Dr. Deepak Chopra is a well-known author of more than 25 books. He is one of the leading spokespersons for a growing movement of physicians who are combining modern Western medicine with ancient Eastern healing methods. Chopra was formerly the Chief of Staff at Boston Regional Medical Center, and he has taught at Tufts University and Boston University Schools of Medicine. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a short but insightful book that explains how simple actions can make a big difference. Some parts of it may appear abstract to those who have not experienced Eastern philosophy.
Based on natural laws which govern all of creation, this book shatters the myth that success is the result of hard work, exacting plans, or driving ambition.
Deepak Chopra offers a life-altering perspective on the attainment of success: Once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with natural law, a sense of well-being, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life, and material abundance will spring forth easily and effortlessly.
1. The Law Of Pure Potentiality
This law is based on the fact that we are, in our essential state, pure consciousness. According to Chopra, pure consciousness is pure potentiality, it is the field of all possibilities and infinite creativity. Other attributes of consciousness are pure knowledge, infinite silence, perfect balance, invincibility, simplicity and bliss. The more you experience your true nature, the closer you are to the field of pure potentiality. The experience of the Self, or "self-referral", means that our internal reference point is our own spirit and not the object of our experience.
Another way to access the field of pure potentiality is through the practice of non-judgment. Judgment is the constant evaluation of things as right or wrong, good or bad. When you are constantly evaluating, classifying, labeling, analyzing, you create a lot of turbulence in your internal dialogue. This turbulence constricts the flow of energy between you and the field of pure potentiality.
2. The Law Of Giving
In order to keep energy and prosperity coming to us, we have to keep the energy circulating. A river must keep flowing, otherwise it begins to stagnate, to suffocate and strangle its very own life force. Giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. If you stop the flow of either, you interfere with nature's intelligence.
Practicing the Law of Giving is actually very simple:
if you want joy, give joy to others. If you want love- learn to give love, if you want attention and appreciation, learn to give the same, if you want material abundance,help others to get material abundance. The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. If you want to be blessed with all the things in life, learn to silently bless everyone with all the good things in life.
3. The Law of Karma
Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind - what we sow is what we reap. When we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is one of happiness and success.
Karma is cause and the effect of your actions simultaneously. Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in the same way we are sending it out. Karma implies the action of conscious choice-making. Some of these choices are made consciously, while others are made unconsciously.
The best way to maximize the use of karmic law is to become consciously aware of the choices we make in every moment. Everything that is happening in this moment is a result of the choicesyou have made in the past.
The essence of the Law of Karma is the idea of cause and effect. By taking the steps necessary to bring happiness and success to others, the universe will reciprocate by providing you with happiness and abundance.
4. The Law of Least Effort
There is a natural effortless ease in many things. If you observe nature at work, you will see that least effort is expended. Grass doesn't try to grow, it just grows. Fish don't try to swim, they just swim. Flowers don't try to bloom, they just bloom. This is their essential nature. It is also the nature of the sun to shine. It is human nature to make our dreams manifest into physical form, easily and effortlessly.
There are three components to the Law of Least Effort.
a. Acceptance.
It simply means that you make a commitment: "Today I accept people, situations, circumstances and events as they occur.I will live in the moment. I will accept things as they are, not as I would like them to be (my ego). Knowing and understanding this I can be responsible for my emotions and feelings and there for towards my reactions to the world. "
b. Responsibility.
It means not to blame others and yourself. Take the moment and transform it to something better. In this way every tyrant will become your teacher. Reality is an interpretation and you will have many opportunities to evolve. There is a hidden meaning behind all events and this hidden meaning will be serving your evolution.
c. Defenselessness.
This means that you do not have to convince or persuade other people of your point of view. If you watch people around you you'll see that they spend 99% of their time defending their point of view.
5. The Law of Intention and Desire
Whenever you put your attention on will, you grow stronger in your life. Whenever you take your attention away from your will it will disintegrate and disappear.
Intention on the other hand triggers transformation of energy and information. Intent is desire without attachment to the outcome.
6.The Law of Detachment
In order to acquire anything in the physical universe you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This does not mean you give up the intention to create your desire. You don't give up your intention and you don't give up your desire. You give up your attachment to the result. This is a very powerful thing to do. The moment you give up your attachment to the result, you begin to gain perspective on the situation.
7. The Law of Dharma Or Purpose in Life
Everyone has a purpose in Life - a unique gift or special talent to give to others. When we blend this talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.
What would you do if money was no concern and you had all the time in the world? If you would still do what you are doing now, then you are in Dharma because you have passion for what you do -you are expressing you unique talent. How are you best suited to serve the world?
Answer that question and put it into practice. By doing this you can generate all the wealth you want because your creative expression matches your fellow humans. You will know true joy and the true meaning of success.
Key thoughts:
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because characte is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
-John Wooden, college basketball coach
"Although they only give gold medals in the field of athletics, I encourage everyone to look into themselves and find their own personal dream, whatever that may be - sports, medicine, law, business, music, writing, whatever. The same principles apply. Turn your dream into a goal and learn how to attack that goal systematically. Break it into bite-size chunks that seem possible, and then don't give up. Just keep plugging away."
- John Naber, swimmer, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist
By: Regine Azurin
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About the Author
This Article is based on the following book:
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
'A Practical Guide To The Fulfillment of Your Dreams'
By Deepak Chopra. M.D.
Published by Amber-Allen Pub 1995
ISBN: 1878424114
115 pages