Bhagavad Gita A Behavioural Approach

Bhagavad Gita

A Behavioral Approach to Management

ABSTRACT

Management is the art and craft of getting things done by others. .

Management, an age-old concept is invariably a goal-driven activity and

man is the cynosure. India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a

rich treasure of knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country, we

lack management philosophy. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters,

Bhagavad Gita contains beautiful ideas of the principles of management.

The behavioral approach Krishna applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna to

action has no parallel even in modern management philosophy. Action is

given its due importance. Work itself is the pathway to realisation .

Management creates a condition in which people are willing to work with

interest, enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, discipline, a sense of responsibility,

belongingness, pride and confidence so that the goal of the organization can

be achieved. The realisation has to be obtained through one’s own duties.

One has to do one’s bounden duties (niyatam kuru karmatvam 3-8) with

utmost devotion (bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of sacrifice.(yajna

bhavena) . This will bring spiritual perfection and spiritual ennoblement.

Work itself is the source of satisfaction. The dialogue between Krishna and

Arjuna (krishnarjuna samvadam) is an exemplary example of effective

communication. The application of our traditional management concepts in

solving modern management problems is the need of the day. The man-

making gospels and people-building philosophies available in our ancient

literature will help modern managers to attain managerial excellence

Management is getting things done by others. It means that the manager

must make others undertake specific task. Every task is directed towards an

objective An average man must be directed, motivated and propelled to

action. The traditional theory of management has it that, man is inherently

idle and indifferent to his duties. He shows an inherent dislike towards his

duties. He does not work unless forced, coerced, influenced or induced. An

external motivation is needed.. Hence management philosophy developed

different functions like direction, motivation, leadership etc. All these

functions are not possible without communication and coordination. Hence

these five functions assume great importance in management.

Man: The First Syllable

Man the first syllable in the word “management” is very important in any

management science. It is his efforts, which are to be directed towards the

set goal. The human effort is the product of his inner drive, desires, motives,

attitudes, interest and personality. Desire is the root cause of any behavior. It

is the mother of all human activities. “ Man is born with the desire to obtain

happiness, which is the primary motivation for all his actions,” says Robert

Owen. Hence these aspects form the core of the study of human behavior at

work. Behavioral approach to management gives much importance to these

core competencies. The study of management is the study of human

behavior. Right from the beginning, the human side of management was

emphasized in the study of management however, it was the management

gurus like Elton Mayo, Roethelisberger, Herbert Simon, Chris Argrys etc.

who developed the science successfully.

According to the traditional Indian theories, work is worship. We work for

the welfare and well-being of human being.(lokasmgraha meva api

sampasyan kartvam arhasi). To an average Indian, work itself is the source

of satisfaction. Balagangadhara Tilak in his book GitaRahasyam says, “ any

act which a man performs is either for obtaining happiness or for warding

off unhappiness”. The goal of human activities is happiness and happiness is

the sauce of life

Indian Management Thoughts

India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasure of

knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country we lack management

philosophy. We have illustrious ideas in management scattered in the

various epics of yore. We Indians, with a western orientation, fail to trace

out the treasures of this knowledge lying aplenty in Mahabharata

,Ramanayana, Arthasastra ,Nitisataka ,sukraniti ,Vidura vakya

,Yogavasishtam etc. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavad Gita

contains beautiful ideas about the principles of management. All these 700

verses are interpreted inducing immense interest to our modern managers.

All these verses have their own reflections and ramifications on management

functions like planning, direction, communication, coordination motivation

and leadership. It has the techniques to improve the knowledge, skill and

education of the common man and make him more efficient and competent.

It has the capacity to transform the productive potential into productivity.

The jnana yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga etc. give a wealth of ideas about

karma, dharma, swadharma, rights ,duties, responsibilities, devotion to duty ,

selfless service, human welfare etc. Had it been timely traced out , it would

have been a rich contribution to our Behaviour Scientists who developed

human resource management in the early part of the 19th century, in the

wake of World War I and II.

Krishna’s Behavioral Approach

As an expert behavior scientist and a skilled psychologist, Krishna has given

a psychological cure to the confounded Arjuna. In the Gita, Krishna

motivates Arjuna, using the theories which in fact were developed much

later to Bhagavad Gita. It gives flashes of Maslowian Need Hierarchy, Mc

Gregorian XY theory, Chris Argyrys Immaturity Maturity Theory etc .

Krishna identified the physiological and psychological problems of Arjuna.

He was prescribing a spiritual panacea those physical and psychological

problems.

According to behavior scientist’s human behavior is caused by certain

impulses. The reason may be an internal feeling (motive) or an external

environment (stimuli). Behavior is determined by the situation. Inherent in

the situation, are the environmental forces that shape and determine his

behavior at any given moment. It is such a strong situation that had changed

the basic attitude of Arjuna. A sense of delusion and deep depression that

overwhelmed this great warrior must have raised many an eyebrow

Arjuna Vishada Yogam

Arjuna was an archer of eminence. His physical prowess was unbeatable and

he had an enviable mental stability as evinced in all his earlier performances.

He was the most powerful among the kurus (kurunandana ) . Due to his

unparalleled physical prowess (mahabaho), he was considered the bull

among the men (purusharshabha) most dear to Krishna. He became sensitive

and a slave to the situation, on seeing his kinsmen in the battlefield ready to

fight one another. The most efficient among the pandavas had put his

weapon down abruptly, on seeing his friends and relatives on the rival side.

He turned nervous and tears rolled down his eyes ( astrupoorna

kuleksanam). It was unexpected and unbecoming of a warrior of Arjuna’s

stature and that too at a moment of crisis ( visame samupasistatam).

Psychological factors are also important in shaping the behavior of a person.

Repressed emotions accumulate tremendous amount of dynamic energy,

which must necessarily seek a field of expression. Arjuna was overtaken by

repression and behaved like a victim of perfect neurosis. On the day

previous to the Great War, the shrewd, blind Dhritarashtra, the father of

Kauravas, sent Sanjaya, his emissary to Arjuna with a secret message. This

message full of mischievous import, sowed the seeds of disastrous ideas in

the mind of Arjuna, directing his energies caused by the repression of his

emotions into wrong channels, so that he became hapless and neurotic in the

face of great challenge

Conflict Resolution

The approach adopted by Sree Krishna to manage the crisis situation was

superb. The behavioral approach he applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna

to action has no parallel even in modern management philosophy. A

flabbergasted Krishna rises to the occasion and advises his best friend. The

leadership quality he has shown is really laudable. He invokes his power and

authority to influence the behavior of Arjuna and catapults him to optimum

efficiency. He has to elicit the positive qualities within the Pandava King,

Arjuna. The inter- personal influence applied by Madhusudana in that

difficult situation in directing his depressed friend through his

communication skill, was outstanding. He instilled confidence in Arjuna,

disclosing the secrets of his life and mission, which enhanced his morale and

transformed his productive potential into productivity

Human Resource Management

The theory of personnel management says that the level of performance of a

worker is a function of both capabilities and motivation. It is an act of

stimulating some one or one self to take a direct course of action to arouse,

sustain and maintain a behaviour. The least form of behavior is action. All

actions are aroused. All actions are caused. All actions are goal-driven.

