wanted to get a basic understanding of the religious leaders throughout time. I hope Buddha wasn’t as fanciful.
4 people found this helpful
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J. Puleo
4.0 out of 5 stars An imaginatively led spiritual journey
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2016
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The time of mystery in Jesus's life just before His public ministry is postulated and explored. Familiar characters appear. Events that are contextually and historically possible leading to a moment of enlightenment in which Jesus recognizes His oneness with God and His mission as the Son of God and Light of the world. The serious Christian will have to decide what accommodations they are willing to make to their mindset in order to read or whether to continue. Although laid aside a few times I found the final chapters very touching and spiritually fulfilling. If your faith formation is strong read this book. If your formation is shaky or just beginning be cautious and maybe read with a well formed friend.
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Not Mohammed
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2018
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I have to say after reading Mohammed and being completely captivated by the story, I was a little disappointed in this offering. It felt disjointed and not as well presented. I don't know if it the difference in the material or just my own prejudices and preconceptions coming through. I am on to God now and we will see. Still a good book but not (in my opinion) a great one .
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prop manager
5.0 out of 5 stars An enriching viewpoint for anyone seeking a deeper understanding
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2014
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Jesus is so dear to so many people. Jesus is so disturbing to so many people. Jesus has always been a source of wisdom and consternation to people whether Christian or not. Christians do not even agree about Jesus. So when an author of another religion altogether endeavors to speak about him, it is significant while yet troubling to many Christians. The significance lies in the light that one who stands outside of the tradition can shed for those inside and I must say that Deepak Chopra does bring to light much that a Christian misses when steeped in Western approaches to Jesus. Mr. Chopra offers an enriching view of the spiritual journey not only that Jesus made but how that journey is one for each of us in our own unique way. Reading this book has helped me find a new a deeper level of encounter with Jesus. I recommend it highly.
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Seth Marshall
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice story but don't expect to learn about Jesus...
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2015
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Enjoyed the read but purely as a work of fiction - think I may have been quite disappointed if I picked up the book intending to learn anything at all about Jesus. Chopra, as always, is a great storyteller and blends his own beliefs and values well in the writing.
It's interesting to get a new perspective on how Jesus might have been like and what might have happened. A nice story overall but probably not as good as Chopra's earlier material. There are a few nuggets of wisdom in there and a bit humanizing of Jesus which may not go down well with hardcore Christian followers.
6 people found this helpful
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James Wheeler
4.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical story of Jesus... A good work of fiction though and it makes you think.
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2012
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Let me start by saying that if you are a Hard nosed Christian who believes Sola Scriptura, and that the bible is completely inerrant - This book is not for you. If however you enjoy thinking and are willing to have your understanding of the events between the Biblical account of Jesus being whisked away at age 2 and his return around 30 with only one biblical notation of his life at age 12... where did he go? what did he do? who was he? Does any one know for certain?? Probably not anymore, this book is a work of historical fiction, yes, but it makes the reader wonder if being the "Son of God" was no more than the value of being a human being a "child of God" or if his seemingly divine power did not in part come from his own personal enlightenment... after all the kingdom of God is within...
Like it, hate it, doesn't matter - Dr Chopra makes you think!
Keep an open mind, think for yourself... but try not to leave it open at both ends!
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inservice
4.0 out of 5 stars As a Christian are you brave enough to read this?!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2018
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I can only quote Deepak Chopra himself "Enlightenment has existed in every age. The path from suffering and separation to bliss and unity with God is well marked. I put Jesus on this path because I believe he walked it. Of course, any number of confirmed Christians will disagree, sometimes violently. They want Jesus to remain unique, the only man who was also God. But if Jesus belongs to the world, as I believe he does, his story can’t exclude everyone else who has realized God-consciousness. In this novel Jesus remains a savior, but he isn’t the savior."
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William Masson
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2019
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I loved this book and I read it within 3 days which is rare. There were many aspects of this story which I loved but can’t say. Will definitely read it again
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Pharo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great work
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2013
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great book very informative answers a lot of questions is a must read for all seekers after the truth and beyond. The book should be included in further education syllabus and the subject should be taught in universities as a special course.
Well done the author.
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Jade
1.0 out of 5 stars Second hand book!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2021
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Book was second hand, nowhere did it state this
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Terry
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2013
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I love Deepak Chopra's book but wasn't sure about this one at first. However, it grew on me as the book progressed. I would recommend it to anyone looking for soem answers about the real Jesus.
