Spirituality at workplace: Karmayogi Managers, Maximum Benefits  

By Shikha Sharma  

Spirituality at workplace: Karmayogi Managers, Maximum Benefits  

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains the virtues of detached action. As a professional manager, I find that there's a lot in the Gita that makes me a better practitioner of the art and craft of management. It is, I have discovered, a work on the philosophy of work.

My favourite shloka from Chapter II contains the essence of the Gita: "You have the right only to action, never to the fruits thereof; let not the fruit of your action be your motive; nor let there be any attachment to inaction."

I know of many managers who are uncomfortable with this: They argue that we are all driven by targets and goals. It makes no sense to be told, forget the results, just do what you have to do. My own interpretation is different.

I see the shloka as an exhortation to do one's best at any given task so that if the effort is not crowned by success, there is no regret about not having done one's best or not having pursued a particular course of action. It tells us to focus on what needs to be done here and now. And if the end result falls short of expectations, it gives one the energy to go ahead and try something else. Seen thus, even failures can be handled effectively.

Yoga is efficiency in action (II.50). The yoga here is not about navel-gazing. It is about all-round excellence. And efficiency? Isn't management all about multi-dimensional and multi-faceted efficiency?

Sri Ranganathananda explains that the efficiency Krishna talks of is dual efficiency: Efficiency within, in personality terms, and efficiency without, in terms of productive work. Uniting philanthropic energy with philosophic calm, as Spencer said. I was both intrigued and impressed to discover that this phrase from the Gita is the motto of the Indian Administrative Service.

The last verse of the Gita in chapter 18 holds particular meaning for me: "Wherever there is Krishna, the master of yoga, and Arjuna, the wielder of the bow, there (in that society) shall be found wealth, victory all-round welfare, and unwavering justice and ethical sense."

Sri Ranganathananda explained its relevance to me when speaking on human values in management, in an address to senior bankers in Delhi. "The verse refers to the confluence, in each person, of two energies needed to achieve total human welfare: The first is the energy of yoga, the energy of vision, of calm spirituality, represented by Krishna who, in the Mahabharata war, did not take part in the actual fighting, but only gave sagely guidance to Arjuna; and the second is the energy of intense and efficient action, represented by Arjuna, the hero of action. This represents the combination of contemplation and action, vision and implementation, in every citizen, which the Gita and the Chinese philosophy of Taoism call the state of being sagely within and kingly without...

When this is achieved by a people, all management and administration will achieve the highest level of efficiency."

The Gita's stress on the individual being the master of her own destiny finds favour with my modern mind. Krishna says: "Raise yourself by yourself, do not allow yourself to be weakened, for you are your own friend, and you are your own enemy" (VI.5,6).

Krishna's exhortation rings repeatedly in my mind: "Tasmat yogi bhavarjuna" - Therefore, be a yogi, Arjuna (VI.46). I strive continually to be that yogi. Certainly, I do not regard the job I handle or the organisation I am in with any sense of long-term attachment. I am here for this moment. While I am here, I will give it my best in the true yogic sense. I did not come here with any baggage. When I go, I hope I will go with nothing to pull me back.

( The author is MD, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance )

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More from same author see: Shikha Sharma  

See also: Spirituality at workplace, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)