Swami Vivekananda opened the Western minds in America to the Eastern philosophies, almost a century ago. About 25 years ago, Her Holiness Jyotishanand Saraswati began this organization in NY, and began Pravachans.
As a corporate citizen, Guru Maa’s Pravachans influenced not only my personal and spiritual life, but also my corporate life. Swami Parthasarthy visits America and gives lectures regularly at large investment banks and business schools. I was visiting Credit Suisse headquarters last week, and was told that the company had a ‘meditation’ room for its employees.
The October 30th issue of Business Week magazine published an article titled ‘Karma Capitalism’. ‘Times have changed since Gordon Gekko quoted Sun Tzu in the 1987 movie Wall Street. Has the Bhagwad Gita replaced The Art of War as the hip new ancient Eastern management text?’ This phenomenon is directly linked to the increase in the number of CEO’s or CO’s or Senior Executives of Indian origin (e.g. Pepsi), and also because about 10% of the professors at influential business schools such as Harvard, Kellogg, Wharton, NYU are of Indian descent. Indian-born strategists are helping transform corporations. Ram Charan, C K. Prahalad, Vijay Govindrajan are names of some of the most influential and well- respected business strategists and consultants. Social Responsibility: Some of the leading thoughts and business practices can be directly linked to the Vedas. C K Prahlad, considered the third most influential business thinkers in the world, says that companies should take a more holistic approach to business – one that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders – stockholders, employees, customers, society and the environment – not just the shareholders.
“The best way to describe it is inclusive capitalism…corporations can simultaneously create value and social justice” Strive towards excellence: Indian scriptures often talk about ‘swa-dharma’ or selfethics or ‘values’ or ‘quality’ – are all now being rolled into Six Sigma or other quality driven programs.
Our scriptures describe 16 dimensions of quality. Lord Rama had attained 14 dimensions (14 Kala Sampurna). Rig-veda explains that cosmic order (physical as sell as moral laws) govern the entire universe and that no transgression of these laws is allowed. To attain excellence, we must have common vision, practice universal brotherhood and strive for equal prosperity for all. Corporate vision, mission and goals are now a must for success; discrimination of any kind is legally and morally challenged in all corporations and community development or good corporate citizenship is practiced by all good corporations. Leadership: In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna that ‘enlightened leaders should master any impulses or emotions that cloud sound judgment.’ Also, good leaders are selfless, take initiative, and focus on their duty rather than obsessing over outcomes or financial gain. Vedic scriptures strongly stress the need of three types of self-discipline to be strictly observed by ‘shrestha purush’ or ‘leader with high moral ethics – Atma-glani, Ishwar-vhaya and Lok-lajja or self-guilt, fear of God and Fear of society. Wish Enron and orldCom leaders had read these principles!
It’s a flat world: Indian philosophy has always espoused an ethereal view of the world. Outsourcing, strategic partnerships, off-shoring etc make the world into one global village. Innovation: Vijay Govindrajan of Dartmouth says that his work is inspired by the concept of karma, where every action has a reaction. Innovation is about creating change, not reacting to change.
Shawhney of Kellogg goes one step forward and stresses the importance of getting customer input in guiding new, innovative products. Meditation and Stress Reduction: This has been the most commonly stolen idea from our scriptures. Self-discipline and concentration comes from practicing yoga and meditation. These are now valued as key leadership traits. In conclusion, hopefully, this is a beginning of a new trend as the world becomes more global. The integration of Vedic studies with modern management techniques will be essential to manage in this global market. Leaders of these corporations can draw significantly from the Vedas to lead in this new world, and contribute towards a more balanced world. References: Karma Capitalism (Business Week) Business excellence enshrined in Vedic Philosophy by AK Sharma (Singapore Management Review) Some money, some mantras and some management by Lakshmi Ghosh (The Hindu) Gita, management Gospel (The Hindu) etc.
