It is an indisputable fact that the Indian philosophical heritage is as rich and varied as that of its western counterpart. But, is it getting confined to historical monuments or submerged in the vast opus of western thought and modern technology? Two centuries of colonial rule probably took its toll; we still face the daunting task of integrating our culture with a western education system. More so in the field of management where theories and concepts developed in the West predominate and are held in high--esteem. All this when traditional Indian culture has much to offer to management as a whole. Most of the psychological theories developed in the West center around I--ness (individualized self) while the Indian Shastras highlight an experiential sense of we--ness (familial selves). another significant factor is the `identifiability' of Indian spiritual traditions and philosophy (where work is treated as worship and management as sadhana) with the modern management practices.
Spiritual consciousness and purity of mind are becoming more relevant in today's business environment than western individualism which emphasizes self--fulfillment and self actualization. Indian ethos, culture, host of theories, principles and practices reigned supreme here long before other cultures invaded it. `Eternal Bliss' is the core of Indian thought and man is advised to balance his outgoing tendency with a harmonious inward journey. For the society, individual is the foundation, who while constantly chasing objective satisfactions (which is nothing but `maya' or `avidya') mid--way realizes that he is on the path of fearless bliss or pure consciousness (called `atman'). The Upanishads teach him to be the self he really is within, without seeking anything from outside. The `atman' is a tiny portion of the supreme intelligence called `brahman' and all our senses, body, mind and intellect are concentrated in this `atman--brahman' nexus. This lays a solid foundation for trust, cooperation, team work, and altruism which act as pillars of the society we live in. No work is regarded as low or demeaning. Work is considered as a means not just to earn money, fame or power but to essentially purify our minds and egos. Every ritual in Indian thought has a hidden meaning.
Spiritual consciousness and purity of mind are becoming more relevant in today's business environment than western individualism which emphasizes self--fulfillment and self actualization. Indian ethos, culture, host of theories, principles and practices reigned supreme here long before other cultures invaded it. `Eternal Bliss' is the core of Indian thought and man is advised to balance his outgoing tendency with a harmonious inward journey. For the society, individual is the foundation, who while constantly chasing objective satisfactions (which is nothing but `maya' or `avidya') mid--way realizes that he is on the path of fearless bliss or pure consciousness (called `atman'). The Upanishads teach him to be the self he really is within, without seeking anything from outside. The `atman' is a tiny portion of the supreme intelligence called `brahman' and all our senses, body, mind and intellect are concentrated in this `atman--brahman' nexus. This lays a solid foundation for trust, cooperation, team work, and altruism which act as pillars of the society we live in. No work is regarded as low or demeaning. Work is considered as a means not just to earn money, fame or power but to essentially purify our minds and egos. Every ritual in Indian thought has a hidden meaning. |
