The 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga

Living by the 7 spiritual laws of yoga can bring peace, harmony, and unity into your life. Here’s what you should know…

We’re back after a little summer break, and this week, we’re bringing you an introduction to the 7 spiritual laws of yoga, from Deepak Chopra.

The word “yoga” actually means union in Sanskrit, and the practice of yoga is traditionally defined as the practice of merging all of the different aspects of our being into one true, unified nature. The 7 spiritual laws are the guidelines for achieving this unity. By taking steps to follow these laws in your everyday life, you will be truly practicing yoga.

Before you get started, it is important to realize that you don’t have to follow each law perfectly in order to benefit. Simply by recognizing these laws and understanding them, you will improve your life and your understanding of your own being and the world around you.

Here are the 7 spiritual laws:

1.) The Law of Pure Potentiality

The first spiritual law is the law of Pure Potentiality. When we embody this principle, we understand that our essential nature is pure consciousness, the infinite source of everything that exists in the physical world. Since we are an inextricable part of the field of consciousness, we are also infinitely creative, unbounded, and eternal.

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2.) The Law of Giving and Receiving

The second spiritual law is the Law of Giving and Receiving. Giving and receiving are different expressions of the same flow of energy in the universe. Since the universe is in constant and dynamic exchange, we all need to both give and receive to keep abundance, love, and anything else you want circulating in your life. The simplest way to experience the flow of giving and receiving is through breathing…

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3.) The Law of Karma

The third spiritual law is the Law of Karma. The word karma in Sanskrit translates loosely to action. Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in kind. When we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success. The law of karma demonstrates the power of our actions and the impact they have on ourselves and others.

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4.) The Law of Least Effort

The fourth spiritual law is the Law of Least Effort. You can most easily fulfill your desires when your actions are motivated by love, and when you expend the least effort by offering no resistance. In this way, you tap into the infinite organizing power of the universe to do less and accomplish more.

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5.) The Law of Intention and Desire

The fifth spiritual law is the Law of Intention and Desire. It is said in one of the ancient yogic writings, known as the Upanishads, that “you are your deepest, driving desire. As is your desire, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny.” When we connect to our deepest, driving desires we connect to our subtle intention, or sankalpa. This is unique to each one of us, but we must become very still and quiet to access it.

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6.) The Law of Detachment

The sixth spiritual law is the Law of Detachment. At the spirit level, everything is always unfolding perfectly. You do not have to struggle or force situations to go your way. Instead, you can intend for everything to work out as it should, take action, and then allow opportunities to spontaneously emerge.

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7.) The Law of Dharma

In Sanskrit, the word dharma means “right direction” and it relates to our purpose in life. We each have our own individual gifts that we are born into and by using them to serve others, we experience unlimited love, abundance, and true fulfillment in life.

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The Bhagavad Gita defines yoga as “skill in action.” By integrating these laws into your yoga practice, you can become them rather than think them. As you take time to reflect on the Seven Spiritual Laws, allow a sense of joy, contentment, effortlessness, and purpose to infuse your being and remember their presence in all aspects of daily life.

To learn more about the 7 laws & how to practice them in your own life, visit Chopra.com

 


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