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=====
Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment
by Deepak Chopra (Goodreads Author)
3.57 · Rating details · 1,405 ratings · 180 reviews
“Deepak Chopra’s story is an inspiring gift for those who truly care and have the courage to seek.”
—Michael Baigent, author of The Jesus Papers
The founder of The Chopra Center and the preeminent teacher of Eastern philosophy to the Western World, Deepak Chopra gives us the story of the man who became Messiah in his phenomenal New York Times bestseller Jesus. The author who illuminated the life of Buddha now offers readers an unparalleled portrait of Jesus Christ, from carpenter’s son to revolutionary leader, that is fresh and inspiring—a remarkable retelling of the greatest story ever told. (less)
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Hardcover, 288 pages
Published November 4th 2008 by HarperOne (first published January 1st 2008)
Original TitleJesus: A Story of Enlightenment
ISBN0061448737 (ISBN13: 9780061448737)
Edition LanguageEnglish
Other Editions (32)
Jesus (Enlightenment Collection)
Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment
Jesus: Una Historia De Iluminacion
Yesus: Kisah Tentang Pencerahan (Jesus: A Story of Enlightment)
Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment
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Has Dr. Deepak has made Jesus a bit complicated?has made the Cross where Jesus was nailed a bit complicated? and not a mention has been made about the Gift of Grace, the gift of the Cross or even the gift of being in Paradise because of your faith in Christ as your Savior Has Dr. Deepak become too complicated?
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Jessica
Nov 30, 2008Jessica rated it really liked it
Shelves: themes-religion, themes-spirituality, themes-in-the-vortex-fiction, genre-historical-fiction, genre-spiritual-fiction, themes-christianity, themes-stories-retold, location-islamic-nations, kindle-read
I love pretty much anything that Deepak Chopra writes, but this is the first work of fiction of his that I've read. I am also a person that LOVES reading anything that helps break Jesus out of the tiny box that organized Christianity has put him in, and this really does a good job of that.
This book is a fictionalized account of Jesus' lost years prior to his mission as described in the New Testament. As a work of fiction, the book is very well written and very believable. Even hard liners would most likely enjoy reading it.
My favorite part of the book, however, was the Epilogue where Chopra gives his own opinion about who Jesus really was and what he was really trying to teach us. Overall, I would recommend this book very highly. As a work of fiction, it is very good. I recommend it for anyone who has a deep love of Jesus and what he stands for but, at the same time, has a hard time finding any of that inside the church that claims to follow his teachings. (less)
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Lyn
Jul 18, 2011Lyn rated it liked it
I have picked up this book numerous times only to put it back again and come back still interested.
The obvious controversy left me unwilling to read. I finally did and found it a fascinating fiction, not overtly offensive, though some might be put off by this "lost years" narrative.
description (less)
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Darlene
Jan 01, 2009Darlene rated it did not like it
Holy Crap!?! As I forced myself to read this work of fiction in one sitting, I could not help but wonder what Deepak was hoping to accomplish with this publication (or how strapped for cash he was). I was neither enlightened nor inspired by his story. If anything, it has only fueled my curiosity and yearning for knowing the truth. Sylvia Browne's "The Mystical Life of Jesus" (using her spiritual guide) and Dolores Cannon's "Jesus and the Essenes" (utilizing subjects of hypnotic regression) were both far more interesting attempts to fill in the missing pieces of a man who once lived we now refer to as Jesus Christ.
The sad truth is: Even IF somehow, some day, somewhere and in some way, Jesus told his story, the odds are that He Himself wouldn't be believed. (less)
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Annette
Feb 05, 2019Annette rated it it was amazing
Shelves: novel-of-religious-leader, biblical-fiction
Author’s Note: “This book isn’t about the Jesus found in the New Testament, but the Jesus who was left out – the enlightened Jesus. The gospel writers are silent about “the lost years,” as they are known, covering the span in Jesus’s life between the ages of twelve and thirty.”
This story is based on the premise that Jesus wanted “us to reach the same unity with God that he had reached. (…) To do that, Jesus has to be brought into the scheme of everyday life. He worries about violence and unrest; he wonders if God is listening; he is intensely absorbed in the question, “Who am I?””
In the village of Nazareth, two types of people lived, “people of the mountains and people of the roads, that is, those who stayed at home and those who traveled. (…) But Jesus was rare. He was of the mountains and the roads both.”
What Jesus and his brother James witness is the continuous rise of Zealot rebels against Romans. And wonder themselves which path to pick? “The Zealots had bitterly divided the community. For every Jew who saw them as merciless killers, another saw them as heroes against the oppressor.”
