Prespectives of Bhagawad Gita for Modern Management
Prespectives of Bhagawad Gita for Modern Management
Prespectives of Bhagawad Gita for Modern Management
Ancient Indian Wisdom for Modern Management
D.V.Ramana Murthy*
Western management thought could not fulfill the Indian perspective of management of organisations.
This has led to interest for search for lessons in management from our own scriptures,epics,Indian philosophy,Vedanta and Bhagawad Gita
India Ethos In Management (IEM). IEM redefines management concepts. Management is not getting things done by others' but helping ordinary people to produce extra-ordinary results'. Productivity of men's capacity is more important than plant capacity.
IEM-The Six Basic Principles
1) Each soul is essentially Devine. Discovering Divinity is the purpose of work.
a)Tat Tvam Asi : You are that (Supreme). Every body can make himself a genius.
b) Aham Brahmasmi : I have immense potential. I can make the impossible possible
2. Why Work?
Atmano Mokshaya Jagat Hitaaya ca : - For my personal growth, - For welfare of the world(Synchronise your private benefit with public benefits)
3.What is Work?
a)Yagnayacharatah Karma : Work is to be done spirit of Yagna (Team Work,Selflessness)
b)Parasparam Bhavayantah : Nurture each other
( Win -Win approach)
4. How to Work? Seva + Tyag : Serve others, Give your best for the good of others
5. Spirit of Work : Yoga Karmasu Kausalam : Dexterity and Excellence in action is Yoga
6. The Resources
a)Sukshma/subjective or subtle factors are more important than Sthula/objective or gross factors.
In business the attempt to have more market share(Sthula) is fine, but building up the future(Sukshma) is more important.
Ex : Swiss watches lost the market to Japanese Quartz
HMT watches were selling like hot cakes and the quality was world class. But Titan swept later because it focused on aesthetic values(sukshma)
While identifying the problem with a product or a system, generally the companies look for objective problem which is Sthula.
But IEM suggests three other areas which are Sukshma are more important. These three problems are subjective, acute, and emerging
b) Karma Kshetra is Dharma Keshtra : Making the work place sacred, clean and bringing orderliness and regularity
Bhagawad Gita - The Trivia
v Song of God
v Part of Mahabharata
v Has 18 chapters
v These 18 are in fact chapter 25 to 42 of Bhishma parva of Mahabharata
v 700 shlokas or verses
v Real discourse between Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna
v This great epic has been written by Rishi Veda Vyasa
v The earliest verses could have been orally composed around 3140 BC
v Written documentations are dated between 300 BC and 200 AD
v THE ART OF RIGHT DECISION MAKING in Modern Management
Bhagawad Gita Applications for Management
Eighteen chapters-Divided into three parts of six chapters each
The first part deals with Karma Yoga(Ways of Selfless Action)
The second part deals with JnanaYoga(ways of Self-Knowledge)
The third and the last part deals with Bhakti Yoga (Ways of love, devotions)
Essence of Chapters 1 TO 6
KARMA YOGA
Applications for Management
Chapter 1 : SELF DOUBT
Overcome by the need to kill own relatives,Arjuna gives up his determination to fight.
Paralysis of Analysis
Quantitative justifications do not warrant the business, yet for the sake of long-term relationship, a decision need to be made
Chapter 2 : SPIRITUALITY OF BEING
Death is only an illusion.The soul travels from life to life by changing the body as a garment.Controlling material pleasures strengthens the individual will. More important is to subdue possessiveness and ego centricity
The corporation prevails, in spite of regular changes in management personnel.
Succession planning to include transmission of tacit knowledge and the assurance of continuity in culture and mission.
Bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions service the market, not individuals.
Chapter 3 : SELFLESS ACTION
By aligning with the supreme purpose of the universe, a self-realised person enjoys the pleasure from within, while instilling compassion in others.
Develop and remain relevant with core competencies to serve a specific market segment.
Life long Learning.
Corporate social responsibility to share benefits and improvements with society.
Chapter 4 : WISDOM IN ACTION
There is a need for a guru to guide.
Wisdom is the end of self-less action.
Knowing is the fruit of doing.
Be the mentor or to be mentored.
Participate in relevant industry councils and provide shared opportunities.
