Now here’s a game we didn’t see coming: a Kinect and Wii title by Deepak Chopra, the famous expert on mind-body wellness. In Leela, Deepak Chopra brings his creativity and philosophies to a medium that’s not often associated with spirituality: the game console. We’re not quite sure what to make of it, so here’s the skinny straight from the publisher.
Deepak Chopra’s Leela, is a groundbreaking journey of body and mind, combining ancient wisdom and traditions with technology on interactive gaming consoles.
Leela is a one-of-a-kind experience that invokes full-body movement with meditation and breathing techniques, designed to unwind body tension and offer more focus for mind and spirit. “Leela” meant “play” in ancient languages – a concept vital to mind-body wellness.
“The medium of interactive video games is enormously rich and filled with creative opportunity that has barely been tapped,” says Chopra, who, along with Curious Pictures, spent more than two years conceptualizing Leela. “There are many people who practice yoga and meditation who have video-game systems in their homes, but they rarely use them – but these are powerful devices, capable of creating wonderful experiences. I hope anyone who explores Leela will feel enriched by what we’ve created.”
Leela is based on the concept of the Seven Chakras, which are energy centers inside every human being. Through seven movements, Leela helps us connect with the Chakras – each movement focuses on a different part of the body.
There is no winning or losing in Leela – Leela moves at an individual’s pace. The goal is to instill an inner sense of harmony, rejuvenation and balance.
For the first time ever, with Kinect for Xbox 360, players can see and measure their breath in real time on-screen. Leela also offers gentle feedback and encouragement to enhance the meditative breathing practice.
Each person who experiences Leela will also have an opportunity to create a personalized “mandala,” or visual representation of the inner self. No two can possibly be alike, and each one reflects the beauty, nature, senses and imagination of the individual. On Nov. 11, players will be able to create and share their personal mandalas with friends and family on Facebook.