Book Summary Review: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a personal development and transformative book by Deepak Chopra. The book outlines the seven laws or principles that guide people toward achieving success by aligning with the natural flow of the universe. The laws recommended focusing on harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. They also emphasize that success is not entirely defined by the material wealth that one has but by deep, meaningful fulfillment. When an individual incorporates the below seven laws into their consciousness, it offers them the capability to create immeasurable wealth effortlessly and later experience accomplishments in every endeavor. 

What is Success?

According to the author, many people confuse success with material wealth. However, success comes in many forms, and material wealth is only one aspect. Success involves healthiness, energy, passion for life, creative freedom, gratifying relationships, psychological and emotional stability, peace of mind, and a sense of well-being. Chopra defines success as “The continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals.” 

The Concept of Law

Before delving into the seven principles or laws of success, let us comprehend the concept of law. According to the author, law is the process in which unmanifested things manifest. It is the process in which the bystander turns out to be the observer, the seer becomes the scenery, and the dreamer manifests the dream. All the current creation is a consequence of the unmanifest transmuting itself into the manifest. In this case, everything we see comes from the unknown. When these laws are understood and applied in our lives,  we can create anything we desire since they are similar to the laws that nature uses to make forests.

Law 1: The Law of Pure Potentiality

The first spiritual law of success is the “Law of Pure Potentiality,” which can also be called the “Law of Unity.” This law recognizes our essential nature of limitless potential in attaining things that we want. According to the author, pure consciousness, also referred to as the inner self, is the field of creativity and possibilities. If we tap into this state, we can align with our higher self and open up to infinite possibilities. What can we do to connect to this pure potentiality? According to Chopra, we should start;

1. Spending time in silence daily, meditating, and allowing our minds to settle
2.  Spending considerable time in nature to gain a perspective on the harmonious flow of life
3. Practicing non-judgment daily- letting go of opinions about others and embracing things as they are.

Law 2: The Law of Giving

The law of giving, also known as the law of giving and receiving, emphasizes the benefits of keeping the universe’s energy in a continuous state of exchange. According to Chopra, to attain anything in this universe, we should keep giving and receiving, whether through resources, kindness, or love. Such a flow ensures that we stay connected to the universe, which ends up fueling abundance. The law argues that giving with a sincere heart opens our hearts to receiving things in unexpected ways, which ends up creating a cycle of prospering and goodwill. How can we practice the law of giving?

1. Commit to giving something to others every time you meet them. It could be a gift, a compliment, or even a silent blessing.
2. Be open to receiving gifts and blessings from others, and once given, appreciate them without resistance.
3. Foster an attitude of gratitude. In this case, understand that giving and receiving enrich our lives. 

Law 3: The Law of Karma (Cause and Effect)

Karma is both an action and an outcome of an action. It is cause and effect since every act creates a force of energy that comes back to us in like kind. According to Chopra, we should make conscious choices that end up creating positive experiences in our lives. When faced with day-to-day choices, we should tune into our body signals, such as feelings of discomfort or comfort, to guide us toward decisions that serve our well-being and growth. 

What can we do about the past karma that could be significantly affecting us? Chopra mentions three ways to deal with such. Firstly, we should pay our karma debts. According to the Law of Karma, no debt goes unpaid. So, we should make a choice and pay for our past karma debts, which mostly involve suffering. The second thing is to transform karma into an appealing experience. This involves asking ourselves, “What can I learn from this experience?” “How can I make this experience useful to my fellow human beings?” The third way to pay for past karma debts is by transcending them, which involves becoming independent of them. How can we apply this law?

1. Take responsibility for our actions, knowing they have future consequences.
2. Before making decisions, we should consider aligning them with our values and examining how they impact others.
3. We should also reflect on our past actions to understand recurring patterns in life and make conscious shifts when needed.

Law 4: The Law of Least Effort

The Law of the Least Effort is founded on nature’s intellect working effortlessly and with abandoned carefreeness. According to Chopra, nature has intelligent functions that work effortlessly without strain or stress. We can attain our goals with minimal effort if we embrace responsibility, acceptance, and defenselessness. Instead of resisting obvious circumstances or trying to force some outcomes, we can allow ourselves to flow with life. Surrendering to “what is” helps us conserve energy and use it to manifest our dreams. How can we apply this law?

1. Practice acceptance, which involves embracing each moment as it is.
2. Take responsibility for situations after accepting the things as they are. Never blame reactions on external circumstances.
3. Surrender the need to defend the personal point of view. Avoid persuading or convincing others about our point of view.

Law 5: The Law of Intention and Desire

Chopra argues that an inherent need in individuals’ desires is the mechanism for its fulfillment. If we focus our attention on our desires, we set emotions and allow the universe to orchestrate our paths toward realizing them. In this case, we should plant intentions like seeds. Once planted with clarity and detachment, they will grow and bear fruits at the right time. The author shares five steps we can adopt to fulfill our desires since intention generates its own power. They include:

1. Slip into the gap – Spend considerable time in the silent space between thoughts. And attain the Level of Being, which is an essential state.
2. After getting established in the state of being, release desires and intentions.
3. Remain in the state of self-referral – Do not look at yourself using the eyes of the world. Also, do not share personal desires with anyone unless they share similar dreams.
4. Give up rigid attachments to specific outcomes.
5. Allow the universe to handle the details.

How can we apply the law of intention?

1. List personal desires and carry the list wherever you go. Read them daily to keep the vision clear.
2. Practice detachment that involves releasing control over how and when the desires manifest.
3. Meditate to quiet your mind. This ends up strengthening focus and clarity.

Law 6: The Law of Detachment

According to this law, we should willingly relinquish our attachment to them to manifest things. This statement does not mean giving up the desire itself but letting go of the need for a specific outcome. According to Chopra, attachment is a mentality of poverty that hinders manifestation. He adds that in manifestation, uncertainty is key to creativity and freedom, allowing us to explore new paths without clinging to our fixed idea of success. How can we practice the law of detachment?

1. Practice letting go of rigid expectations and embracing uncertainties.
2. Trust the process with the knowledge that, in some cases, life unfolds in an unexpected manner.
3. Be open to unknown plans and results. These plans and results can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

Law 7: The Law of Dharma (Life’s Purpose)

According to this law, every one of us has a unique purpose or “dharma” to fulfill in life. This purpose tends to align with our talents and passions. According to Chopra, our true success can only be measured by the way we serve others with our gifts since it is through service that we find ultimate fulfillment. If we align our actions with purpose, we can contribute positively to the world while at the same time enjoying satisfaction and joy. How can we apply this law? 

1. Lovingly nurturing the gods in an embryo that lies within the soul. This involves paying attention to the within spirit that animates our minds and bodies. It also involves carrying the awareness of a timelessly perpetual being amid time-bound encounters.
2. Listing our exceptional talents and how they can be used to serve others and improve their lives.
3. Seeking ways to integrate purpose into our daily lives and allow it to guide our goals and choices.

Conclusion

In summary, the above seven spiritual laws of success offer a spiritual roadmap for attaining success by attuning to the deeper forces of nature and the universe. If we embrace these laws and integrate them into our daily lives, we will find a path to true success, one marked with achievements and a sense of purpose, joy, and harmony with the world. The laws serve as a reminder of our inherent connectedness with the universe and everything in it.