Hence every behavior is caused.

Management creates a condition in which people are willing to work with

interest, enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, discipline, sense of responsibility,

belongingness, pride and confidence so that the goal of the organization is

achieved. It builds up a force that activates dormant energies in individuals

and sets their actions in motion towards the accomplishment of desired

objectives. It is essential to instill in people a sense of purpose in their work

so that they can realise how their efforts will contribute to the well-being and

welfare of the society, so that they can have confidence in their own true

worth which is the mark of freedom.

While emphasizing the prime importance of getting things done by others in

an organization, it is also vital that an employee be recognized as an

individual, giving due respect to his dignity, integrity and self respect.

Arjuna was the personification of power and prowess. But all his powers

were drained due to the pressure of the situation. Krishna had to activate the

lost energy and instill a new vigour in Arjuna. Assuming the role of a

manager, Krishna motivates Arjuna towards his goal, by making him aware

of his role, responsibilities, duties, aims, and objectives

Mc Gregor’s Theory X&Y.

The basic assumption of X theory of Mc.Gregor is that the average man by

nature is indolent, he works as little work as possible, lacks ambition,

dislikes responsibility, prefers to be led, inherently self-centered, ego-

centric, and indifferent. He is, by nature, resistant to change and always

displays negative behavior. The behavior pattern of pauranic partha suits the

X Assumptions of Mc Gregor. This behavior pattern also suits to the

management personnel of the modern times. Like pauranic partha they are

down with their weapon ( ganteevam srmsate hastat), totally disillusioned

and deluded ( seetanti mama gatrani mukham ca paricusyate), with

confusion and conflict in their mind ( bramativa ca me mana), inclined to

impotent idleness, laziness and lethargy ( na ca saknomi avastatum),They

have an inherent dislike for the work ( viparitani ca nimthani), becomes

nishkarmakamis instead of nishkamakarmis.

Such people are always idle and unwilling to take up any responsibility.

Predominantly physiological in attitudes, they easily become slaves of the

situation and victims of peripheral happenings. Such people do not have

adequate self-motivation, nor do they have any ambition for improvement or

enthusiasm for achievements. Like the deluded, depressed and sorrow

stricken Arjuna they will say na kamshese vijayam, na rajyam, na sukhani

cha. They are physically, mentally and spiritually weak.

The Man of Action :Concept of Theory Y

Mc Gregor’s Y theory considers man as most active and ever willing to

discharge his duties. This type of people considers work as natural as play.

For them work is not a painful event but an enticing experience. They are

self -driven, self-motivated and display self-control. They have the capacity

to exercise high degree of imagination, ingenuity and creativity in their

work.. They are the most energetic and enthusiastic, the progeny of lions

who assert themselves as the king of the jungle (svaymeva mrigendrata).

Swami Vivekananda describes such people as those with iron nerves and

steel muscles. Amritasya putras ( the sons of immortals) They are ever

active, bold and courageous people, most enthusiastic and faithful. Gita says

the spirited karmayogis with stability of mind and steadfastness are the real

stitaprajnas, who can perform their duties with a sense of sacrifice

(yajnabhavana), who can work with a worshipful mind, with out expecting

any fruits of action. For them, work or karma is natural and spontaneous.

They seldom turn idlers, they never idle away even a second ( nahi kascit

ksanamapi jatu tistatva karmakritu). As if impelled by some natural force

(karyate hy avasa) they go on performing their duties spontaneously (karma

sarva prakriti jairguna).

Lord Krishna himself cannot be idle, even though he has no specific duty to

perform in all the three worlds ( name partasti kartavyam thrisu lokesu

kincana). Still he does his duties (varta eva ca karmani). Because , Krishna

says, if he does not perform his duties, his followers will tend to imitate his

idleness ( yedi hy aham na varteyam jatu karmanya)

Gita says that all actions are self-propelled and not forced with a whip. No

more carrot and stick approach can be there in motivation. In order to do

one’s own bounden duties there is no need of a whip- an external punitive

force, (niyatam kuru karmatvam). Every body is happy to do his own

bounden duties( niyata karma) because according to Indian Philosophy

action is superior to inaction ( karma jyayo hi akarmanah). Frederik

Winslow Taylor (USA 1856-1951), the father of scientific management, has

an intense sense of duty and social obligation. He stated that one has to make

pleasure of duty rather than a duty of pleasure.

The Z theory developed by modern management experts is not sound. It is,

on the contrary vague in theory and in practice. It has not gained much

application in management either.

Theory of Spirituality

Gita goes beyond X,Y,and Z theory and attains a new theory of spirituality .

It can be considered as the real Z theory or a new Z-plus theory because

there is much more conceptual clarity in the theory of spiritual development

propounded in Bhagavad Gita. It aims at spiritual perfection and spiritual

development through devoted duties. Gita says one who engages in his own

occupation (svakarmaniratah 18-45) and is interested and delighted in one’s

own duties will attain spiritual perfection. Z theory speaks about self-

actualisation. But this Spiritual theory Z-plus goes further in search of

spiritual realisation - the eternal bliss - where one can express oneself

completely. It is the stage of manifestation of perfection

Works: The Pathway to Realization

Works itself is the pathway to realisation . The realisation has to be obtained

through one’s own duties. One has to do one’s bounden duties (niyatam kuru

karmatvam 3-8) with utmost devotion (bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of

sacrifice.(yajna bhavena) . This will bring spiritual perfection and spiritual

ennoblement. Work itself is the source of satisfaction

Krishna advises Arjuna to do the duties developing a spiritual attitude

(adhyatmacetasa 3-30) with a spiritual framework, without desire (nirasir)

and without any selfish motive (nirmamo) and to surrender completely to the

supreme (mayi sarvani karmani sanyasadhyatma cetasa 3-30)

A spiritually conscious person cannot idle awayeven a second (nahi kascit

ksanamapi 3-5) without doing any work. He is by nature impelled to do his

duties. Karma emanates from the Brahma, the Supreme, hence a spiritually

conscious person has to surrender all his work to the Supreme

(brahmanadhya karmani 5-10). All karmas reach the Supreme (brahma

karma samadhina 4-24)

One who resigns all his actions to Brahma and works without any personal

attachment (sangam tvaktva ) is not soiled by sin ( lipyate na sa papena 5-

10) as a lotus leaf is not welled by water ( padmpatra iva ambasa). By

abandoning the fruit of action a man of restrained mind attains abiding peace

( santim apnoti naisthikam 5-12). One who is established in selfless and

detached action ( yoga yukto 5-7) who is pure, whose mind and senses are

under control ( visudhatma, vijitatma,jitendriya 5-7) is an enlightened person

who does not get inflicted by any sin. For the attainment of mental purity

(atmasudhi) the spiritual aspirantshould work without attachment (samgam

tvaktva 5-11)