Then like an answer, Judas appears and tempts Jesus to pick up a sword and fight. “Pick it up when you’re ready to be a free man. Or leave it there to rust. That’s what a slave would do.”
“He had had enough of being a slave, and if Judas knew where the road to freedom led, the choice was clear.”
Jesus and Judas travel to Jerusalem “on a lethal mission, to stab the high priest of the Temple.” But only Judas knows the details of the mission. Jesus was tempted to fulfill the mission to gain freedom. But what he doesn’t know is that he is being lead on a mission to sin.
After a failed mission, they’re on the run toward the Dead Sea. But there is something about Jesus. Wherever he hides, he finds “new clothes and loses the air of a fugitive.”
He is lead to an oasis by the Dead Sea and as soon as they approach it, he recognizes the sect of Essenes; ones living in caves and hillside enclaves. “They were recluses, reputed to be the most secret sect in Judea.”
At oasis, he recognizes “the painting that shadowed Mary and Joseph in the stable.” On another painting he recognizes three crosses, and their meaning.
This unique journey takes Jesus through confusion and doubt to the realization of his true identity. The author combines spirituality with dramatic narrative to bring this intriguing story.
Author’s Note: “A static Jesus stands outside human experience… it makes him unique… but it also creates a gap. (…) Indeed, the only way to follow Christ’s teachings is to reach his own state of consciousness. To achieve Christ-consciousness… means walking the path to enlightenment that he walked. For that reason, the Jesus of this novel faces everyday doubts and contradictions. He wonders why God allows evil to triumph so often. He feels inadequate to change other people. He is torn between love for men and women and divine love. In other words, Jesus sets out to solve the deepest mysteries of life – this is the chief reason he isn’t static, as the biblical version of Jesus often seems to be.”
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction (less)
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Brad
Aug 12, 2010Brad rated it really liked it
Last Week: So far I read the Authors Note pages and the Reader's Guide at the end of the book. I think it gives the book a better head start. I have enjoyed both of these sections very much and look forward to the fictional story of Jesus' middle years within.
Conclusion: I think this book, to be enjoyed by Christians, must be approached with an open heart and an open mind. One should not be attached to their own version/vision of who Christ was in his early years, the between years. But rather, be accepting of Chopra's own vision in his work of fiction about what it might have been like for Jesus.
In all I found when I approached the writing with non-resistance, non-attachment and non-judgment, I could more calmly accept this nicely written story. Hence the rating of four stars from me. (I know, I know, it is a judgment of sorts :-P) (less)
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Kerri
Mar 04, 2013Kerri rated it really liked it
I enjoyed this book for the same reason I have always loved Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar- they portray the "human" side of Jesus who I can find relatable. I did not know much about Deepak Chopra before this and I look forward to learning more about him, and reading more of his books. (less)
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Becca Chopra
Sep 12, 2010Becca Chopra rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Deepak Chopra offers sage advice on transforming your life, from a Christian perspective, in his novel "Jesus." While many Christians may not agree with his fictional account of Jesus' lost years before his ministry began, they can reap new insights from the Readers Guide - Jesus and the Path to Enlightenment. He writes that Jesus was the product of transformation and that he wanted others to be transformed also, giving up unloving, violent, selfish and narrow-minded attitudes and offering only love and peace to the world. He describes how all Jesus' teaching was in service of one objective: to find the way back home, to oneness with God. He explains that while Christianity offers prayer as a way to "transcend," it is not so different than than the goal of Eastern spiritual traditions which offer meditation. Both quiet the mind and expand it beyond everyday boundaries.
Deepak Chopra's explanation is that Jesus was teaching how to find the source of all God's qualities inside yourself and ultimately to embody them. I personally found this explanation very powerful, as my work in chakra balancing will help one to embody these qualities... which to me, makes it in line with Christ consciousness.
While this book may not be the best "fiction" ever written, it offers an explanation I can grasp of how and why Christianity has failed to bring love and peace to the world. Chopra illustrates Jesus' teachings in a way that bridges a gap between the Christianity that is taught in organized religion and the way to transformation that Jesus offered to the world. Inspirational to say the least!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries (less)
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Nicole Wagner
Jan 07, 2013Nicole Wagner rated it really liked it
A very interesting book, Deepak is a superb writer and has a wonderful imagination. I like that it sparks thoughts about life and humanity from a personal level and how we can shine and encompass our own Christ-like selves. To see that both light and dark are equal aspects of God and play their part in the grand stage of life. I would've enjoyed more from Mary's perspective and influence as it seems she was more influential in his life than shown here, possibly. I also like that it emphasizes how we all have the potential, born in whatever circumstances, to rise above human foibles and live amazing, Divinely inspired lives. (less)
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Kevin Orth
Nov 13, 2018Kevin Orth rated it it was amazing
This is reminiscent of The Last Temptation of Christ. In that the Jesus character is as human as human can be. The other characters, Mary Magdalene & Judas, are equally committed and well rounded. Even though Jesus is making sense of his mission and purpose as he goes along and questioning his interpretation each step of the way, he does not waiver from the guidance he is receiving from Spirit. We would all be well served by taking such a tact.
