The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra opens the book with a powerful quote

by Swami Vivekananda, which says,

It’s interesting, I was a bit reluctant to read and review The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.  Generally, I prefer to stay away from sensitive topics like spirituality, religion, politics, etc.  After reading The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success several times, however, I have to admit that the knowledge contained within this pocket-sized book is very powerful.  Despite my reservations, I felt compelled to share this message and let you decide for yourself how to proceed.

The premise of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is simple. It says:

Success is not simply about making tons of money, or acquiring material possessions.  These are definitely part of the experience,

but they do not constitute the whole package. 

Deepak Chopra defines success as, “…the continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals”. 

He goes on to say, “…success is a journey, not a destination.  Material abundance, in all its expressions, happens to make the journey more enjoyable.  But success includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, and a sense of well-being.  Success is the ability to fulfil our desires with effortless ease.”

The author argues that you will experience greater success when you understand who you truly are.  He claims that most people make decisions based on external influences, and most of these decisions are based on fear – they are based on other people’s opinions, and they may not necessarily be in line with your highest values. 

Deepak says that giving power to outside influences is self-defeating.  Even the small accomplishments you obtain will not be enjoyable because they are disconnected from who you really are at the core.

Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin.  One cannot exist without the other.   “The more you give, the more you receive” is a universally accepted premise of happy and successful living.

Deepak Chopra advises that the act of giving should not happen begrudgingly.  He says, “If we feel we have lost something through

the act of giving, then the gift is not truly given and will not cause increase.”  He reminds us that the gifts we give need not necessarily

be materialistic.  The thought behind the gift is what counts,

not the monetary value of the gift.  Deepak Chopra encourages

you to be open to receiving as well, and to receive with gratitude

when your turn comes.

Life is made up of choices.  When we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our action is happiness and success for ourselves.  Most people know this as the law of cause and effect.  Many others prefer to call it Karma. We’ve all heard the saying, “You reap what you sow.” Cause and effect, or Karma, is the third law of success.  Christians would say, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Scientists prefer to say, “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” 

Remember to practice this law by asking: “What are the consequences of this choice?” and, “Will the choice I’m making bring happiness to me and those around me?”

Accept people, situations, and events as they are, in this moment,

not as you wish they were.  You can intend for things to be different

in the future, but in this moment, accept things as they are. 

This practice allows the law of least effort to work in your favor. 

Deepak recommends that we refrain from defensiveness,

and instead, take responsibility for the current state of our lives. 

Stop blaming the world for your problems – stop blaming yourself too.  Stop playing victim and assume responsibility.

 “Whatever we put our attention on grows stronger in our life;

whatever we take attention away from, withers and disappears.”  

According to the law of intention and desire, “the future is created by our actions in the present.”  Practice the power of being present.  Don't allow obstacles to consume your attention in the present moment.

Another element of success, in the author’s opinion, is detaching yourself from the outcome of any situation.  Attachment to the outcome leads to stress and anxiety when things don’t seem to be going your way.  Consequently, we lose sight of the present moment and worry about the future.  Attachment is the offspring of fear. 

Fear is a crippling habit.  It leads to hasty and poorly thought out decisions that will hinder your progress more than it helps.

Deepak claims that “The real way abundance is achieved is by asking, ‘how can I help?’ instead of ‘what’s in it for me?’”  This is also the way we find our purpose in life because it allows us to combine the expression of our unique talent with service to humanity. 

If you want to find your passion, Mr. Chopra counsels you to ask yourself this powerful question: “If money was no concern

and I had all the time in the world, what would I do?”

The above quote was one of my major take-aways.

As mentioned earlier, this book is a quick read. 

It is power-packed with useful guidelines

that can help you achieve massive success.

The book contains a lot of references to the “universe”,

“higher intelligence”, etc. Law of Attraction cynics be warned! 

If, however, you’ve read and enjoyed books like The Secret,

Think and Grow Rich, and The Science of Getting Rich,

you will most likely enjoy this book as well.