Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that continues to play a important role in improving health and happiness in modern day life. Spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra says he started meditating 40 years ago to relieve stress and kick his smoking habit—and hasn't missed a day since.

Now, during his Meditation 101 discussion with Oprah, he's opening the door on this sometimes misunderstood practice. Watch on to learn more about the basics of meditation and find out how you can start today!

What is meditation and why should we try it? Find out how 20 minutes a day can change your life:



One common misperception about meditation is that it is a form of prayer. Find out why Deepak says meditation and prayer are two entirely separate things:



When Oprah interviewed rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, she was suprised to find out he meditates with a mantra Deepak gave him. Watch to see why Deepak says a mantra is like taking a cab to your inner self, and find out which mantra you can start using today:



Related Resources

• Sign up for Deepak's free 21-day meditation challenge!
• Deepak Chopra's new books, Super Brain and God: A Story of Revelation, are available in stores now.
• Learn more about the film, Decoding Deepak

Sometimes taking a moment to enjoy the sites and sounds around us can be a meditation in itself. Try it while looking at the lush colors and scenery of autumn in Chicago.

In his new book, Super Brain, co-written with Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi, Deepak Chopra explores how to use the power of the mind to improve health, happiness and spiritual well-being. Part of bettering your mind, body and soul comes down to expanding your consciousness. We caught up with Deepak backstage, and he shared five simple steps to increase your own awareness. Watch the video above to find out what they are, plus the telltale signs you're on your way to living a more present life.

Tune into "Super Soul Sunday" this week at 11 a.m. ET/PT for Meditation 101 with Deepak. You can watch it on OWN—or streaming worldwide on Oprah.com or Facebook.com/SuperSoulSunday. Deepak is also offering a special 21-day meditation course in which he'll be your teacher. Sign up here!

Related Resources

• Sign up for Deepak's free 21-day meditation challenge!
• Deepak Chopra's new books, Super Brain and God: A Story of Revelation, are available in stores now.
• Learn more about the film, Decoding Deepak

Spiritual teacher and thought leader Deepak Chopra has written more than 65 books, including two of his latest, Super Brain and God. This week on "Super Soul Sunday", Deepak credits meditation with helping him stay focused enough to write so profoundly and prolifically. Tune in for Meditation 101 with Deepak at 11 a.m. ET/PT Sunday. Watch on OWN or streaming worldwide at Oprah.com or Facebook.com/SuperSoulSunday.

Before then, click on the covers below to read excerpts of both books!