Action is Superior to Inaction

Gita says, karma or action is superior to the akarma or inaction ( karma

jyayohi akarmana 3-8) . Hence every body has to do his bounden duties

(niyatham kuru karmathvam 3-8). Spiritual perfection is obtained only by

work and not by renouncing one’s duty( 3-4) He who carries out his

bounden duties without expecting the fruits of action, with a spirit of

dedication and sacrifice ( ansrita karmaphalam karyam karma karoti yah 6-

1), is a true sanyasi and a yogi. ( sa sanyasi ca yogi ca). He has attained self

realisation and is a spiritually enlightened person

Real spiritual growth and development can be obtained only by controlling

the organs of action (karmendriyani samyamya 3-6). He who disciplines the

sense organs by his mental power (indriyani manasa samyamya 3-7) is

called a karma yogi or one who always excels in his actions. Spiritual

perfection precedes perfection in one’s action or performance. One who

conquers one’s inner energies is a tranquil person (jitatmana prasantasya 6-

7) .Hie is full of peace and himself perfect in the discharge of his duties as

he is fully established and absorbed in the supreme self ( paramatma

samahitah). When there is chaotic inner self, we cannot have the experience

of atma and excel in our duties. A realized person will remain steady all the

time amidst cold, heat, happiness and sorrow, even in honour and dishonour,

( manpamanayoh 6-7) says Gita

The great behavior scientist and management expert Dr. Mary Parker Follet

says, a human being should forget about his personality and regard himself

to be a mere trustee of his possessions. All his actions must be devoid of the

fruits of action. This is exactly the Gita’s concept of yukta karmaphalam

tvaktva for achieving mental peace.

Effective Communication

Power and authority can influence the behaviour of human being and may

bring maximum efficiency. Voluntary cooperation can be achieved with the

right leadership which has a long term effect on people’s positive behaviour.

Leadership is an inter personal influence exercised in a given situation and

directed by communication process, towards the attainment of a specialized

goal or goals. Krishna assumed the role of an efficient leader in a most

difficult situation. Every such situation creates a leader.

The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna (krishnarjuna samvadam) is an

exemplary example of effective communication. It is effective in all respects

i.e. It brings two minds together which is most important in any effective

communication. Krishna used very strong words and the appropriate idiom

while communicating to Arjuna. The message was well-delivered, credible

and convincing strong reasoning. Krishna as a communicator was all along

sensitive to the receiver’s position and condition, his needs and motives. He

acted as a very good listener, and interacted effectively. The words chosen,

at times, proved missiles targeting the mind of Arjuna. Krishna says, where

from has come this low attitude ( kutastva kasmalamidam) in the most

difficult situation (viseme samupathistitham). Keep away the unmanliness

(klaibhyam masma gama partha ) awake O Arjuna and fight the battle

(thyakta uthista paramtapa) These are some of the examples of strong words

used by Sree Krishna. May be these words thawed the frozen feelings of

Arjuna.

Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of an individual in a

given situation and fulfilling a certain predetermined objective. It is a

continuous process of influencing behavior. A good leader, by exercising his

leadership, motivates the employees to achieve high performance. He

generates confidence when he directs them, appreciates them for their

contributions and condescends to tap them on their worth. The inflated ego

of an employee is a measure of leadership effectiveness. The sense of being

important is vital for an employee involved in the process of building an

organization. A self-confident employee is happy and translates his efforts to

greater productivity and organizational efficiency. The leader feels the

efficacy of his leadership and his success is sounded off when his vision

becomes a dream come true

Human Resource Management as visualized by Max Webber, Charles

Babbage and Robert Owen has a history of 300 years. This ‘tri-centurion

concept’ has a wide and varied application in our contemporary management

practices. But several ideas conceived by the ancient Rishi, Vedavyasa, 5000

years ago in Mahabharat and Bahagavad Gita, have strong resemblance and

practical relevance in the present day management. The application of our

traditional management concepts in solving modern management problems

is the need of the day. The man-making gospels and people-building

philosophies available in our ancient literature will help modern managers to

attain managerial excellence

References

Keith Davis,Human Behaviour at work,Organisational Behavior, Tata Mc

Graw Hill, New Delhi 1983

Rudraraj,M.N., Human Factor in Management, Himalaya Publishing

House,New Delhi, 1980

Swami Chinmayananada,The Holy Gita, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust,

Bombay, 2001

Swami Ranganathanananda, Human Values in Management, Bharathiya

Vidya Bhavan, Bombay, 1991

Swami Ranganathanananda, the Universal Message of Bhagavad Gita, Vol

I,II,and III, Advaita Asram, Calcutta, 2001

Nalini V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Publications, New Delhi

2002

Khandelwal N.M.,Management concept from Mahabharath, New Century

Publications, New Delhi 2001

Kumar Srivastava,New Horizons in Management, Rupa Books

International,Jaipur 1985

Bharatiya Vicharakendram, Bhagavad gita and Modern Problems, compiled

Papers, Thiruvananthapuram 2001Chakravarthi S.K., Values and Ethics for

Organisations, Oxford Press, New Delhi 2003

Prasad L.M., Organisation Theory and Behaviour, Sultan Chand and sons,

New Delhi 1989

Jayamani (Dr.) C.V., Health Management a new Perspective, Institute of

Management Development and Research, Thruvanantha puram 1999

BHAGAVAD GITA AND MANAGEMENT

Dr.C.V.Jayamani

ABSTRACT

Bhagavad Gita contains several slokas of much significance to the art and

science of management and administration. The main theme of

“Management and Bhagavad Gita” is man’s bounden duties and their

efficient accomplishment to help attain the ultimate goal. The philosophy of

management and the Gita propound that all human actions are directed

towards a goal and that man will not relent unless and until he attains the

goal. Management is getting things done by others. It is only through

direction, coordination, motivation and leadership one can lead others to

attainment of the goal. This is exactly what SriKrishna did in the case of

Arjuna in metamorphosing him into a spirited karma yogi. Action is a

natural process while idleness is unnatural. To be active is an enchanting

experience. Man may be inherently idle. But he can be stimulated to reach

his highest potentials. Modern management is more concerned about

productive potentials and spiritual efficiency. - spiritual efficiency is the

underlying factor in prosperity. According to Gita, yoga is efficiency in

action. Spirituality is the energy behind every success. The quality of work,

in fact, is the reflection of spiritual efficiency. It is this spiritual efficiency

reflected in the quality of work that brings prosperity. Bhagavad Gita

beautifully blends the man of action and man of wisdom. beautifully. Their

convergence brings success, development and prosperity. In the modern

cyber age, we integrate Human Resource Management (HRM) and

Information Technology (IT) for facilitating managerial effectiveness .In

modern days; we have to transform our society’s impotent idleness into

energized entrepreneurship. Bhagavad Gita is capable in inspiring the idle to

be o spirited karma yogis, in revolutionizing the worshippers of idleness into

warriors of action.

