Spirituality vs. Materialism: A Personal Dilemma
As I reflect on my 25-year journey in the corporate world, I recognize the frequent internal conflicts I have encountered, often finding myself at crossroads — a juncture where my desire for material success and spiritual values were constantly in discord with each other. Being immersed in the competitive world from the start –an IITian, an IIM grad; having thrived in the world of business, starting at a prestigious consulting firm, to scaling the corporate ladder across renowned companies, and eventually leading my own company – I have encountered these inherent conflicts, time and again, when dealing with the material-driven world we are in. This journey has led me to a profound realization – there is a dire need for a paradigm shift in business leadership. Because the way we are going today, isn’t sustainable at all – neither for the individual, the organization, nor society at large. And I believe this shift is even more crucial for young leaders embarking on their journey as capitalism stands at a critical crossroads.
Surprisingly, I found my answers in an unexpected place – The Bhagavad Gita!
In Bhagavad Gita, I found my constant companion
In the conflict-ridden pursuit of success in this material-driven world, I was fortunate enough to have been raised in a family that strongly embraced dharmic values and is deeply rooted in Indian culture. As a result, while growing up I was exposed to various Hindu texts and started engaging in the practice of yoga and meditation from a very early age. And without fully realizing when and how, I started finding solace and guidance in “the Bhagavad Gita”. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Sanatan Dharma (“the eternal way”), this profound text became my invaluable companion, offering insights and guidance whenever I needed it the most. At times it also offered ways to deal with the setbacks and disappointments both in my personal and professional life, helping me to come back stronger than ever, each time. Even today, it continues to act as a guide, helping me take the hard decisions, maintaining a balance and staying the course during the toughest of times.
The more I read and reread the text—I am reading it perhaps for the 18th time – and adopt its teachings, the more I have come to realize that the business world and the Bhagavad Gita are not really at odds with each other. In fact, there are certain fundamental concepts in the Bhagwat Gita that can act as a guide for effective leadership in the business world today.
Some timeless concepts from the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita imparts timeless wisdom that not only resonates with my personal beliefs but also seamlessly aligns with the challenges, objectives, and culture of the corporate world. Five pivotal concepts from the Gita stand out as enduring principles and remain remarkably relevant in today's dynamic business landscape:
Purusharth (goals of human life): In the Bhagavad Gita, Purusharth, or life goals, includes Dharma (righteousness, moral values), Artha (prosperity, economic values), Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values), and Moksha (liberation, spiritual values), integral to human existence. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of human existence, the Gita acknowledges the legitimate needs of every individual, both material and spiritual in nature. The challenge lies in accomplishing Artha and Kama through the path of Dharma. And that’s the path to Moksha. In the corporate world, it encourages leaders to recognize the multifaceted needs of individuals and foster a holistic work environment that considers the well-being and aspirations of employees beyond just material success. It also helps establish an ethical work culture which focuses on Dharma – doing the right thing that is aligned to the laws of nature, which is key to sustainability.
Svakarm (unique purpose): Swakarm recognizes every individual’s unique purpose. It underscores the empowering notion that each person possesses unique qualities, skills, and strengths. This concept encourages leaders to align their actions with their inherent abilities, fostering a sense of authenticity and purposeful living. While following their own Swakarm, leaders can also derive value from the diverse strengths of the people in the organization by recognizing their uniqueness, fostering a work environment that aligns well and provides more fulfilling and meaningful work experiences to every individual.
Samatvam (equanimity): Samatwam, or equanimity, is often misunderstood for a passive acceptance of fate. However, the Gita's teachings encourage individuals to channel their energy into the journey or the process, rather than fixating on the outcomes that are often unpredictable. I believe no great leadership is possible without equanimity, a powerful mindset for navigating the complexities of life and business. This approach is particularly crucial in a world where the intricate web of cause and effect often defies simplistic expectations. Leaders can guide individuals to focus on the journey, not just outcomes, fostering a more resilient mindset, crucial to thrive in the complex and dynamic business environment today.
Kaushala (Skilfulness in action): Kaushala, interpreted as skilfulness in action, involves recognizing the right course of action. For a leader in business, the essence lies in consistently knowing what the right thing to do is, amid a multitude of choices. It highlights the crucial responsibility of leaders to meticulously analyze and distinguish between various options, making Kaushala central to effective decision-making and strategic action in today’s dynamic business environment.
Karma-Yogi (Call for action): And last, but not the least, the Bhagavad Gita issues a resounding call for action, urging individuals to embrace the role of a Karma Yogi. It emphasizes the imperative to actively engage in one's field of action rather than abandoning it. The Gita's teachings highlight the importance of dedicated and selfless action, inspiring individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to their responsibilities. A modern leader's responsibility to go beyond self-interest to prioritize the collective good. Therefore, a leadership style that combines active involvement, ethical decision-making, and a strong sense of duty can have a positive impact not only within the organization but also in the broader societal context.
During periods of confusion or dilemmas, these concepts serve as key anchors, bringing clarity and coherence to my thoughts and actions.
Capitalism is at a Crossroads
Of the various business paradigms, Capitalism has been the dominant economic and social system for much of modern history, characterized by private ownership of the means of production, free-market competition, and an emphasis on individual profit incentives. Granted, it has been the most successful one so far. But I strongly believe that we are at a point in human civilization where the limitations of our current business paradigm rooted in capitalism is becoming increasingly evident. While acknowledging its historical successes, it is impossible to ignore the growing challenges — from income inequality and unbalanced growth to severe environmental costs. No wonder there is a sense of urgency that has emerged around building a sustainable world. In recent years, discussions and actions related to global warming, net-zero targets, environmental awareness have taken center stage in the corporate world. Another alarming concern looming on the horizon is the possibility of the next global pandemic – mental health. According to the World Health Organization, about one in eight people in the world live with a mental disorder: anxiety disorder and depression disorder being the most common concern.
