SA spiritual community reacts to Deepak Chopra's Epstein email revelations

SELF-HELP guru Deepak Chopra has denied wrongdoing after controversial emails with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein surfaced, causing shock among his South African followers who once revered his spiritual teachings. 

Chopra last visited South Africa in 2015.

Following the release of new files from a US government investigation into Epstein, many prominent figures have found their names linked to the notorious financier, prompting a reckoning over past associations.

In a post on X, Chopra has, however, denied any involvement in criminal activity. 

"I am deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case, and I unequivocally condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms. I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct.

"Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity. Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time. My focus remains on supporting accountability, prevention, and efforts that protect and support survivors," Chopra wrote on X. 

The bbc.com reported that the files appeared to reveal communication between Epstein and Chopra years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from minors.

In a February 2017 email, Chopra seemingly asks Epstein to go to Israel with him and an unnamed group.

"Come to Israel with us," Chopra says.

"Relax and have fun with interesting people. [if] you want use a fake name . Bring your girls. It will be fun to have you. Love."

In another apparent exchange a month later, the pair reportedly talk about God and cells of the human body before Chopra says: "Cells are human constructs. No such thing ! Universe is human construct No such thing. Cute girls are aware when they make noise."

Later in the discussion, Chopra adds: "God is a construct. Cute girls are real."

Epstein also asks Chopra: "Did you find me a cute Israeli?"

As the fallout from Epstein's case continues with the government releasing millions of new documents, the list of influential individuals linked to him continues growing.

Though there is no implication of wrongdoing merely by being mentioned in the latest files, many prominent figures have already publicly denied any connection to Epstein's illicit activities.

Others mentioned include: Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Richard Branson and Sarah Ferguson. 

Locally, the public response has been swift and unyielding. 

Gaishrie Sharon Singh, a transformational catalyst, meta-physicist/writer, and published author, reflected on her previous admiration for Chopra: "In the 1990s, just as I began my journey of inner transformation, I attended a practitioner training with Deepak Chopra, and I felt deeply privileged and honoured to be in his presence, absorbing wisdom that seemed to align so beautifully with my spiritual path. For years afterward, I held his work in the highest regard.

"I was shattered yesterday when I read the emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein. I was stunned. Although Chopra has since apologised for the tone of his messages and stated that he did not participate in any wrongdoing, those explanations feel hollow. Words carry energy, intention, and moral weight. His own description of his 'tone' reveals a level of comfort and tolerance that, in my view, implicitly condoned Epstein’s behaviour.

"In that sense, whether through silence, softness, or misplaced camaraderie, it reflects a form of complicity. What he says now cannot erase what was revealed then." 

Yogin Devan, a media consultant and social commentator, wrote: "Hence I have always maintained you must not enslave yourself to so-called living gurus or yogis or mystics. They are all snake oil salesmen. Believe in yourself. You are the captain of your own destiny." 

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