The history of management is as old as the history of mankind. Man has

been managing his multifarious activities from time immemorial with tact

and knack. Most slokas in Bhagavad Gita contain great ideas of modern

management. They include planning, direction, communication,

coordination, motivation, leadership etc. Right from the first sloka,

dharmaksetre kuruksethre, to the last one ending with the term matir mama

is of significance to management and administration. Duties and

responsibilities are important in management. Bhagavad Gita, all along

speaks about one’s own duty (mama dharma) and bounden duty

(swadharma). All actions should be goal-oriented and those actions should

be reinforced with dharma (righteousness). There should be ethics and

values in business and profession. Gita contains 700 slokas. Of the total 18

chapters, chapters 3, 6, 12 and 18 are of particular importance in regard to

management,

Management is essentially man- management. The important task of the

manager is to manage the mind of the people around him and the minds are

often turbulent. In modern parlance, management (syllabi zed MAN-AGE-

ME-NT) is a process of motivating and directing. Man, the first syllable of

management. The aim of management is to attain the goal in an efficient

manner. (AGE) by transforming each person into a motivated entrepreneur

(ME) to undertake his own bounden duties, i.e. the natural task (NT).

MANAGEMENT

MAN: The natural man

AGE: Accomplishment of Goal Efficiently

ME Motivated Entrepreneur

NT Natural Task

Indian Traditional Management

India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasury of

knowledge. It may sound odd that there is lack of management philosophy in

such a country. We have illustrious ideas of management scattered in the

various epics of yore. We Indians, with western bias and Meccaulian

mindset fail to trace out the treasures of knowledge lying aplenty in

Mahabharat, Ramayana, Arthsastra, Nitisataka, Sukraneethi, Viduravakya,

Yogavasishta etc. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavad Gita

contains beautiful ideas of management principles. All the 700 verses are

interpreted to be of immense interest to our modern management gurus.

Management is a man-making gospel according to Sri Ramakrishna

Paramahamsa. To his disciple Swami Vivekananda, it is a people building

philosophy. Modern management can be considered as the karma yoga of

kaliyuga. Management is an art, science or a craft of converting an idle man

to a motivated entrepreneur, Carrying out his natural task and accomplishing

the goal in the most efficient manner. In Gait, perspective management can

be defined as a process of making an alarming person (inactive idle man) a

spirited karma yogi for attaining his ultimate goal (moksha) through a

dharmic way of doing things. Dharma, karma, yajna and sreya are its pre-

requisites. The teachings of Bhagavad Gita will be of immense help to

modern managers in attaining their goal in an efficient manner. Gita is thus a

guide to good management.

Getting Things Done by Others

Management is the art of getting things done by others. It directs and

motivates the persons towards the set goals. It persuades others to cooperate

and coordinate their efforts in achieving the pre-set goals. The style adopted

by the modern management is to inspire the idle minds so as to be pro

active. Gita does exactly the same. It stimulated the deluded Arjuna and

transformed him into a spirited karma yogi. The relentless actions of the

subordinate help reach the goals easily. The kadopanishaidic principle -

“awake arise stop not till the goal is reached” becomes a pertinent

management principle.

Arjuna Vishada Yoga Vs Peter Principle

Core competence and competitive advantage are two terms which are

currently discussed across the globe. According to Peter Principle, in an

organization, there are certain people who cannot perform because of their

inherent incapability. Such people when promoted to higher posts “tend to

become incompetent to carry out their job”. It will create a situation where “

an employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence” (Lawrence J.Peter).

Arjuna never had any inherent weakness. But in a difficult situation, he

proved the product of the environment and a slave to the situation, thereby

showing symptoms of incompetence

Efficiency in Action

Several management experts have attempted to study the attitudinal changes

of workers in order to activate and motivate them to become efficient

entrepreneurs. Motivation is the process of impelling the idle and inactive

into dynamic action. SriKrishna applied this motivational technique to

transform the deluded Arjuna into a spirited karma yogi. In this context

SriKrishna advises Arjuna to get rid of klaibhyam. Klaibhyam in Sanskrit

means unmanliness, or chicken heartedness. SriKrishna inspires Arjuna and

exhorts him to arise and awake, true to the spirit of a warrior. Waging war is

the natural task of a ksatriya. It is his bounden duty to fight to the finish. He

has to undertake this assigned task with due sense of pride and privilege,

with a sense of service and sacrifice (yajna bhavana). He should over power

and annihilate the enemy for the protection of the fellow beings, for the

welfare and well-being of the society (loka samgraha mevapi). He has to do

his bounden duties with dexterity, with utmost efficiency (kausalam). Yoga

Karmasu Kausalam says the Gita meaning efficiency in action is yoga.

Work; as Natural as a Game

Gita says that for human beings work is a natural phenomenon. Nobody can

remain idle. Krishna says that even if one is assigned no specific duty in

these three worlds, he does his duties himself continuously. Krishna suggests

that if one remains idle, those who follow him also tend to remain idle. In

modern management every work is as natural as a game. Work is an

enchanting experience The entertainment part of the work will prompt every

person to work hard. The sportive spirit in the game keeps off boredom. It is

true that management perceives man as inherently idle. But every effort is

taken to transform his basic passiveness (immaturity) to activity (maturity)

says Chris Argiris in his Maturity-Immaturity theory of Motivation. With

regard to relentless work, worshipful work, devotion to duty, natural task etc

there is not much difference between Bhagavad Gita and modern

management.

Productivity and Prosperity

Modern management is more concerned with productivity and prosperity.

These are achieved through planning, direction, motivation coordination etc.

These actions are generally called management functions. According to

modern management principles, goal can be achieved through coordination

of efforts. Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes this aspect emphasising that

prosperity (sreyas) can be attained through cooperation (parasparam

bhavayantha). If one does this natural duty with devotion and dedication,

Gita says, one can attain not only growth and development, but success

(vijayam), prosperity (sree) and progress. Spirituality is the energy behind

every success.

Well-being of the Society

Often we do our duty for self-development and self-satisfaction. Gita says, if

we do not perform our duties properly even the protection of our body is not

possible. Besides self-development one has to aim also at developing the

society in toto. Gita argues that one has to do his duties for the welfare and

well being of the society. (lokasamgrahamevapi). In this context the words

of Robert Owen (UK 1771-1858), the Father of Personnel Management is

noteworthy. He said, “Management is a philosophy for human welfare

development” to quote FW Taylor (USA 1856-1951) “the principal object of

management should be to ensure maximum prosperity to the individual.

Total Quality Management

There are several synonymous ideas in Bhagavad Gita which are tantamount

to the TQM. A spiritually charged person can never remain idle. He will

pursue his goal and not stop till the goal is reached. He is conscious about

the quality of his work. This mind set leads him to perfection and excellence.

Ethics or righteousness is very vital in any activity. It is the ethics in work

that maintains the quality of the work. According to modern management

work + ethic =efficiency. Gita says, the dexterity in action is yoga (Yogasu

karmasu kausalam. The action that is reinforced with ethics is called

efficient action. This is really a value addition to the natural task.

