The Throwback Thursday book review spotlights a classic book that has significantly impacted humanity. This month’s selection is The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra. 

Deepak Chopra’s bestselling book, published in 1994, challenges the traditional notion that success comes through intense determination, dogged competitiveness and often at others’ expense. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success suggest instead, that an inside-out approach works far better because it aligns a person with what they were born to do, making the manifestation of their dreams an “effortless” process.

Hard work and ambition factor into Chopra’s philosophy, however, when one has identified their inner gifts and dreams by following the advice in the book, the work to bring them to fruition doesn’t feel like work, in the traditional sense. Conversely, working hard without inner direction can, and often does, lead a person to feeling unfulfilled and with a nagging “there has to be more to life than this” sense of frustration.

Offering seven “laws” which explore a person’s spiritual nature, the book provides guidance on how to align oneself with essence of each law and use them to create a life that is fulfilling, prosperous and harmonious. Chopra, a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, has spent the last several decades teaching millions his spiritual philosophy and practical approaches to living meaningful lives.

He is the author of more than 80 books translated into over 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. Chopra also partners with Oprah Winfrey to facilitate their popular 21-Day Meditation Experience.

The seven laws are summarized below:

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality: Take time to be silent, to just BE. Meditate for 30 minutes twice a day. Silently witness the intelligence within every living thing. Practice non-judgment.

2. The Law of Giving: Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift: a compliment or flower. Gratefully receive gifts. Keep wealth circulating by giving and receiving care, affection, appreciation and love.

3. The Law of Karma: Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.

4. The Law of Least Effort: Accept people, situations, and events as they occur. Take responsibility for your situation and for all events seen as problems. Relinquish the need to defend your point of view.

5. The Law of Intention and Desire: Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Make a list of desires. Trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason.

6. The Law of Detachment: Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. Do not force solutions—allow solutions to spontaneously emerge. Uncertainty is essential, and your path to freedom.

7. The Law of Dharma: Seek your higher Self. Discover your unique talents. Ask yourself how you are best suited to serve humanity. Using your unique talents and serving others brings unlimited bliss and abundance.