Deepak -
As a long time reader and “follower” of your progress and writings I must say I am APPALLED at your lack of:
1. Sensitivity – to Rajan Zed and other followers who choose to protect their faith from cheap potshots disguised under a thin veil of humor.
2. Respect – for Rajaz Zed through insulting and insinuating that Rajan was doing this for “publicity” – perhaps the pot is calling the kettle black?
3. Ethics – You will know (perhaps to the oblivion of thousands of Americans) that much of your writing is based on the teachings of various Seers, Sadhus and Sanyasis of Sanatana Dharma. The least you can do is to not insult the fountain from which you have sourced a few drops – perhaps augmented through an American style marketing engine.
Deepak – I will be pleasantly surprised if you choose to publish this HONEST and CANDID feedback on your blog.
Regards, NYS
PS: Perhaps its a testament to the strength of Sanatana Dharma that yoru recent comments have not invoked fatwas and the like against you. Think of the irony that the Hindu religion that gave you much of your success has given you the freedom to say whatever you choose to – sweet ironies indeed!

Mr. Chopra:
As a Hindu, I have to tell you that you do not speak for all the Hindus. I am informed well enough about theology. These casual treatment of Hinduism by the Westeners simply degrades respect for Hinduism.
Degrading other faiths comes easy to Westerners,but they do get offended when their faith is put in a humorous light.
I suggest you use your position to bring to the forefront, why are there are so many similarities between Hindusism and the Abrahamic faiths. For example, in Judaism when people die they have “sitting shiva” as part of the rites. As a Hindu , I know about shiva. These examples goes on and on…
It seems, that you too, have made an industry out mocking Hinduism.

The protests are also about racism. It is perfectly alright to satirize gurus in Indian media in India or elsewhere i.e. Indian blogs, Indian novels or short stories, theatre, television, and cinema , but if the satire comes from a non-Indian then “Hindu leaders” protest? Racism is a big problem in Indian culture. I am a hindu, a western born caucasion hindu, yet I am not allowed to set foot in many famous “hindu” temples in India because they have rules which only allow “hindus” into those temples. But I am a hindu you say? Exactly. In reality they only allow Indians. You can be an atheist, christian, muslim, wiccan etc, if you are Indian and you don’t dress in a way which makes you look non-Hindu then you will have no problem. Whereas if you are a hindu, dress like a hindu, and can prove that you area hindu, those temples will not allow you in and you can get arrested even for trying if you are not an Indian. They have racist policies in the name of religious sentiments. That is what is going on with this movie, along with the desire for fame by those leading the protests.
http://vedic-varnashrama-blog.blogspot.com/
http://groups.msn.com/EarthComesAlive/

I believe – truly – that so many people are taking things too seriously now a days. There have been so many offended by all the different modes of entertainment throughout the years that I frankly do not see the point any more. Almost everything has been covered in the different styles of entertainment be it stand-up comedy, TV, Film, Cartoons and in the olden days- Radio. The good thing about entertainment is If you don’t want to experience something you think may offend you- Don’t watch it. There are several shows on TV that I choose to not watch because I find them offensive. However, I believe in the First Amendment.
Personally, I believe if I am not in a place where I can laugh at myself and/or the various stereotypes I may fall into- nerd, WASP, medical personnell etc. I don’t have the right to laugh at anyone else outside my area.
Lighten up world. If I were afraid that I will be judged 100% because of a single movie about either my work or about women (both of which have been well covered) It would devastate me and I would miss a large part of my life being worried that everyone would think I am like one of the characters in Scrubs or like Kathy Bate’s role in MISERY. No one is a 100% stereotype and each person is an individual. I believe if we all remember this there will be a lot less aingst and a lot more enjoyment and entertainment.

I haven’t seen this movie yet but was distressed to hear that it is already causing some to feel insulted. Thank you, sir, for reminding us that it is ok to laugh at ourselves sometimes. There is far too little humor- I mean, good natured humor- going around today. Laughter eases tension, makes us happier, links people with other people. I think most people will have the intelligence to see beneath the silliness and appreciate the underlying message.

I fully believe that by presenting an article on humor, Deepak Chopra intended to disrespect the religion that enriched his life, namely for the sake of his own fame. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it, to intentionally hurt one’s own people by talking about lighthearted things? In no way could that notion have come from somebody else’s twist on things.
NOT! Its a joke, get it? ;D

So, what happened to the video/essay?

Namaste!
Haven’t seen the film but just wanted to say that I live in the Federal Republic of Nepal. Until 28 May 2008 (English date) this was known as the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. There are a lot of Hindus there! Of course, there are nearly as many Buddhists and there are Muslims and some Christians in that mix too.
My Hindu friends honour their traditions. They are also the first to agree that (some? many?) Hindus enjoy making jokes about their own religion.
What is all the fuss about?
In all religions there are the fanatics who absolutely cannot tolerate anything that lowers the tone of the greatness of their holy book. However, whichever name you give to your god, wouldn’t it be a sad day if god had no sense of humour?!
Go in peace, my friends
Om Shanti

There is not one to be offended or praised ! NO ONE there to accept it,
or reject it, get it ! read I AM THAT of NISARGADATTA and the human`s puzzle will be revealed, you may or may not get it, depending on your earnestness to seek, ” WHO AM I” of RAMANA MARHASHI and “I AM THAT” OF NISARGADATTA.