Man of Wisdom and Man of Action

Modern management beautifully blends the knowledge, skill and experience

for attaining the goal. Action and wisdom are two wings on which one can

fly sky high in their performance. In management, brainpower and bran

power are blended beautifully. In Bhagavad Gita Vyasa visualized this

convergence in the most scientific manner. In the last sloka. Yathra

yogeswara krishno yathra partho dhanurdhara for success growth and

prosperity the man of action (dhanurdharas) and the man of wisdom

(yogeswaras) are to be in harmony. In the cyber age, we integrate HRM and

IT which are very important in management

Manifestation of Perfection

Man and his mind are two important factors for prosperity. The mood and

motive propel man into action. Action leads to achievement. What we

perceive as progress in this world is the manifestation of human actions. It is

the expression of one’s behavior. Action is one way of expression.

Education according to Swami Vivekananda is the manifestation of

perfection within man. It should not be the manifestation of perversion. An

integrated approach to human life, a holistic living, is what takes us to the

path of perfection. We Indians right from the period of Isavasya Upanishad

are the worshippers of perfection, which leads us to spirituality and

prosperity.

An economic policy aims at the progress and prosperity of the people. It can

never be anti-people, but has to be always pro-people and people friendly. It

should be aimed at the welfare and well being of the society. Gita as a

philosophy of prosperity perceives growth, prosperity and firm policy to the

people. It aims at the welfare of one and all. The interests of the have and the

have-not, the rich and the poor, are all taken into consideration. The course

of action followed is cooperation, coordination and collective responsibility.

Lift Thyself by Thyself

Bhagavad Gita preaches the philosophy of self-management. Gita’s

philosophy is to keep everybody independent, self-contented, self-stimulated

and self-motivated. Development through self-development of the policy of

Gita. Gita says that we have to raise ourselves, by ourselves. Do not depend

on others. We ourselves are our friends and we ourselves are our enemies

too. (Udharet atman atmanam na atmanam avasadayet We ourselves create

our own hell and heaven for us. Never blame others and never pass the buck.

Do your duty, take up your responsibility. Do not shirk duties. Do your

duties in a selfless manner with a sense of service.

Gita and the Cyber-age Challenges

The modern concept of cybernetic is not alien or averse to India. India is the

land where everyone prays “akhanda mandalakaram vyaptam yena

characharam” which means the supreme power which is widespread the

entire world over. This traditional Indian concept is akin to the modern

world wide web (www). In modern times we find a visible shift in

paradigms. Majority of them are modifications of earlier concepts or a

natural transformation of ideas. Very often there occurs a positive change on

an idea well conceived in our ancient scriptures. For example, the new

phrase of ‘global village’ and ‘globe as a small village’ was well-conceived

millenniums back by our forefathers as vasudhaiva kudumbakam, which

means world is one family. Bharthruhari in his famous book Nitisathaka also

mentioned this concept beautifully as yetra viswam bhavat eka needam,

which means world has become a bird’s nest. The new concept of

knowledge society was also not unknown to our ancestors. The ideas

conceived by the Great Guru Vyasa still hold good in modern management

and other disciplines.

The new age technologies, no doubt, have given a new impetus to modern

life. They have given the required order and speed to life. They have helped

human efforts a lot. But never did it replace the human head, heart or hand.

For all our achievements, human actions are highly essential. But we have to

transform the casual aimless actions into conscious ones. In the modern

times one has to convert efforts into endeavor, efficiency, effectiveness and

finally into excellence. As Gita puts it efficiency in action (karmasu kausala)

is yoga (the ultimate perfection)

Mind is the mechanism, which makes one transform the efforts into

excellence. It changes according to the mood and motive. Computer cannot

change the mood and motive of an idle mind. It can at best carry out the task

assigned in a systematic manner at high speed. Bhagavad Gita and similar

other ancient philosophy can activate an idle person into a spirited karma

yogi. That is why such philosophies retain their privileged position even

now. And that is the relevance of Gita in modern computer age.

Idle Mind -Devil’s Workshop

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Impotent idleness is on the increase

Laziness and lethargy has gripped all walks of life Idleness is an important

problem faced by modern people. Indians always believed in nishkaama

karma (work without wages. Service without salary) now modern Indian has

changed the paradigm into nisharmakamis (wages without work, salary

without service)

We have to transform our society’s impotent idleness to energized

entrepreneurship. We have to take the people from passivity to activity.

Bhagavad Gita is capable for guiding the lazy people to spirited karmayogis,

transforming the worshippers of idleness into warriors of action.

Gita imparts strength and stability in the minds of our people for taking up

the new challenges of the global economy. We need a balanced and stable

mind unaffected by gain or loss, pain or pleasure, praise or contempt,

brickbats or bouquets. Such strong willed person can only succeed.

Spirituality is the secret of success and that is the strength of Bhagavad Gita.

Gita can effectively solve several of the Cyber age problems.

References

Kumar Srivastava, New Horizons of Management, Printwell Publishers,

Jaipur, 1990

Khandelwal N.M., Management concepts from Mahabharath, New Century

Publicn. New Delhi 2001

Nalini. V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Deep Publications, New

Delhi, 2002

Swami Chinmayananda, The Holi Gita, Chinmaya Mission Trust, Faridabad,

2001

Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of Bhagavad Geeta,

Advaita Ashram, Calcutta, 2001

Bharatiya Vichar Kendram, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Problems,

Trivandrum, 2001

Jayamani, C.V., Health Management- A New Perspective, IMDR,

Trivandrum, 2000

Pitamber Bhat, Management, Vishal Publications, New Delhi 1984

Chakraborty, S.K. Ethics in Management: Vedantic Perspective, Oxford

India, and New Delhi, 1995

Chakraborty, S, K, Values and Ethics for Organisation, Oxford India, New

Delhi, 2003

Bhagavad Gita -

Towards an Effective Communication.

ABSTRACT

Effective communication has now become an important topic of discussion

in the corporate world as well as in college campuses. Effective

communication is very essential in any type of social groupings. It is the

lifeblood of an organization. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of

continuous dialogue between Arjuna and Sree Krishna In the Indian

perspective, communication is an interpersonal process. . Intimacy and inter

personal relationship are very important in making communication effective.

Bhagavad Gita as a dialogue between SreeKrishna and Arjuna is the best

example of effective communication. Sanjaya was acting as the special

correspondent of doordarsan (the ancient version) reporting everything live

to the King. Sanjaya was applying his professional skill in journalism in

making the headlines using appropriate words. This is an example of using

appropriate idiom in messages thereby making communication effective.

Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its sterling position even

today. It sheds much light on management principles and practices;

especially on effective communication.

Whether it is in individual interactions, social gatherings or business

proceedings, communication is the key element. A boy may be intelligent

but his performance in an interview depends upon his communication skill.