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Robert Case
Jul 12, 2019Robert Case rated it really liked it
Recommends it for: students of religions of the world
Shelves: own-the-book, biography, theology
A biographical account of the in-between years in the life of Jesus, the one's only alluded to in the New Testament from about 12 to 30, and according to author, Deepak Chopra, the years in which Jesus journeyed toward and found enlightenment. (less)
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Rita
Jan 27, 2013Rita rated it really liked it
Although I find the storyline improbable, I found Chopra's imagined tale to be an interesting story of "what might have been" the activitiies of Jesus, between the ages of 26 to 30. I say that I find this story improbable, but I am open to the idea that it is - not impossible. Given that it is hard to know exactly what life was like in the region of Jerusalem, over 2000 years ago - Chopra did a fine job of telling a story of a region and a society living under harsh poltiical, cultural, and religious bias and persecution. His telling of Mary Magdalene's life as a prostitute, portrays the hardship that women may have faced, when abandoned or widowed by their family and or husband. For what it is worth - I found Chopra's presentation of MM as a prostitute more unbelievable than that of his portrayal of Judas. But that did not deter me from enjoying this book, which I've given a 4-star rating, mostly because Chopra was brave enough to present a different story of Jesus, one which is certain to offend some readers.
I did not read the book, but rather, I listened to the book...and I absolutely loved listening to Deepak Chopras' voice, inflections, and cadence.
If you are not locked into a pre-conceived notion of who can speak of Jesus, and what can be said about him, and if you are open minded enough, then you just might find this book to be thought provoking. (less)
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Ange
Dec 18, 2009Ange rated it it was amazing
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Waco Glennon
Jun 30, 2016Waco Glennon rated it it was ok
Shelves: 2016-book-challenge
I really don't know what to say about this book. The genre is not new. Others have combined the Middle Eastern traditions with those of India. So, this is Chopra's foray into the realm. It tells a story of a Jesus who is searching as much as - no, more than - any of us do for a place and a purpose. There are false starts and redefinings. There are truths that are learned and the relearned. The comparison and expansion of the Christian tradition by the mysterious monk really only happens at the end. The book is set up for us to hear the story, draw our own conclusions. Then, the slate gets wiped clean and the monk says, as the best improv artist might, "Yes, and..."
But this book just didn't do it for me. I found it boring and a great deal of hand-wringing. I feel like I wish I got more out of it. Maybe I missed something. So, whether it was Chopra or it is me...I want more. (less)
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Chris - Quarter Press Editor
Oct 09, 2009Chris - Quarter Press Editor rated it liked it
I'm always curious to see what others think/imagine of what Christ was like, how they pictured him as a person, as the man. While this might ruffle a few feathers or just come off as pure drivel to others, I neither thought it was amazing nor did I think it was terrible. There are probably many other Chopra books I could've/should've started with, but regardless of the "high dramatics" of this one, Chopra can weave a coherent sentence, and let a few ponder-worth moments slip in, too.
I can't really recommend this to anyone in particular. Maybe those like me, who just like to see what the world thinks about someone like Jesus. (less)
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Raphamello
Apr 30, 2012Raphamello added it
"Ron and Hermione follow Harry on his quest to destroy Horcruxes, conquer death by means of the Deathly Hallows, and ultimately defeat Voldemort in a stunning display of self-sacrifice." Replace with names like "Jesus," "Judas," "Mary Magdalene" and "Satan" and you've got yourself this silly secularization claiming itself a deeply spiritual interpretation of the person of Christ. Have a little more respect, Chopra :( (less)
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Virginia Boylan
Jul 07, 2014Virginia Boylan rated it did not like it
Shelves: historical
I looked forward to learning Chopra's understanding of Jesus. This book is a mishmash of legends, traditions and some outright crazy tales about Jesus's mid-to-late twenties. He runs around doing strange miracles and befriending Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene for no clear reason. The temptation story is mixed in with the baptism scene and both are mangled. If I hadn't been listening on audiobook while driving, I'd have closed the book in disgust. (less)
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Jessica
Jan 09, 2009Jessica added it
I loved this book. At first I was unsure if I would even get through it, but I couldn't put it down. It has helped me renew some faith I have been lacking... (less)
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Honeybee
Oct 24, 2010Honeybee rated it did not like it
I expected a lot more or else I completely missed the point.
