MANAGEMENT LESSONS NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS

We have heard of Aesop’s fables where most of the characters in his stories are animals, some of which take on human characteristic and are personified in the ways of speech and emotions. The majority of his characters retain their animalistic qualities; tortoise is slow, hares are quick, tigers eat bird, etc. Aesop used these qualities and natural tendencies of animals to focus on human traits and wisdom. The most important thing to be noted is that each tale or fable has an accompanying moral to be learned from the tale. Aesop was a story teller and a slave from ancient Greece. Aesop was known to be a keen observer of both animals and people.

Life is full of chances to learn new things day after day. Sometimes we need an interest and sometimes an attitude to learn the right thing. In management, the learning is more important than the way of learning. That is why there are role plays, games and stories to make people learn the obvious and the important.

What follows is a bunch of short stories and the lessons to be learnt from them. It’s a collection of assorted humorous stories to be read in the right spirit. The lesson is the end and the means are not important. We should not get deep into the story and concentrate on the Lesson that we learn out of them.

1. YOUR POSITION DEFINES YOUR ATTITUDE

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A small rabbit saw the crow and asked, ‘Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?’ The crow answered: ‘sure why not.’ So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Lesson: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be at the top. 

    

If one has to reach the top he has to put in enormous effort and stretch himself over and above what he can do and be focused and be passionate about what he is doing. This will take time and effort and thereafter after some point one reaches the top. By now he is thorough with the understanding of the organization and the environment he is working with and also gets to know the people around him.

After one reaches the Top slot he will not do any work by himself but will think, think and Think all the time and also Take Decisions which will cost the organization heavily if any wrong decision is taken.  

By nothing is meant less or no physical work and more of work in the mind. 

2. YOUR POSITION DEPENDS ON YOUR PERFORMANCE

A turkey was chatting with a bull. ‘I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,’ sighed the turkey, ‘but I haven’t got the energy’. ‘Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?’ replied the bull, ‘They’re packed with nutrients.’ The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the first branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, it reached the second branch. Finally, after a fortnight, there it was proudly perched at the top of the tree. The turkey was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Lesson: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.

3. BE SMART AND ACT SMART TO SURVIVE

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold that the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field. While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped a load of hot, steaming dung on it. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of shit, it began to realise how warm it was. The dung actually thawed it out! It lay there all warm and happy and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung. The cat promptly dug the bird out, and ate the bird.

Moral or Lesson: Not everyone who drops shit on you is your enemy. Not everyone who pulls you out of shit is your friend. And when you’re warm and happy in your pile of shit, keep your mouth shut! If you don’t, you have to face the consequences.

4. INSTANT GRATIFICATION WILL LEAD YOU NOWHERE

A sales executive, a clerk, and a manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, ‘I’ll give each of you just one wish.’ ‘Me first! Me first!’ says the admin clerk. ‘I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.’ Puff! She’s gone. ‘Me next! Me next!’ says the sales rep. ‘I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina coladas and the love of my life. Puff! He’s gone. ‘OK, you’re up,’ the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, ‘I want those two idiots back in the office after lunch.’ 

Lesson: Always let your boss have the first say.          

Smile and keep finding good and smart ways to enhance your learning. Remember, end is important than the means. You can also read stories from Panchatantra which gives morals at the end of each story. Here too animal characters are portrayed and the purpose of the dialogue among the various animal characters is to place the respective human point of view in perspective. The greatest importance in Panchatantra is given to Dharma or righteousness.

In Panchatantra even the villains in the drama mouth time-tested truths to justify their case, as if to state that truth can be used by just about anyone, though it does not become untruth for that reason. For, as the Panchatantra says, “rascals, for their own personal benefit, show the master things in a false light and speak with great powers of persuasion.” It is for the hearer to discern the truth.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

SUMMARY OF THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF BHAGAVAD GITA

The fourth chapter is known as Jnanakarmasanyasa Yoga.  This chapter consists of 42 verses and can be classified into five topics.

First Topic: Avatara Swaroopa. Incarnation. Verse 1 to 15.

Second Topic: Nature of self-knowledge and a wise person. Nature of Gnanam and a Gnani. Verse 16 to 24.

Third Topic: Gnana Sadanai. Disciplines required for the acquisition of Gnana and Moksha. Verse 25 to 34.

Fourth Topic: Benefit of knowledge. Gnana palam. Verse 35 to 37.

Fifth Topic: Qualification for knowledge. Gnana Yogyadha. Verse 38 to 42.