The poor communication skill of Kerala candidates proves catastrophic in

their career advance.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which

means common. It also means information. Communication is imminently

essential in business, in government, in military organizations, hospital

schools, communities, and homes and anywhere people interact one another.

Individuals in organizations performing different activities are functionally

related. The working and maintenance of this functional relationship is

possible only through communication and coordination. Thus it becomes an

important function of management. Communication provides for exchange

of information and sharing of ideas.

Communication thus becomes a necessary element in human relationships

by providing for the foundation for human interaction. It performs the

energizing function in the organsiation by transmitting information, facts,

feelings, and ideas and thereby making coordinated efforts possible.

Communication can as such be regarded as the basic to the functioning of

the organization.

The basic objective of communication is to bring two minds together and

this can be possible only when what the sender means is understood in the

same way by the receiver. Clarity of communication facilitates exchange of

ideas. Two- way communication brings two minds together which is the

basic core of any communication. It involves a continuous dialogue between

the sender and the receiver. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of

continuous dialogue between Arjuna and Sree Krishna

An Interpersonal Process

According to Indian perspective the communication is an interpersonal

process. Its smooth flow is adversely affected in the absence of close

interpersonal relationship based on mutual respect, trust and confidence.

Intimacy and inter personal relationship are very important in making

communication effective. Bhagavad Gita as a dialogue between Sree

Krishna and Arjuna is the best example of effective communication. The

intimacy in their interaction is a noted feature. This advantage is

compounded by the personal touch of the parties involved in the

communication. The conversation between SreeKrshna and Arjuna is by

addressing each other by name, the name which is very dear each other.

Arjuna addresses Sree Krishna as Achyuta, Kesava, Madhava Madhusudana

etc. In response, Sree Krishna calls Arjuna as Partha, Kauntheya etc. This

personal touch and intimacy makes their communication highly effective.

Effective Communication

There are various ways of making communication effective. The American

Management Association has suggested Ten Commandments of good

communication. They are clarity of idea, purpose of communication,

understanding the physical and human environment of communicators,

consulting others in planning communication, contents and overtones of

communication, follow up action, importance of communication, action

congruent with communication and good listening.

All these Ten Commandments and more are reflected in the dialogue

between Sree Krishna and Arjuna in the Kurukshetra battlefield.

Bhagavad Gita - A Model

Bhagavad Gita is the best book on effective communication. It starts with

the sloka of a blind emperor, Dhritarashtra, who is asking his minister for

information as to what is going on in Kurukshetra. Sanjaya, who is blessed

with the capacity to see and hear what is going on in the battlefield while

sitting with the emperor, gives a live picture about Kurukshethra

As a reporter, he narrated whatever he saw in the battlefield in 19 slokas.

This is available in the fist chapter of Bhagavad gita. These slokas are a

running commentary of the happenings in Kurukshetra. It is the first ever-

live telecast of an event.

Two-Way Communication

To be effective the communications must be two way. But in India it is

mostly one way even today when we preach participation in management

philosophy. In the Indian situation, communication is directed down ward

and upward communication does seldom happens. Indian managers even to

day believe in issuing orders and are not bothered about getting any feed

back.

The Vedanta philosophy is taught to the student during an intimate and free

discussion between the teacher and the taught. In no other religion in the

world do we find so much freedom allowed to the disciple to ask freely

questions, to argue openly and to contradict the statement made by his

teacher. This is an example of effective teaching and learning.

Vedanta being a complete and exhaustive science of religion, the great rishis

never bypass the intellect of the disciple. The masters of old encouraged

doubts and invited discussions. This was the Indian tradition in learning and

communication. It was always two - way. A dialogue

A Good Listener Too

A good communicator should be a good listener too. All along in Bhagavad

gita two persons are getting ample time and opportunity to speak and listen.

In order to elicit the complete ideas and the feelings within Arjuna, Sree

Krishna continuously maintained his dignified silence. Even while Arjuna

repeating the same arguments time and again SreeKrshna refuses to speak.

He maintained his pregnant silence. But so eloquent was his silence. He was

rather encouraging Arjuna with a provocative smile. Bhagavan intervened

only when Arjuna lost all arguments. He broke his silence with a smiling

face (prahasinnava).

Language in Communication

The slokas 28 to 46 contained in the fist chapter clearly depict the mental

condition of Arjuna positioned in between two armies. Management experts

say that the language used for communication should be such that it could be

understood by the receiver. One way of making the communication simple is

by using familiar words and phrases. The words selected should be

appropriate to the situation. The language used by Vyasa to depict the

depressed condition of Arjuna is very appropriate. Arjuna’s body language

also correlates to the situation. Arjuna becomes an expression of delusion.

Sanjaya keeps on giving a blow by blow account of every incident, of course

with emphasis on significant developments with headlines, in bolds and in

box. Sanjaya opens the second chapter with a beautiful statement on the

mental condition of Arjuna with usages - “deeply grieved”, “overwhelmed

with pity”, “tears rolling from the eyes of Arjuna” etc. Sanjaya was applying

his professional expertise in reporting with aptly worded headlines. This is

an example of using appropriate language in for effective communication.

Empathy in Communication

Psychologists are of the view that empathy is very essential in

communication. For effective communication, the communicator has is to be

sensitive to the receiver’s moods, feelings and perceptions. This is what

psychologists call empathy in communication. Sree Krishna was showing all

empathy that Arjuna deserved in that situation while reacting to Arjuna’s

arguments. He used sharp words without hurting the soft sentiments of his

friend.

Effective communication is an essential ingredient of modern management.

It has added importance in the new age of information technology. But the

traditional knowledge in communication which India possesses has not lost

its charm even today. Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its

sterling position. It sheds much light on management principles and

functions; especially on effective communication.

References

Kumar Srivastava, New Horizons of Management, Printwell Publishers,

Jaipur, 1990

Khandelwal N.M., Management concepts from Mahabharath, New Century

Publication. New Delhi 2001

Nalini. V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Deep Publications, New

Delhi, 2002

Swami Chinmayananda, The Holi Gita, Chinmaya Mission Trust, Faridabad,

2001

Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of Bhagavad Geeta,

Advaita Ashram,

Calcutta, 2001

Bharatiya Vichar Kendram, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Problems,

Trivandrum, 2001

Jayamani, C.V., Health Management- A New Perspective, IMDR,

Trivandrum, 2000

Pitamber Bhat, Management, Vishal Publications, New Delhi 1984

Prasad, L.M. Organisation theory and Behaviour, sultan Chand and Co. New

Delhi 1990

Chakraborty , S.K. Ethics in Management: Vedantic Perspective, Oxford

India, New Delhi, 1995

Chakraborty , S,K, Values and Ethics for Organisation , Oxford India, New

Delhi, 2003

Bhagavad Gita and Management

Bhagavad Gita contains several slokas of management and administrative

significance. The main theme of management and Bhagavad Gita is man’s

bounden duties and the efficient accomplishment of ultimate goal. These two

philosophies believe that all human actions are goal directed and man will

not stop his duties until the goal is reached.- Management is getting things

done through others. It is only through direction, coordination, motivation

and leadership one can lead others to accomplishment. This is exactly what

Srikrishna did in the case of Arjuna in metamorphosing him into a spirited

karma yogi – action is a natural process, idleness is unnatural. To work is an

enchanting experience. Man may be inherently idle. But he can be

stimulated to reach his highest potentials. Modern management is more

concerned about productive potentials and spiritual efficiency. – spiritual

efficiency is the underlying factor in prosperity. According to Gita efficiency

in action is yoga. Spirituality is the power behind every success.- the quality

of work, in fact, is the reflection of spiritual efficiency. It is this spiritual

efficiency and the quality of work that bring prosperity – Bhagavad Gita

blends the man of action and man of wisdom beautifully. The convergence

of both will bring prosperity, success and development. In modern cyber age

we integrate Human Resource Management (HRM) and Information

Technology (IT) for managerial effectiveness – in modern times we have to

transform our society’s impotent idleness into energized entrepreneurship.

