Bhagavad Gita Enters the Business Management Schools

Business Week carried a unique article called Karma Capitalism – the influence of Bhagavad Gita in modern day US business. As expected, the Indian newspapers widely reported it. (Sadly, most Indian newspapers still need the foreign stamp to accept genuine Indian cultural aspects.)

The Hindu then searched for Bhagavad Gita teachings in Indian Business Management Schools.

The Hindu reports:

The Gita has entered the classrooms of Business Management students here. And Gen Y has been quick to grasp its essence. From the Pushpak Vimana to herbal medicines (Charaka Samhita), from management tactics (the Gita) to stress busters (yoga) and meditation (dhyana), our ancient texts had said it all much before the WTO-governed universe was ever thought of.

Buzzwords such as TQM (total quality management) have been replaced with Aham Brahmasmi (I am God) and Tat Tvam Asi (That thou art) to inspire confidence in oneself and in one's organisation. Chapter 2 of the Gita with special reference to Verse 47 is often quoted these days as a palliative to the burnout suffered by stressed-out managers.

The ancient book also deals with the theory of cause and effect and on the dilemma of temporarily lost sense of accountability.

Then there is an interesting comparison in the article:

The concept of globalization has been traced to the Vedantic term of universal oneness where the universe is seen as an indivisible whole.

This indivisible whole does not give the license to exploit nature and living beings. This indivisible whole indicates living in harmony with nature. This indivisible whole includes all living beings not just humans.

The teachings of Bhagavad Gita is applicable in all walks of life. The dilemma Arjuna faced is universal. All human beings face such a dilemma in their life time. Bhagavad Gita does not put the blame on a super being. It tries to find a solution to suffering. It never preaches escapism. This is one of reason why it has withstood the test of time.