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