Bhagavad Gita is capable in guiding the lazy people to spirited karma yogis,

in revolutionizing the worshippers of idleness into warriors of actions.

Bhagavad Gita A Behavioural Approach to Management

Management is getting things done through others. . Management, an age-

old concept is invariably a goal directed activity and man is the cynosure.

India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasure of

knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country we lack management

philosophy. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavat gita contains

beautiful ideas of the principles of management. The Behavioural approach

Krisshna applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna to action has no parallel

even in the modern management philosophy. Action is given its due

importance. Works itself is the pathway to realisation . Management creates

a condition in which people are willing to work with interest, enthusiasm,

initiative, loyalty, discipline, sense of responsibility, belongingness, pride

and confidence so that the goal of the organization can be achieved. The

realisation has to be obtained through one’s own duties. One has to do one’s

bounden duties (niyatam kuru karmatvam 3-8) with utmost devotion

(bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of sacrifice.(yajna bhavena) . This will

bring spiritual perfection and spiritual ennoblement. Work itself is the source

of satisfaction. The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna (krishnarjuna

samvadam) is an exemplary example of effective communication. The

application of our traditional management concepts in solving modern

management problems is the need for the day. The man-making gospels and

people-building philosophies available in our ancient literature will help

modern managers to attain managerial excellence

Bhagavad Gita –Towards an Effective Communication.

Effective communication is now becomes an important topic of discussion

in the corporate world as well as college campuses. Effective

communication is very essential in any type of social groupings. It is the life

blood of an organization. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of continuous

dialogue between Arjuna and Srikrishna. According to Indian perspective

the communication is an interpersonal process. . Intimacy and inter personal

relationship are very important in making the communication effective.

Bhagavad gita as a dialogue between srikrishna and Arjuna is the best

example of effective communication. Sanjaya was acting a s the special

correspondent to doordarsan ( the ancient version) giving everything live to

the King. Sanjaya was applying his professional skill in journalism in

making the headlines using appropriate words. This is an example of using

appropriate language in messages for making the communication effective.

Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its sterling position even

today. It sheds much light on management principles and functions; more

especially on effective communication.

Management by Health

Gita’s Integrated Approach to Health and Happiness

The enchanting dream of every Indian is happiness to all. Sarve bhavanthu

sukhina let every body be in good health sarve santhu nimnrmaya let every

body happy. The ultimate aim of human life is happiness. The dearest thing

to a human being is his life and all through his life he is in search of

happiness, the eternal bliss. In a number of stanzas of gita one can make out

an ocean of information about health and better living. Gita delineates the

Milky Way to health. It itself is the mild drawn by srikrishna from various

“Upanishad cows”(sarvopanishado gavo). This milky medicine is the only

remedy for the maladies of the new millennium. In the ultimate analysis one

can see that fruits and vegetables are the natural food of man. Fruits are

suitable, hygienic and healthy food on which man can build up his body and

maintain a good mental stability. Besides suitable food one should have

proper actions. One should do one’s own duties and should have devotion to

such duties. Those who do their duties with devotion will be healthy always.

Gita believes that to become healthy one should have a strong and stable

mind. He should not be disturbed by sorrows or be excited by happiness.

Natural living strongly stresses this principle. It has a new perspective on

HEALTH, where H stands for hygienic food , E for emotional equilibrium,

A for proper action, L for better life style, T for creative thinking and the last

H stands for Happiness. As a pragmatic philosophy it gives added emphasis

to dietetic righteousness and proper thinking. It also ensures emotional

equilibrium, proper lifestyle and aims at achieving eternal bliss for common

people. It encompasses a suitable health package for the young

Healthy Living for Prospective Executives

All human actions are aimed at happiness. The executives in the competitive

cyber age should be ever active, enterprising and courageous. Besides, they

should be the most dynamic, enthusiastic and faithful young group. The

modern youth, the category in which the prospective executives belong, like

the pauranic Partha are now down with their weapons. The young executives

of our country have become weak physically, mentally and morally. They

are always been inflicted with the worry of the past, excitement of the

present and the anxiety of the future. Every body is destined to do some

work. No person can be an idler. Every object in this Universe is moving

actively as if impelled by an external force. The national ideals of India are

renunciation and service. This is the high standard one can set for the others.

Spirituality is the basis of development Spirituality is defined as productive

efficiency. It is the contribution of India to the world development. Our

ancestors blend the spiritual efficiency with productive efficiency. Our

managers should be physically powerful, mentally strong, emotionally calm,

loud thinking and should aim at one’s highest capabilities. This needs a

better life style. The health seeking young executives can follow the

principles of natural living with blissful benefits. It is the best way of

keeping one’s good health in modern times. Natural Living is the best living

for the business executives. Ask mother earth for hygienic food. Ask

bhaskara (Sun) for health. Ask atman the almighty for Happiness.

Health, Personality and Excellence

Perfect health is the pathway to personality development and perfection.

Health, knowledge and money are three wealth that man should possess in

this world. Man needs physical fitness and psychological stability. Physical

fitness is part of one’s personality. A healthy mind and a healthy body are

the two wings of one’s personality. Personality is the reflection of one’s

health. It is the USP of a person. His ability, attitudes, actions are the factors

which influence his personality. In other words, one’s personality is

identified with his actions, attitudes, level of IQ, individual and group

behaviour etc Natural health provides physical fitness, strength, positive

attitude, personality development, productivity, efficiency and excellence. .

In fact the health of an object is reflected in its action. The more the health

the more efficient will be the action. The health is reflected through

productive action, positive attitude, high performance, productivity,

efficiency, excellence etc. parameters. Efficiency in action is the yoga

according to Bhagavad Gita. Upanishads invokes actions in every individual.

Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached, says Kadopanishad.