First Topic: Verse 1 to 15

Krishna said to Arjuna that he is teaching the scriptures to him (now). He tells Arjuna Quote “I taught in the beginning of creation to surya Baghavan the Vedic wisdom. Arjuna wonders how Krishna can teach him and surya Baghavan. Krishna tells Arjuna that ‘I’ and the teacher of surya bhagavan are one and the same. Both the teachers are Narayana Bhagavan. Krishna is the avataram of bhagavan.” Unquote. Krishna then talks about the birth of a living being and the birth of avatara. Difference between Jivas (janma) and bhagavan (Avatara). There are two common features between jiva and bhagavan. Both of them are Anadhi (beginning less). Second is both of them take bodies (sariram) at regular times and appear in this world.  Jiva taking a body is called Janma and bhagavan taking a body is called Avatara. Jiva takes body repeatedly because of Punyam and papam (karma). Eswara does not have Punyam and papam. Eswara takes a body because of the bhakti of the devotee. Prartana is the cause of Eswara taking the body. Karma is the cause of Jivas taking the body. The difference is the nature of jiva janma and eswara Avatara. Jiva is born a samsara out of ignorance. Eswara does not have ignorance (Punyam or papam). Eswara is not born out of ignorance. Eswara is not a samsari. The third difference is the purpose of taking the body. In the case of Jiva, it is for exhausting the Punyam and papam. Eswara takes a body not for exhausting karma but for destroying Adharma and establishing dharma for the protection of Dharmic people.  The fourth difference is the very nature of the body of Jiva and eswara, which is the difference in material. Jiva sariram (Bouthika sariram) is made up of pancha bootham. There are procedures by which we acquire the body. In the case of Avatara, it is directly created out of Maya. Intermediary procedures / steps are not involved. Whoever understands the real nature of Eswara avatar will also get liberated.

  

Second Topic: Verse 16 to 24

This is the main topic of the fourth chapter / entire Gita (topic on spiritual knowledge). Krishna’s message to every individual is a mixture of two components, which cannot be physically separated but has to be grasped. Consciousness principle is the first component. Second component of an individual is the agankara. The ego (individuality). Ego consists of three portions. The physical body. The emotional mind. Both are inert in nature. Body mind material borrows consciousness from the atma. It becomes sension body mind complex, which is called agankara (the individuality). Self-knowledge is distinguishing these two components within me. I am a mixture of atma and agankara. Atma is Akartha and Aboktha. (Non-doer and non-experiencer).  Agankara is Karta and boktha and therefore never free. (Always karma attaching; Punyam and papam constantly giving experiences). My aim is to understand Atma, which is the higher nature and is the real nature. Agankara, which is the lower nature, is not my real nature, which I can use for transaction, but I should not get too much involved in that. Knowing and remembering my higher nature ‘Atma’ is alone called atma Gnanam. What is the benefit of this knowledge? First advantage is as ‘Atma’ I am ever purnaga. I enjoy fulfillment and contentment. Second benefit is because of poornatvam, it serves as the greatest shock absorber to face any situation and problems. He enjoys samatvam. He can face success and failure with equanimity.

Third Topic: Verse 25 to 34 (Gnana Sadanai)

This is presented by Sri Krishna in the form of 12 Yagna. Krishna indicates that all sadanas must be practiced reverentially with bhakti.

1.    Deva yagna – Varieties of poojas that we do.

2.    Vishayaboga yagna – whenever taking food we should take it with reverence (offering to the lord).

3.    Indriyanigra yagna – we should not become a slave of sense organs.

4.    Mano yagna – We should not be a slave of our mind (remove bad thought).

5.    Dharvya yagna – sharing our possession with others (prayer, time, food).

6.    Tapo yagna – Practicing some type of austerity. I forgo some type of comfort voluntarily. Upavasa yoga; not taking salt for a day or length of time.

7.    Yoga yagna – Practicing yoga, Asana, Pranayama.

8.    Swadhyaga yagna – Parayanam of scriptures. (sahasranama, Vedas)

9.    Gnana yagna – Study of supportive sciences. For Vedanta study, what other knowledge is required. Allied sciences, language and how to do pooja.

10. Pranayama yagna – Practice of pranayamam. Breathing in and breathing out slowly.

11.  Agaraniyama yagna – Taking food at a particular time and not at any time.

12. Atma Gnana yagna – The study of vedantic scriptures. Spiritual education program. Study of Bhagavad Gita then Upanishads followed by Brahma sutra. 

 

Fourth Topic: Verse 35 to 37 (Four types of Palan)

Moksha is described in four different forms. Freedom from conflicts in life. Conflict is because we want to take a decision, which will be definitely successful. Gnana gives strength to take bold decisions and facing result with equanimity. Conflict is because of lack of courage. Second form is freedom from all papam. Sarva papa nivirthigi. Third form is bedha nivirthigi; Jevatma Paramathma difference is removed. Karma yoga is dasogam bhavana. Gnana yoga is converting to sogam bhavana. Bhakta Bhagavan distance is removed. Fourth, is sarva karma nivirthi; removes all Punyam and papam. These are the four fold benefits of Moksha because of Gnanam.

