The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents

September 1, 1997
Capitalizing on the sales of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, the prolific Chopra repeats his handbook formula for spiritual growth. The seven laws for parents are laws of: Pure Potentiality; Giving; Karma; Least Effort; Intention and Desire; Detachment; and Dharma. Chopra translates these straightforward principles into disarmingly concrete kiddie-speak as well: "Everything is possible"; "If you want to get something, give it"; "When you make a choice, you change the future"; "Don't say no--go with the flow"; "Every time you wish or want, you plant a seed"; "Enjoy the journey"; "You are here for a reason." Seeking to help parents to instill in children a sense of the spiritual at work in everyday life, Chopra offers games and suggestions, organized around days of the week ("Friday is the day of detachment"), and asks parents to relate to their children not as the voice of authority but as fellow creatures "embarked on the journey of soul-making." It is difficult not to view this slight work as crowd-pleasing oversimplification, spiritual cup o' soup for busy, results-oriented souls. Still, Chopra celebrates well the innocence and sensitivity of childhood, and any reminder to parents to honor their too-often neglected treasures of potential has some worth. Major ad/promo; simultaneous Random House audio.