The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Is life just a series of swirling, disconnected moments? Or is there something greater that connects and controls your life. Deepak Chopra, the famous spiritualist and medical doctor, has long taught that everything that is happening in this moment is a result of all the choices you’ve made mentally up until now.

In 1994 he published The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, a ground-breaking book that spelled out principles to live by that he claimed would help you align the various aspects of your spirit to develop a more fulfilling life. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is now available on DVD where it features real-life examples to illustrate the philosophy, which combines Eastern principals like “karma” (one’s destiny) and Western principles like “the law of least effort” (going with the flow). So what are the seven laws? And do they really work?

The law of karma
Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.

Does it work? The concept of karma crosses many cultures and religions. Some people take it to mean “what goes around, comes around.” When someone has wronged you, it’s comforting to think they will one day get theirs. But relying too much on the idea of karma can also be dangerous if you start to blame yourself for every bad thing that happens to you. The best way to act on the “law of karma” is to put out the best energy you can, but understand that it might not always come back that way.

The law of least effort
Accept people, situations, and events as they occur. Take responsibility for your situation and for all events seen as problems. Relinquish the need to defend your point of view.

Does it work? Chopra says every situation is the seed of an opportunity – and in every seed is the promise of a forest. The challenge is that many of the “seeds” are painful moments we’d rather not experience. The key to accepting this law is to recognize that it is often through pain that we learn the greatest lessons.

The law of pure potentiality
Take time to be silent, to just BE. Meditate for 30 minutes twice a day. Silently witness the intelligence within every living thing. Practice non-judgment.

Does it work? Finding stillness and quiet with your own spirit can be one of the most difficult – and rewarding – journeys of life. If you are able to regularly connect with yourself in this way, you will find yourself on the path to spiritual success.

The law of giving
Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift: a compliment or flower. Gratefully receive gifts. Keep wealth circulating by giving and receiving care, affection, appreciation and love.

Does it work? Giving is another concept that seems to cross all cultures and faiths. But at the end of the day, most people still don’t realize the transformative power it has. By focusing your gifts outside yourself, you will be more richly rewarded than you can ever imagine.

The law of intention and desire
Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Make a list of desires. Trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason.

Does it work? One of Chopra’s fundamental beliefs is that in order to make change happen in your life, you have to give your deeper instincts a chance. You have to unlearn the tendency to second-guess yourself and trust other people over your own spirit. The first step to making your dreams come true is allowing yourself to decide what those dreams really are.

The law of detachment
Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. Do not force solutions – allow solutions to spontaneously emerge. Uncertainty is essential on your path to freedom.

Does it work? Trying to control other people is one of life’s most frustrating – and fruitless – endeavors. By letting go of expectations for yourself and others, you free yourself.

The law of dharma
Seek your higher Self. Discover your unique talents. Ask yourself how you are best suited to serve humanity. Using your unique talents and serving others brings unlimited bliss and abundance.

Does it work? This really comes down to the question of whether you can actually find a higher purpose in life. The answer: only if you truly want to take the journey.