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Lucy
Apr 06, 2016Lucy rated it it was amazing
I enjoyed Deepak's Readers Guide the most. It was interesting to imagine what Jesus's journey was like other than what we know from the bible. (less)
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Gianmichael Salvato
Jul 02, 2019Gianmichael Salvato rated it it was ok
Shelves: spirituality, historic-fiction
I will have to admit to being rather disappointed after reading this book. That doesn't mean it wasn't a well-written book, certainly worth reading. But I expected something more from the author, Deepak Chopra.
In his preface to Jesus, Chopra is very straightforward about his purpose in writing the book, saying:
"[there is] a Jesus left out of the New Testament - the enlightened Jesus. His absence, in my view, has profoundly crippled the Christian faith, for...making [Jesus] the one and only Son of God leaves the rest of humankind stranded...What if Jesus wanted his followers - and us - to reach the same unity with God that he had reached?"
Chopra takes on the task quite well, but not without failing to give some consideration I would have thought he'd undertake in his treatment of the Jesus mythos. For example, he allows the notion that Jesus was born in Nazareth, a misrepresentation caused by illiteracy in the early translations of the ancient texts that made up the canonical texts. Nazareth didn't even exist at the time of the radically inclusive Dharma teacher and itinerate Rabbi. And he fails to recognise that it was the ignorance of Pope Gregory that resulted in the complete misrepresentation of Mary of Magdala as a whore -- something that is indicated nowhere, even in the poorly plagiarised canonical texts of the Christian Bible.
Still, I think that Chopra's thoughtful treatment of the story in a way that those who entertain such ideas as the god-concept, and who believe the account in their bible was ever intended to be an historic or literal account of the life of Rav Yeshua ben Yusef, is well done and imaginative.
I might have expected that greater attention would have been paid the likelihood that the Egyptian Therapeutae, long believed to either be Tibetan Buddhist monks or to have been trained by Tibetan monks, played a significant role in the formative ideology and philosophy of the young Yeshua. But this possibility is implied in Chopra's positioning of Yeshua with the Essenes, who are likewise, students of the Dharma, integrated with a more mystical/metaphysical understanding of the traditional god-concept.
I was disturbed by Chopra's decision to support the notion of "Satan", and by an almost Harry Potter-esque encounter by Yeshua with paintings depicting future events. It seemed incongruent with Chopra's own intelligence and wisdom, and only supported one of the most unhealthy delusions of theistic spiritual paths... the notion of this fearmongering, spiteful and bitchy "god", and his "nemesis" (the Angel of Light).
In the end though, I think that for those inclined toward theistic philosophies and spiritual paths, it would be useful to consider the idea that Yeshua (Jesus) understood that all of the qualities we seek from "God" can be found within us already, and the Enlightenment is the pathway or realisation of these qualities (our True Nature). He brings to the forefront the realisation that like the meditative practices (sadhanas) of the Eastern traditions, Christianity offers prayer as a way to "transcend," to still the mind and expand it beyond the limitations of our perceived realities.
The premise that Jesus became enlightened during the so-called "lost years" is a powerful idea, but unfortunately, I expected a bit more substance to support this idea. That was entirely my fault, because I did not realise, when I picked the book up, that Chopra's intended approach was going to be purely fictional -- midrashic, really... much as the authors of the canonical and apocryphal texts intended.
Missing was any reference to the reality that most of the tales we find in the canonical texts, especially in the synoptic gospels, are nothing more than repackaged (horribly plagiarised) versions of a 5000 year old astrological myth about various sun-gods (including Horus, Osiris/Isis, Mithra, Attis, and so many others). I had hoped this book might illuminate some possibilities, even within the context of ficition, that somehow, a manipulative, unilluminated, power-hungry group of rich and powerful men (known collectively as what we now call the Roman Catholic Church) would miss the entire point of the stories, and after them, nearly every "Christian" sect that followed would be disadvantaged and misinformed as well.
Perhaps that is a book that is yet to be written... by a punk monk or something along those lines! ;-)
If you like a light, good natured read... pick up this book. It's certainly better written than the Bible, and much more believable overall. (less)
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