The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – A Reflection

In my early twenties, I was helplessly looking for opportunities and skills that would help me grow in my career and gain success. Reading self-help books was my favourite pastime, and luckily, I had access to many from our college library where I worked.

One day, I came across The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

My first introduction to spirituality was through the Brahma Kumaris. Though I never joined the organisation, watching interviews of Brahma Kumaris teachers helped me make peace with relationship issues and failures. So, when I saw this book, its title naturally intrigued me.

It was concise — I could finish it in just an hour. At first reading, it didn’t change me much. But after returning to it again and again, I began to understand its real essence. Though small in size, the wisdom is unmatched — a must-read for anyone who wants to balance material success with peace of mind.

The seven laws are:

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality

We are spiritual beings leading a human life, but we often forget this. The author explains two states: self-referral and object-referral. In self-referral, our reference point is our inner self. In object-referral, it is external — money, power, or status. The danger is that once those are lost, our power fades too.

In self-referral, a person is respected not for position but for pure being. The author suggests silence, meditation, avoiding complaints, and spending time in nature to realise this potential.

2. The Law of Giving

Giving is not just philosophy but spiritual science. Many people give, yet complain they receive nothing in return. The missing link is purity of intention. Our thoughts precede our actions. If we give regretfully, the act loses its fruit.

The author reminds us that giving need not always be money. A blessing, a flower, or a simple compliment can carry the same power — provided it is given with a pure heart.

3. The Law of Karma

Every consequence is a result of our actions. This is echoed in the Bhagavad Gita. Before acting, we must ask: does this benefit both me and others? If yes, act freely; if not, refrain

Sometimes we suffer despite no visible wrongdoing. Spiritually, this may be the result of past karma. Instead of resisting, the author suggests we accept it gracefully — seeing it as repaying our universal debt.

4. The Law of Least Effort

This law helped me overcome anxiety. Often, when faced with problems, our instinct is to react, which blocks creativity.

One of my students, who hosted birthday parties, once faced a situation where no knife was available to cut the cake. Instead of panicking, he suggested the birthday boy use his finger like a knife. The idea delighted everyone.

When we accept situations calmly, our mind relaxes — and creative solutions emerge effortlessly.

5. The Law of Intention and Desire

We all have wishes, but they manifest only through clear intention. Both past and future are imagination — only the present is real. Happiness cannot be postponed until we reach the destination; it must be lived now.

The author suggests writing down desires, reading them before sleep, after waking, or after meditation. Then, let go of anxious waiting and trust the cosmic plan. To manifest the future, we must first cherish the present.

6. The Law of Detachment

This law echoes Krishna’s advice to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Have desires, but detach from results. If we obsess over outcomes, we lose focus on the work itself.

A student dreaming of high scores but unable to study because of constant worry is an example. Setting a goal should be like placing an online order — trust the process.

Attachment breeds delay; detachment opens space for creativity and freedom. True growth lies not in the comfort zone but in stepping into the unknown.

7. The Law of Dharma

Dharma doesn’t mean religion; it means our uniqueness. The author asks us to reflect: What is in it for me? and How can I help? The first is self-centered; the second is rooted in egolessness.

True joy comes from discovering our purpose and using our unique talents to serve. A writer inspires through words, an actor through performance — each has a role. Blessed are those who find their purpose and serve the world through it.

The author reminds us that these are not just the seven spiritual laws of success but also the laws of life. By practising one law each day of the week, we can transform our lives beyond imagination.