Chapter 5 : SANCTIFICATION OF WORK
A detached worker performs dutifully with own rhythm and purpose.
This person sees Devine essence in all beings.
Win-Win options always with an abundance attitude. The pie is big enough for all.
Co-optition(Co-operate while competing) including in the development of innovations.
Chapter 6 : MEDITATION
Meditation tames the turbulent mind. Once in full consciousness of the Supreme Being( Samadhi), Frequent examination of key performance
Frequent examination of key performance indicators bring order, with order individual time is multiplied.
Structure follows strategy, but always with back-up/standby plans during execution
Essence of Chapters 7 TO 12
JNANA YOGA
Applications for Management
Chapter 7 : SUPREME TRUTH
Every thing is prakiti (lifeless and dark) until illuminated by purusha ( efficient cause). The three gunas create forms and illusions satwic, rajasik, and tamasic
Reality checks Know own resources and influence. Work with in such boundaries.
Leverage on extended networks if possible.
Strengths,weaknesses,opportunities, and threats (SWOT Analysis) for appraisal of prevailing situation. However , this will change with time.
Chapter 8 : UNITY WITH THE SUPREME
Always rebirth except when united with Krishna at the time of death. In meditation,focus all energies to the head while repeating the syllable "OM" to resonant with the Supreme Spirit
Unity of life congruence of work,play, and family, binding body,mind and soul.
Espirit de corps convergence of purpuse with a motivated team.
Chapter 9 : DEVOTION
With purity of will and freedom from selfish motives, even a sinner who takes whole hearted refuge, becomes good
Purity of intentions is key to own wisdom but be prudent by accepting truth with tact.
Remain focused on the deliverables. Be honest with customers, employees and stakeholders.
Chapter 10 : ALIGNMENT
Krishna is the source of all spiritual wisdom. Loving devotion to him dispels ignorance and brings forth happiness and fulfillment.
Guidance is always available, therefore "ask". Be humble.
Remain relevant to market demand. Change is constant, speed is king.
Chapter 11 : UNIVERSAL FORM
Krishna reveals to Arjuna his various manifestations from human form to a supernatural fire consuming the entire universe.
Dare to Dream Vision of an entrepreneur.
Who is thee customer?
Otherwise create one.
Chapter 12 : DIVINE QUALITIES
The faithful will develop divine qualities,
Friendly,compassionate, look upon friend and foe with equal regard, not agitating the world nor being agitated by it, grieves not, lusts not but let things come and go as they happen.
Courtesy and Decorum, lubricate social interactions.
Learning Organisation
Essence of Chapters 13To 18
BHAKTI YOGA
Applications for Management
Chapter 13 : DETACHMENT
Akasha is a space that remains pure even in the midst of unpure things, so the Supreme Self can never be tainted even though it dwells in every creature.
Respect private space, other wise burnout.
Corporate retreat, to jointly recharge and plan ahead.
Chapter 14 : WISDOM TRANSCENDS KNOWLKEDGE
Those who have gone beyond gunas become steadfast and impartial.
Sincere about own efforts, yet nothing is impossible with a willing mind.
Chapter 15 : THE SUPREME SELF
There is Supreme that is part of Krishna.It becomes the inner self in every creature. It enters the body at conception,dwells in the body and departs at death.It is the vitality and the propulsion of the body.this is Atman
Reputation goes before a manager and lingers after his death.
Branding & Brand value developed with business constitution
Chapter 16 : DEVINE & DEMONIC NATURE
Every one has divine and demonic tendencies. Avoid lust, anger and greed while containing pride and selfish desires. Give freely, be sincere,be compassionate and gentle.
Nothing in excess
Specifying corporate Dos and DONTs in a credo, endorse in standard operating procedures with regular reviews and updates.
Chapter 17 : FAITH
Every person is his faith expressed in his worship and the type of food preferred. However, no act or intention can be added to Spiritual Growth, if it is"faithless". All work done without faith is nothing
Not just drive but also determination to ensure success.
Management by Objectives,
Management by Exception,
Servant Leadership (WPM)
Chapter 18 : RENUNCIATION
By devotion to ones' duty, every one can attain perfection by controlling speech, body and mind. Do not share Gita's wisdom with those who are not ready .
Non disclosure agreements.
Embargoes
Limited circulation on "need to Know" basis
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