Continuous action and goal directed activities are the principles of

management. An idle mind is a devils work shop. The physical fitness,

positive attitude, intelligent approach and self confidence are the important

factors that make our efforts efficient and excellent. This we can achieve

only if we maintain a good health. A good health is therefore, a synergy of

strong body, stable mind, sharp intellect and super consciousness. The term

yoga means the union with the ultimate. It is true in health and excellence. It

is equally true in spirituality and prosperity. The Indian concept of

excellence is transformation of potential efficiency into spiritual efficiency.

Health and efficiency are the pathways to excellence, prosperity and

spirituality.

Managerial Excellence the Bhagavad Gita Perspective

The core competence that India can acclaim is in the human resource

development. In the year 2020 India would become the world’s human

resource capital. The man’s pursuit of perfection is as old as human

existence. Besides the pursuit of knowledge, India always aimed at the

pursuit of excellence also. Long before modern society thought of

productive efficiency, ancient scholars talked about spiritual efficiency and

the need for transforming former into latter. The new challenge before our

society is to make every body productive and competitive. In the new cyber

age we are more concerned about the core competency of the human beings.

We want the man of action. we also need the man wisdom. This concept was

well conceived in the last sloka of Bhagavad Gita. In a knowledge society

that is fast changing its technology we need synergy of skill, education and

experience. In every field of activity man is the pivot. Incidentally, in

management the first syllable is man. Management speaks about the

activated man and the accomplished man. Interestingly, it also becomes the

topic of Bhagavad Gita ; the karma yogi ( activated man) concept and the

mukta sanga (realized man). In traditional and modern management utmost

importance is given human resource development. Modern management

speaks about HRD whereas traditional management about SD, self

development. Gita is a book on self management. Every Indian guided by

his traditional philosophy will be an ignited soul and never be inherently

idle. He will always a spirited karmayogi , a self motivated entrepreneur;

most efficient, most effective and most excellent in his performance. But the

modern man is inherently idle and would like to be in that state of impotent

idleness until and until he is motivated. . For efficient performance and

excellence we need a strong body, a stable mind, sharp intellect and a super

conscousness. Health promotes efficiency. Productive efficiency leads to

spiritual efficiency. The fast paced lifestyle and stressful job coupled with

lack of proper exercise and excessive eating habits have made the

executive/administrators alarmingly susceptible to a variety of ailments. All

these health problems will affect the ability and efficiency of the

administrators adversely. Psychological intoxication caused by the stress and

strain of daily life has become a major health problem faced by our

corporate world. Most of the executives have become carriers of stress

induced diseases. The causes of executive stress are not far to seek. It is the

result of wrong life style and defective food habits. Better living in tune with

nature is the way out there is an integrated approach to health and happiness.

According to Gita it is proper food ( yukta ahara), proper lifestyle (yukta

vihara), proper actions ( yukta cheshta), proper emotional and intellectual

activities ( yukta swapna avabodha) which provide health and happiness. In

modern parlance health is available in six letter H-E-A-L-T-H. In this

modern age, executives should use their managerial expertise and skill not

only for running their organization but also for promoting their health. The

nexus between executive health and organizational performance needs no

elaboration. It will take them ultimately in the realm of health and happiness.

The quality of food and life will take the executive to the world of

excellence and competence

Managing the Social Organisations in the Traditional Way

Management is essential in any type of organsiation. what we need today is

a computer aided HRD, a human resource management that suits the modern

requirements of a cyber age. A blend of both traditional and modern

management. Blending the traditional technique with modern management

concept is necessary in this new age. The managerial excellence in social

organizations can be attained only through improving the quality of the

people, products and services. Every management task should be able to

strengthen the basic skill and education of the people. The behavioral

approach adopted in Bahagavad Gita is classical which can be applied

effectively in modern management of both social and business organsiations.

The behaviour studies of Srikrishna and Arjuna reveals how personality

traits and leadership qualities Krishna influenced Arjuna in changing his

negative attitudes towards his duties. Human factor is behind the success or

failure of any organization. Here, motivation as a management function

assumes greater importance. In all social sciences including management the

ultimate aim is to attain the welfare and wellbeing of the society. The

devotion to duty is an internationally accepted concept. The value

orientation becomes a virtue. This topic is usually discussed in modern

management institutions like IIMs and other B-Schools.

An Alternative Initiative for Eco-friendly Existence

Natural living follows the ancient wisdom of Vedas. It makes man always

natural and nature friendly. Cooperation and coexistence are the

characteristics of the nature. Prosperity can be attained through cooperation

and coordination. . This is an eco friendly approach. A universal approach to

human beings and his natural existence. We live together without

endangering each other and without endangering our own existence. This is

the basic philosophy of natural living. Natural living is an eco friendly and

an integrated approach to health and happiness. It provides man with health

and longevity. Natural living provides every human being in modern times

to live longer without the support of a third person. He is completely free

from disease, drugs and doctors. Panchaboohopasana or the worship of five

natural elements is very fundamental to prakruthi jeevanam or natural living.

Modern man’s greed for food has an endangering effect on our ecology and

environment. Modern man’s “eating and meeting; meeting and eating; no

meeting without meeting syndrome” keeps him very vulnerable to modern

diseases – the so called food induced diseases, stress induced diseases and

obesity oriented diseases. Modern life style of man is endangering not only

the health of man but also the very ecology of our earth. Prakruthi jeevanam

or natural living provides a new approach following which we can solve

some of the economic problems faced by our economy. It is a panacea for

controlling the menace of globalisation. Kitchen is the right place to kick

start crusade against globalisation. Natural living believes that kitchen is the

health centre, house wife the doctor, and the kitchen garden is the medical

store and vegetable market. Our food is our medicine. Hence the kitchen

garden will keep the disease and doctors away.

Globalisation – It’s Impact on the Executive Health

Indian concept of health is holistic in nature. It is an integrated system of

medicine. Man worships all five natural elements (Panchabhoothas) with

which it is believed human beings have been created. The worship of these

elements retains the purity and quality of panchaboothas. Prakruthi

jeevananm (Natural Living) or traditional medicare which has been in

existence in India time immemorial is practiced through Panchabothopasana

(worship of five elements). Natural living gives importance to

vegetarianism, moderate eating, occasional fasting, hygienic food (fresh,

wholesome and living), conservative cooking (which preserves the nutrients)

and the use of medicinal plants (as food and medicine). The Globalisation

has affected the economy, ecology and even our existence. It has affected

our life style, our food style and is influencing our medical system. Our

agricultural patterns have changed drastically, polluting the earth and plants

and endangering the life of man. We have to kick start the crusade against

the globalisation from our kitchen which is considered the kinder garten of

environmental studies and a centre of excellence where we get real

education of healthy food styles. Our kitchen gardens are centers of bio

diversity, the arbor of medicinal plants and orchards of fruits and vegetables.

. We have to revive our traditional knowledge We have to conserve this

conventional wisdom and start our fight against the impact of globalisation

in villages. In an era of fast food culture we have to empower and educate

the housewife as to how to change her kitchen into a gastronomers delight

which imparts the balmy aroma of country food and conservative cooking.

The Indian woman’s traditional culinary skill goes to a large extent to ward

off the threat of globalization.