I have always enjoyed reading the thoughts and words of wisdom of Deepak Chopra and believe this book, “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” is one of his best writings in my humble opinion. He has many of the same beliefs I do… although from a different perspective, power, and source.
My ten favorite quotes from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, (1994) are:
Quotes cited from “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” follow this format: (Chapter Title)
True Success
1. There are many aspects to success; material wealth is only one component. Moreover, success is a journey, not a destination. Material abundance, in all its expressions, happens to be one of those things that make the journey more enjoyable. But success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm of life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being, and peace of mind. Even with the experience of all these things, we will remain unfulfilled unless we nurture the seeds of divinity inside us.
In reality, we are divinity in disguise, and the gods and goddesses in embryo that are contained within us seek to be fully materialized. True success is, therefore, the experience of the miraculous. It is the perception of divinity wherever we go, in whatever we perceive–in the eyes of a child, in the beauty of a flower, in the flight of a bird. When we begin to experience our life as the miraculous expression of divinity–not occasionally, but all the time–then we will know the true meaning of success. (Introduction)
Comment: Wisdom for the ages! What “success is a journey, not a destination” means to me is that we must live in the moment… it is residing “in the moment” that we can learn to better practice love and kindness to others thereby increasing those moments of true bliss.
Self-referral vs. Object-referral
2. The experience of the Self, or “self-referral,” means that our internal reference point is our own spirit, and not the objects of our experience. The opposite of self-referral is object-referral. In object-referral we are always influenced by objects outside the Self, which include situations, circumstances, people, and things. In object-referral we are constantly seeking the approval of others. Our thinking and our behavior are always in anticipation of a response. It is therefore fear-based. (The Law of Pure Potentiality)
Comment: This is an issue that I continually work on… that of seeking approval of others for doing the things I believe in; even though may seem unorthodox at times. Consequently, I don’t know why I do because I don’t want or have to impress anyone… I know this, but still, it is a perpetual challenge.
True Self
3. Your true Self, which is your spirit, your soul, is completely free of object-referral things. It is immune to criticism, it is unfearful of any challenge, and it feels beneath no one. And yet, it is also humble and feels superior to no one, because it recognizes that everyone else is the same Self, the same spirit in different disguises. (The Law of Pure Potentiality)
Comment: I believe this concept. Furthermore, object-referral things induce a fixed mindset which keeps us from growing and experiencing new things.
True Essence
4. You must learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear any challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery, and enchantment. (The Law of Pure Potentiality)
Comment: I understand this idea and have experienced it numerous times. Moreover, the key is to practice, practice, practice to be more consistent from a sub-conscious level.
Giving and Receiving
5. Every relationship is one of “give and take”. Giving engenders receiving and receiving engenders giving. What goes up must come down; what goes out must come back. In reality, receiving is the same thing as giving, because giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And if you stop the flow of either, you interfere with nature’s intelligence. (The Law of Giving)
Comment: Another challenge for me… it is easy for me to give, but ofttimes difficult or uncomfortable for me to receive. In addition, this sentiment is true especially when it comes to graciously receiving compliments from others. However, I am aware of this shortcoming and actively working on it.
Choices
6. Whether you like it or not, everything that is happening at this moment is a result of the choices you’ve made in the past. (The Law of “Karma” or Cause and Effect)
Comment: I wish more people understood and accepted this truth. Moreover, we are where we are in life because of the choices we have made. Therefore, whatever or wherever that is, take responsibility for it!
Feelings
7. When you feel frustrated or upset by a person or a situation, remember that you are not reacting to the person or the situation, but to your feelings about the person or the situation. These are your feelings, and your feelings are not someone else’s fault. When you recognize and understand this completely, you are ready to take responsibility for how you feel and to change it. And if you can accept things as they are, you are ready to take responsibility for your situation and for all the events you see as problems. (The Law of Least Effort)
Comment: I believe this sentiment is true. In fact, I’m the only one that can make myself happy or sad, angry or calm, etc.
Living in the Present
8. Someone once told me, “The past is history, the future is a mystery, and this moment is a gift. That is why this moment is called ‘the present’.” (The Law of Least Effort)
Comment: I have always looked at the past this way. For example, your past is a place of reference… not a place of residence.
Ego
9. The question, “What’s in it for me?” is the internal dialogue of the ego. Asking “How can I help?” is the internal dialogue of the spirit. The spirit is that domain of your awareness where you experience your universality. In just shifting your internal dialogue from “What’s in it for me?” to “How can I help?” you automatically go beyond the ego into the domain of your spirit. (The Law of “Dharma” or Purpose in Life)
Comment: Verily, I see the truth of it… in fact, I’m going to start this dialogue with “Self” today!
Worthwhile Moments
10. Life is eternal. But the expressions of life are ephemeral, momentary, transient. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile. (Summary and Conclusion)
Comment: Actually, relationships are just experiences of moments. I am learning the importance of “letting go” when the time comes… even though it is hard and even overwhelming sometimes.
Works Cited
Images – Post image: “CQ20 Evening with Deepak Chopra-7206” by qtschlepper is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
Quotes – Chopra, D. (1994). The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. San Rafael, CA and Novato, CA: Amber-Allen Publishing and New World Library.
