The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - book review

Almost 15 years before "The Secret" and the Law of Attraction, there was Deepak Chopra writing about acquiring the things we desire, not only cars and homes, but peace of mind and contentment in his book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams.

I know a lot of people say things like this, but it really is true when I tell you that this little book changed my life. It completely changed how I perceive the world and its workings. Not only do these seven laws teach about manifestation, but they teach how to work harmoniously with universal energies thereby eliminating a lot of stress and anxiety from daily life.

I bought it on a whim when Christmas shopping with my son. It was on a table of discounted books near the checkout counter of the store; placement for purely impulse purchases, and it got me that December evening in 1994. Even after all these years, I count it as one of the wisest impulse purchases I've ever made.

It's just 128 pages – easy to read; simple yet profound as many great teachings are.

The first sentence of the introduction states: "Although this book is titled The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, it could also be called the Seven Spiritual Laws of Life, because these are the same principles that nature uses to create everything in material existence – everything we can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch."

In this sense – and throughout this book – "spiritual" means "life force," not necessarily a religious "God-force." This book isn't about religion, it's about natural laws, life force and energy, and the physical manifestation of thought and desire.

Right off, the title intrigued me because the number seven certainly carries with it a variety of Mystical and Mysterious meanings in many cultures and traditions. (For more information on that, read the article "Spiritual Symbolism in the Number 7" on my "Spirits In Harmony" blog.)

The first law is the Law of Pure Potentiality which states that every thought is a potential manifestation, and that you can manifest anything that you can think of.

Second is the Law of Giving. Whatever you give is returned to you, so make sure you give that which you seek.

Third is the Law of "Karma" or Cause and Effect. Every action is not only the result of the application of energy, it generates an energetic force as well.

Fourth is one of my favorites and dovetails perfectly with Daoist philosophy – The Law of Least Effort. If you are in harmony with the universe, whatever you desire manifests easily and effortlessly.

Fifth is the Law of Intention and Desire. Clarity of intention and desire is crucial to the manifestation process.

Sixth is the Law of Detachment. This is a little bit like "let go and let God." Once you are clear on what you want to manifest, allow it to happen in its own way. Don't try to control the process, just envision the outcome.

Seventh is the Law of "Dharma" or Purpose in Life. The introduction to this chapter explains: "Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals."

Each chapter goes into detail on how the subject Law works in the universe, and the manifestation process. Each also ends with a section called "Applying the Law of ______" in which practical steps are enumerated showing you how to incorporate the teaching into your daily life.

I still keep this little book at my bedside to read at night and meditate on the principles within. Not only does it contain food for thought, but nourishment for the soul as well.

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