Exploring the Gita: How Can Its Teachings Enhance Modern Management Skills?

Dear All,

It has been a long time since I have been reading the Gita, Practical Vedanta, and a series of lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda during his Chicago visit. During my days in the Mission, I have been thinking about how to put all the lectures and "gyans" into practical use. During my sessions with my management students, I have found that the Gita and Practical Vedanta are something that can be practiced on a daily basis, directly related to management, managerial skills, decision-making ability, and leadership.

I need support from all of you to make this thread successful. We will start with the basic essence of the Gita, the philosophy, the etymological meaning of the picture of the Gita - Arjuna riding the chariot and Krishna holding the reins. Then, we will delve deeply into each chapter of the Gita and see how each of the "shlokas" carries a direct or indirect meaning related to either management or managerial science.

Nice to see your interest in this topic. Let's begin by discussing the discourse between Arjuna and Krishna. Whether it actually occurred or not is unknown, and perhaps it is best not to dwell on that. What strikes me as peculiar is the idea of a philosophical conversation taking place during a war, where two opposing forces are ready for battle. Imagine a scenario where, in the midst of a war between two countries, an ambassador starts discussing concepts like the soul, Atma, and God. It does seem quite amusing, doesn't it?

What I believe is that Krishna addresses the fundamental managerial issue of DILEMMA. In our everyday lives, we are constantly faced with dilemmas—whether it's deciding what is right or wrong, what actions to take, or what choices to make. As managers, we also encounter numerous dilemmas, such as whether to initiate a project, dismiss a subordinate, or engage in a business deal. The first chapter of the Gita, known as 'Arjun Vishad Yoga' or Arjuna's lamentation, primarily deals with his dilemma of whether to fight against his own kin and teacher. The essence of the Gita lies not in providing specific solutions to individual dilemmas but in guiding us on discerning between right and wrong actions. Resolving dilemmas ultimately leads a manager to make sound decisions.

The first chapter of the Gita essentially juxtaposes Arjuna's dilemma with that of a manager facing daily challenges. The Sanskrit verses do not hold specific significance but rather highlight Arjuna's (or a manager's) struggle with decision-making.

The 28th and 29th verses of the first chapter of the Gita state:

'Drishtewam swajanam krishna yuyutsum samupasthitam'

Drishtewam -> Seeing
yuyutsum samupasthitam -> Yuyutsu being present

'Sidanti mama gatraNi mukham cha parishushyati'

Sidanti mama gatraNi -> My body is sweating
mukham cha parishushyati -> My mouth is drying up

'Vepathushca sharire me romharshas cha jayate...'

My body is trembling, and all my veins are aroused

These expressions convey the fear and distress one feels when confronted with a dilemma.

The final line of the first chapter of the Gita reads:

'Evam uktwa Arjuna sankhye ratho pasta upavishat
Visrijya sasharam chapam shok sang vignamanash.'

Evam uktwa -> And thus spoke
Arjuna sankhye ratho pasta upavishat -> Arjuna seated on the chariot 'Rath'
Visrijya -> Having cast away
sasharam chapam shok sang vignamanash. -> the bow and arrow, he sat there, dejected.

Therefore, the essence of the first chapter of the Gita revolves around Arjuna's dilemma of what to do and what not to do.

From the second chapter onwards, we witness Lord Krishna's words as he motivates Arjuna for battle.

Regards,
Shounak Bhattacharya.