Most probably, the book that made me think the most in my childhood and teenage years and also continues to keep me very grounded is The Dhammapada. Originally written and printed in the Pali language, the literal translation is Dhamma-law/teachings and Pada-way/path. This gem is the Buddha’s teachings in a nutshell and forms the basis of all Buddhism, no matter what type it is.
For many years, I taught Buddhism to school students of all ages and these basic teachings often sparked a whole host of philosophical ideas. The very core of these teachings lie in The Four Noble Truths, the first of which, ‘There is Suffering’ is very often misunderstood. It isn’t, as first appears a completely pessimistic take on life, in fact it’s more realistic than you might think. In truth, it means all things are impermanent, nothing lasts forever, we get old, sick and die, relationships change and fall apart, and nothing stays the same. And it’s physics too! Actually the reasoning behind this is not that these things are suffering in themselves but it’s our reaction to them that causes the suffering. When we are attached to how things should be and can’t accept the way things are, this is what gives us all the heartache. This is the 2nd Noble Truth, ‘Suffering is caused by selfishness,’ which is seeing yourself as a separate part of the whole that is everything, as a distinct ego.
Is it possible to eliminate suffering? Yes, and this what the Buddha spent many years discovering. The 3rd Noble Truth ‘The extinguishing of suffering’ is what he called Nirvana, which is quite literally, the blowing out of suffering. He believed it was possible for everyone, regardless of situation, gender or class to eliminate suffering, and we do this through following the Eightfold Path, the 4rth Noble Truth. The path of 8 stages focuses on seeing the world as it actually is, stopping the accumulation of bad karma and practising meditation and mindfulness.
The Dhammapada is an amazingly refreshing read every time I dip into it. It’s amazing how we can get something different each time we return to a book or a movie we love, it’s incredibly indicative of the impermanence and changing nature of ourselves. We are not the same people we were as children, teenagers, even yesterday! This impermanent nature means we can shape tomorrow today, what we think today, we become tomorrow. We never have to be stuck with the same old unproductive thinking because as the Buddha said, ‘the only constant is change.’ And that’s physics too!
Day 42 of 50 ideas in 50 days is The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. I love this book! My mum gave this little masterpiece to me around 15 years ago and I have re-read it many times since. Alongside ‘Synchrodestiny’ it’s my favourite 
book by Deepak. So it is with complete exhilaration that I give you his Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.
- The Law of Pure Potentiality – know that you have the potential and ability to do whatever you want. If you have the will, there is a way to reach your goals. Deepak says, “when you discover your essential nature and know who you really are, in that knowing itself is the ability to fulfill any dream you have…and the more you experience your true nature, the closer you are to the field of pure potentiality.” He talks about the connectedness to your inner source and in this place there is an absence of fear and immunity from criticism. Lovely!
- The Law of Giving – Simply put, give to others and you will receive it back. Give selflessly with joy and with no expectations of results. “The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.” If you want more of something, love, appreciation, good friendships, then be it, give it, allow it to flow. It is all energy, don’t allow it to stagnate.
- The Law of Karma – “The best way to understand and maximise the use of karmic law is to become consciously aware of the choices we make in every moment.” Be aware of what you say, your actions and the choices you make, be careful of negative, conditioned responses and be mindful of your interaction.
- The Law of Least Effort – There are 3 parts to this law. Firstly, acceptance, accept what is, if it is outwith your control. Accept someone for who they are, no sense in trying to fight what is. Secondly, responsibility, change what you can change, don’t be a victim, take responsibility and be constructive. Finally, defencelessness, no need to react and be defensive about things, stop reacting! You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
- The Law of Intention and Desire – I love how Deepak distinguishes between these two things in that desire has attachment to it and intention has not. It is possible to harness the power of pure intention, independent of the outcome. He says, “intention is that quality of attention that is unbending in it’s fixity of purpose…you are able to maintain an unshakable serenity while being committed to your goal with intense passion.”
- The Law of Detachment – Do not get attached to the outcome so much that everything depends on it or you feel that your life will be lacking if you don’t achieve it. Focus only on what you need to do next, feel the joy of the process.
- The Law of Dharma – “Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of goals.”
So what is your purpose? If you don’t know then perhaps it’s a good idea to take some stillness time to reflect on it. If you do know and you are not doing it, maybe you need to consider making some changes in that direction.
