I found the physical book “Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra (2008) down the street at a local park in a little free library. It was clear to me that I was supposed to read it. I’m glad I did! Chopra’s latest book just came out “Awakening the Final Chapter” as he reaches his 80th birthday, but I wanted to start with this shorter personal development book that would introduce me to the spiritual realm, not religious realm.
Overview: The 98-page book is divided into brief chapters of each of the seven laws. It suggested to to read one chapter a day and contemplate it throughout the day. Each chapter is a short 15 minute read – which was an achievable addition to my morning meditation time. I completed the book within a week. The seven laws are as follows:
- Law of Pure Potentiality – we have everything we need
- Law of Giving – we get by giving
- Law of Karma – we reap what we sew
- Law of Least Effort – do less and accomplish more
- Law of Intention and Desire – channel your attention and desire without attachment to the outcome
- Law of Detachment – remain alert to opportunities to allow for spontaneous creation
- Law of Dharma – every person exists to fulfill a specific purpose in life
Key Message: Chopra’s key message is that success is natural if you learn to move with the flow of life. He argues that one should not be limited to one definition of success, but that well-being and connectedness with the universe provides successful energy.
Supplemental Information:
Where it Falls Short: As I mentioned in the strengths section, I think the first and last laws needed to be described differently. The law of pure potentiality is the practice of setting time aside to foster unity with all life. I would retitle the law “the Law of Meditation” or something more applicable. As for the last law, the Law of Dharma – that one seems like it should be it’s own book. It was a short and incomplete chapter, and he used his children’s story to illustrate the point, which did not match the rest of the book. Honestly, it was awkward and I’m surprised he hasn’t released another edition.
Overall Assessment & Why: I rate it a 7 out of 10 in terms of a personal development book. It’s a great introduction to the spiritual world, separate from religion. It’s also great to be so short and written by someone who has dedicated nearly 8 decades to this work of mindfulness and joy.