The Difference between Deepak Chopra and the Tao Te Ching

We explore the ways in which New Age spiritualities and gurus might lead to disengagement from issues that matter in the world. Using chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching, we contrast folks like Deepak Chopra with an engaged spirituality based on minimalism, compassion, and the way of non-domination. We also mention the potential problems with karmic thinking in Ram Dass and the value of a non-dogmatic inspiration from Jesus and his brother James on the importance of concern for the poor and downtrodden.