The Seven Spiritual Laws for Children
By ~ Deepak Chopra~

First Law: The Law of Pure Potentiality

The source of all creation is pure conciousness... pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest.

OR

Everything is possible.

Second Law: The Law of Giving

In our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.

OR

If you want to get something, give it.

Third Law: The Law of Karma

We we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.

OR

When you make a choice, you change the future.

Fourth Law: The Law of Least Effort

Natures intelligence functions with effortless ease... with carefreeness, harmony, and love. When we harness these forces, we create success with the same effortless ease.

OR

Don't say no - go with the flow.

Fifth Law: The Law of Intention and Desire

Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for their fulfillment... in the field of pure potentiality, intention and desire have infinite organizing power.

OR

Every time you wish or want, you plan a seed.

Sixth Law: The Law of Detatchment

In our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.

OR

Enjoy the journey.

Seventh Law: The Law of Dharma

When we blend our unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our ownm spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.

OR

You are here for a reason.

Infant 0 to 1 Year

Keywords: Love, affection, attention.

Spiritual bonding comes through touching, holding, providing security from harm, playing and giving attention.

Toddler: 1 to 2 Years

Keywords: Freedom, encouragement, respect.

The child begins to greate the sense of self. The lesson that needs to be imparted is that "the world is safe". We must encourage the child to expand without limit, to encourage freedom despite the occassional wound (hurting is natures way of telling a toddler where the boundaries of "me" begins and ends).

Preschool: 2 to 5 years

Deserving, exploring, approving.

This stage is all about the childs self-esteem. Moving from "I am" to "I can". The raw sense of self surges into the child's idea of controlling reality by sheer force of will. The child's energy should be directed into tasks and challenges that teach balance.

Kindergarten: 5 to 8 Years

Key Words: Givng, sharing, non-judgement, acceptance, truth.

We must show the child that giving is not to be seen as a loss, that telling the truth results in a good feeling. The child must feel "this is what I myself want to do". Children that lie are under the influence of fear.

Years 8 to 12

Key Words: Independent judgement, discrimination, insight.

The child now begins to think on their own (developing hobbies, likes and dislikes), developing personality and independence. With discimination the child can see and judge through their own eyes, they are capable of wisdom. Prior to this age the child sees laws as rules to be obeyed or paid attention to... conveyed by a teacher (normally the parent), now the child begins to learn from exeperince of the world.

Years 12 to 15

Keywords: Self-awareness, experimentation, responsibility.

Innocence and dependence on parents become needs that parents can no longer fill. As parents we must let gop of our children and trust that they can deal with a world of responsibility and pressure. Experimentation is a nutural part of the transition from childhood, but to avoid it being reckless and destructive it depends on the inner-self being able to choose between right and wrong based on a deep knowingness about life.

Teaching Right from Wrong

* Take spirit as reality, to believe in an infinite source of love that held them dearly.

* Put no pressure to achieve conventional success. The universe cherishes them for who they are, not for what they do.

* Do not push the child. Let them know when you are disappinted, angry or hurt with them. Teach by reflection instead of rules.

* Remember that the child is a gift from the universe. Let them know that you feel privileged and honoured to raise them. Do not compare them - for good or bad - with anyone else.

* Tell them they have gifts that can change other peoples lives. That they can change and create anything they wanted in their own lives.

* Tell them that the only kind of success that matters is to bring about worthwhile goals that are meaningful to them, goals that bring them joy.

* Finally, encourage their dreams. This tells the child to trust in their own desires, the road to the inner world.

Inspiration, enthusiasm and delight and spiritual qualities. Without them, there is no spiritual life at any age.

Sunday: Is the day of Pure Potentiality

1. Lead them in a few minutes of silent meditation.

Adults practice meditation 15 to 20 minutes in morning and afternoon. Invite the child to sit and listen to their own inner silence. To sit still with you.

2. Inspire them to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.

"What God can give us is limited only by our ability to appreciate His gifts."

Take the child into nature and contemplate it. The sense of "I can do anything" wells up naturally when contemplating the vastness of the sky or mountains.

3. Show them the hidden possibilities in familiar situations.

 "Is there another way of looking at this?"

Ask the child to look for new qualities in themselves or someone else. Ask for stretches of the imagination. Invite fantasy, experimentation, openess. Teach older children non-judgement, not labelling other people and their ways "right" or "wrong". Find a good thing or loveable thing in another.

Monday: Is the Day of Giving

1. Invite them to give one thing to someone else in the family.

Concentrate with your children on how it feels to give. Treat giving as sharing to start. Older children can use more intangibles, like smiles, ind words or help someone in need. Above 12 years of age, encourge them to give when it is not so easy... when one is tempted to withold or be selfish.

2. Invite them to receive graciously.

3. Share a brief ritual of gratitude for life's gifts.