Brotherhood Dharma, Destiny and the American Dream (46 page)

A revolution in communications is making it possible for ideas to sweep the world in record time. Every cell phone tower is a neuron in the global nervous system. Therefore, I never want the cabbie’s phone to go dead, and if his words are angry and resentful, that’s the chance we have to take. A nation that spends more on defense than
the next sixteen nations combined has more than a little wiggle room for tolerance.

The irony is that immigration is still salvaging the American way of life. Immigrants have a higher birth rate than whites. They lower the mean age in this country. Without that advantage, Japan and Russia are staring at a shrinking population that is aging inexorably. With diminishing resources, Europe will have to provide care for millions of seniors who have ended their productive years in the economy. Even as immigrants are railed against by callous politicians, racists, and a white majority that is threatened by losing its dominance, the demographic blessing that America will enjoy for the next fifty years is a gift from the brownies.

I want my grandchildren to know that I loved them; at the same time I want them to believe that my life was an example of
Ahimsa,
which in Sanskrit means nonviolence (
Himsa
means harm or violence). The meaning spreads much wider than that. Ahimsa is Gandhi’s peaceful form of civil disobedience. It is Albert Schweitzer’s reverence for life. It is awe before the mystery of life. As you go deeper and deeper, the doctor’s oath to “first, do no harm” opens up the possibility for a higher reality to descend to earth.

Meanwhile I can take my grandkids to see the sights. Our cab is too hot inside. The cabbie shrugs his shoulders when I ask him if he has air-conditioning. So I roll down the window, and if I’m lucky, I won’t get a blast of fumes from a passing city bus. No matter. A breeze is good on your face as you look up at the sky and the lovely light shifting throughout the day.

Why do we love the light, after all? Because it’s the wind that moves the soul toward its secret destination.

Acknowledgments

This was a one-of-a-kind project, and I must thank my brother, Sanjiv, who urged me to participate, and David Fisher, whose first draft inspired me to launch much further on my own than I could have otherwise. The time spent with him was a great creative spur.

To David Moldawer and the team at Amazon, thank you for your faith and encouragement. I learn from every editor, but never more than from you.

Since this book is about family, I offer loving gratitude to five generations of Chopras, from my grandparents to my grandchildren—your presence was with me on every page. To my wife, Rita, I can only say that you added a beautiful Chopra to the mix. I feel very fortunate.

DEEPAK

This was a remarkably delightful project. Working with my older brother, Deepak, was both an inspirational and a rewarding journey. Reflecting on our lives growing up in the enchanting country of India and our journey to the West where we have taken roots and raised our families brought back memories galore. This treasure trove of experiences has shaped the way I think and work. Deepak and I were blessed to have the most loving and compassionate parents, from
whom we learned many life lessons in our early formative years. Our grandparents, uncles, and aunts regaled us with myriad stories. Truly incredible storytellers!

To my wife, Amita, I want to say with all my heart that you have led and nurtured our family with dignity and compassion. You have been a great source of wisdom and strength. You inspire and motivate me daily in countless ways. To my children and granddaughters: what an absolute joy it is to be with you. You keep adding charming stories and insights constantly.

David Fisher, I am grateful to you for the three books that we have written together and for inspiring Deepak and me to take on this memorable project. I very much cherish our friendship.

SANJIV

DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D., is the author of more than seventy books, including twenty-one New York Times bestsellers that have been translated into more than thirty-five languages.

SANJIV CHOPRA, M.D., is professor of medicine and faculty dean for continuing education at Harvard Medical School and the author of five books, including Leadership by Example.