Daily Connect: Chakra Work on an XBox?

This week the AP reported about a video game developed by Deeprak Chopra and THQ Inc. aimed at combining gaming and meditation.

"I personally believe that you can accelerate neural development and biological evolution through video games," said Chopra. "Unfortunately, that's not what we're doing right now. What we're doing is creating addictions to violence, adrenaline and mindlessness, rather than mindfulness. That was my personal motivation to get involved in this medium."

The game, which is set to launch in November, uses the latest bio-feedback video game controllers to shift on screen graphics in accordance with how the user's body shifts.  There are seven exercises, each corresponding to to one of the seven main chakras or "energy centers" of the body.

I should note that Chopra is not a "Buddhist" in any formal sense, but his work as a doctor and healer has always pointed to the "state of mind" as the root of well-being.  His interest in emergent technologies to facilitate awareness of the mind-body connection makes "Leela" of particular interest to me, especially considering all the new toys that are becoming available.

He continues:

"If we can measure what's happening in your body, your heart, your emotions, your breath and your mind, then there's no reason why we can't create a new generation of video games that can help accelerate the personal, psychological, emotional and spiritual development of human beings."

You can read more about the game here, and more on Chopra himself and his work on his website.