Such concerns emerging at a global level is proof enough that things are not working as expected, highlighting a dire need of an alternative paradigm. Here, in this context, the Bhagavad Gita emerges as a beacon of wisdom, offering a transformative vision for a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to business and leadership.
Six Fundamental Shifts for Sustainable Leadership
Inspired by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, I propose six fundamental shifts that can redefine our approach to business leadership:
Process Focus over Outcome Obsession: Instead of obsessively focusing on outcomes the idea is to focus on the journey itself and the actions taken – the process. One must embrace equanimity and stay calm and balanced in the face of success or failure, understanding that real success comes from the effort we put into the process.
Faith over Individual Doer-ship: Often leaders are the doers. And they are so used to being in the driver’s seat that sometimes they forget that they are in fact just a spec in the larger scheme of things. The more tasks they shoulder alone, the greater the pressure they face. It's crucial for leaders to shift towards embracing faith, surrender, and collaboration, letting go of individualism and acknowledging the limitations of their being. With faith and collaboration, they can alleviate the constraints and strains on themselves and achieve faster and greater success.
Dharma and Larger Purpose over Self-Centered Goals: In this highly interconnected world, moving beyond self-centered goals involves embracing Dharm, recognizing our role and commitment to contribute to the greater good. It means acknowledging that our actions have ripple effects on the larger community and environment. Leaders, more than anyone else, must embrace a sense of responsibility and cooperation for the benefit of all. This shift in perspective is crucial for fostering a more sustainable and harmonious way of living and working within our interconnected global community.
Self-Control over Sensory Gratification: Leaders must prioritize self-control over instant sensory gratification to achieve enduring success, build resilience, and uphold ethical conduct. This involves understanding the significance of not giving in to impulses, fostering discipline, and maintaining a balanced approach, ensuring that their actions align with long-term goals and ethical principles.
Collaborative Mindset over Competitive Orientation: As I mentioned before, to achieve sustainable success, leaders need to adopt a collaborative mindset, letting go of their “Ahm”, their ego. Shifting from a competitive mindset to a collaborative one is critical to foster innovation and collective growth.
Internal Clarity over External Focus: And finally, ‘to keep calm and go on’, in this chaotic, over-stimulated world, one must find time to pause and connect with their inner self. Prioritizing meditation and internal reflection as a daily habit is crucial to attain clarity, creativity, and peace of mind amid external pressures.
Embedding the Paradigm Shift in Business Culture: Practical Steps for Leaders
Like I often say, “strategy without execution is nothing more than ‘hallucination’”. One needs some practical steps to translate any vision or strategy into reality. In my pursuit of integrating the Bhagavad Gita's wisdom into business leadership, I have identified the few practical steps that would help embed this paradigm shift in their business culture:
It calls for a cultural Change: Embracing the teachings of Bhagavad Gita requires a cultural shift in the organization’s DNA, moving away from the traditional ways of working. Advocating for a cultural shift within organizations may entail redefining organizational norms, attitudes, and practices to align to the transformative principles of the Bhagavad Gita. To integrate such teachings, my organization incorporates mindfulness and meditation sessions as a regular part of the work routine. Employees can participate in brief meditation sessions conducted by the Art of Living foundation conducted at regular intervals, building a sense of calmness and mental clarity.
Role Modeling is key: The most effective way to bring about a change is by walking the talk. Leading by example, embodying the timeless wisdom in day-to-day actions acts as a guide for others to follow. It can inspire others within the organization to adopt positive changes and contribute to a cultural shift. My consistent practice of meditation, yoga, and active participation in Art of Living camps reflects my dedication to holistic well-being within the organization. By openly sharing my experiences and the positive impact, I have not only influenced my routine but have inspired many leaders and team members to embrace similar practices, contributing to building a healthier work environment.
Simplifying for broader adoption: Granted, Bhagavad Gita is a sea of wisdom, but it is also one of the most complex texts to follow and understand. Making the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita accessible to all requires making it simple to understand and follow. By presenting the complex concepts in an easy-to-grasp manner, it can be made inclusive and available to a broader audience, allowing more individuals to benefit from the timeless insights. Bhagavad Gita is probably the most translated text after the Bible today. It has been translated into more than 75 languages worldwide. In English alone, there have been over 300 translations, underscoring the importance of choosing the right one. My favorite is the translation by Eknath Easwaran who emphasizes the use of Gita's teachings in daily life while presenting them in a straightforward and relevant way.
Partnering with spiritual Organizations: Many existing spiritual organizations like Chinmaya Mission, Art of Living, and many others, can play, and are playing, a pivotal role in propagating these principles. Collaborating with them can help drive this cultural shift across every level in the organization with greater ease. Our collaboration with the Art of Living foundation has helped us foster a culture of well-being and mindfulness within the organization.
Technology can become a Force Multiplier: And finally, we are fortunate enough to be at a juncture where proliferation of technology is at its peak, both at organization and individual level. Therefore, technology can act as a force multiplier, making it easier to disseminate the ancient wisdom on a global scale, fostering a harmonious and sustainable future. There are many translations of the Bhagavad Gita available on apps like the Amazon Audible, in multiple languages, which makes it easy for people to listen to it while carrying on their daily routine. Propagating use of such sources can make this knowledge available to the masses. In addition to that, there are free online courses and downloadable content easily available for everyone to benefit from.
As I conclude this exploration of a transformative journey inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, I envision a world where business leaders embrace these principles. This harmonious integration of ancient wisdom and modern technology has the potential to redefine our approach to leadership, paving the way for a sustainable, fulfilling, and interconnected future.
Changing the Paradigm for Business Leaders - Part 2
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