A sold-out crowd packed Sandra Levine Theatre at Queens University of Charlotte to spend an enlightening evening with Dr. Deepak Chopra, a leader in the meditation revolution. Chopra, a New York Times bestselling author and one of TIME magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential People,” helped guide attendees on a spiritual journey to awaken new levels of awareness.

“Once in a while we wake up enough to know that we are dreaming,” said Dr. Chopra. “My friends, I invite you to wake up to your own fundamental reality as a timeless soul that is on a cosmic journey that we call ‘time.’”

Dr. Chopra also discussed the importance of embracing the “7 pillars of well-being” which include good sleep habits, whole foods and plant-based nutrition, introducing movement and yoga into daily life, and increasing self-awareness and realization. By incorporating these elements, one can help cultivate a clearer vision and encourage healing of the mind, body, and soul.

The visit was made possible by Queens University’s Learning Society, which welcomes important thinkers and doers to campus – sharing their knowledge and life experience with students and the greater Charlotte community.

“Dr. Chopra’s visit was a deep dive into modern science, ancient wisdom and the future of well-being,” said Dan Lugo, president of Queens University of Charlotte. “All of us share a similar desire for personal growth, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.” Deepak Chopra speaks from the stage of the Sandra Levine Theatre

Dr. Chopra also participated in an intimate student-led discussion where he shared personal anecdotes, including a life-changing meeting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1985, that inspired his life’s work of intersecting science and spirituality. He provided interesting glimpses into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and medicine as well as tips on how students can change their perception of situations to foster happiness.

“It really was an extraordinary experience to be able to speak with someone as amazing as Deepak Chopra,” said panelist Eleanor Williamson ’24, communications and interfaith studies major. “It was an opportunity that not many people will experience and I felt honored to be a part of it all.”

To learn more about the Learning Society and upcoming guests, visit our Learning Society webpage.

*Photos by Tricia Coyne