Two examples:

Samsara suffering is compared to a vast ocean. We are struggling in the middle of the ocean. To cross the ocean Gnana serves as the powerful boat or raft.

Gnanam is the most powerful fire, which can destroy all our karmas accumulated in our past karmas. Thus, Gnanam is fire. 

Fifth Topic: Verse 38 to 42 (Yogyadha or qualification)

There are two main qualifications required in order to accomplish a goal. First is commitment. It should not be a halfhearted approach. It should be a participatory one like listening to Gita with sincerity. Pray to god let me become a serious listener. Second qualification is Shreddha. Faith in the validity and efficacy of this teaching empowered the lives of many peoples. I should consider attempting this. One disqualification is doubting or skepticism. Skepticism is the most unfortunate obstacle. One who does not have faith in scriptures will perish. Paraloka means the life after the present life. Being skeptical about everything is also a sin. Skepticism is also not good. Doubt is the worst intellectual enemy. Life is a drama. It should be given importance and 

not over importance (3^rd Chapter).

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com     

KNOW ‘ATMA’ AND ‘AGANKARA’ FOR UNDERSTANDING ACTION AND INACTION

The material component of an individual is inert by itself. They are body, mind and sense organs. The spiritual component of an individual is called ‘ATMA’. Atma is the nature of consciousness principle. Atma lends consciousness to body, mind and sense organs. For ex. Moon doesn’t have a light on its own. It borrows light from the Sun. So also body, mind sense organs are alive due to borrowed consciousness. It is called ‘I’ or Agankara. ‘I’ refers to the body, mind and sense organs.  

As per Vedanta this agankara is Kartha, bhoktha, and travels from one location to another location. Agankara is the material component of an individual. There is a spiritual component which is called ‘Atma’. As per Vedanta every individual is a mixture of ‘Atma’ and ‘Agankara’. When we use the word ‘I’ both components are there. Both are opposite in nature. Atma is one. Agankara are many. Atma is all pervading. Agankara is located. Agankara is Kartha – doer of action. Atma is Akartha – doesn’t do any action. Agankara has karma sambanda. It is associated with temporary action and temporary inaction. Viz. Waking and Sleep. Waking means action. Sleep means inaction. Birth and death. Death will be followed by rebirth by taking another body which is action. Atma is not associated with Temporary karma or temporary non karma. It is associated with permanent Akarma. Atma our higher nature and real nature, is Akartha and Aboktha. Atma is unassociated with karma and karma palan viz. Punyam and Papam. A common man doesn’t know that he has two layers of personality. Only a Gnani knows this and discovers agankara component and atma component. He learns to look agankara as only a costume and not his real nature. For doing this he must do Nidhithyasanam. A Gnani does not want to associate with agankara though it is active in him. Atma is poornam all the time. Agankara can never become poornam at any point of time. By discovering your real higher nature you claim poorna atma. Enjoy raising the Children without expecting poornatvam through them. Gnani is an instrument of god. He is called a wise person.

When things are abstract, examples may clarify our doubts. Movie is called a movie because it moves you. Movie is projected on a screen. The screen supports the movie. Screen is not affected by the movie. It is non participant (does not move) but without the screen you cannot see the movie. In the movie are Kartha, Bhokta characters and Akarta and Aboktha is the non moving screen. Movie is a mixture of the non moving screen and movie characters in the picture.    

A wise person is one who knows temporary karma and temporary akarma.  A wise man knows that his real nature is ‘Atma’. Agankara is a costume that I am putting on for a drama called life. It is stage managed by Eswara from beginning less time (anadhikala).

By knowing the distinction between “Atma’ and “Agankara’ we can understand what action in inaction and inaction in action is.  Yesterday is a history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called present. Let us start to discover our ‘self’ within us today and unravel the mystery called tatvam.

He who seeth inaction in action and action in inaction, he is wise among men; he is a Yogi and performer of all actions.

In common parlance action means ‘movement of the body, movement of the hands and feet’, and inaction means ‘to sit quiet’.

It is the idea of agency, the idea I am the doer that binds man to Samsara. If this idea vanishes, action is no action at all. It will not bind one to Samsara. This is inaction in action. If you stand as a spectator or silent witness of Nature’s activities, feeling Nature does everything; I am non-doer (Akarta), if you identify yourself with the action less self, no matter what work or how much of it is done, action is no action at all. This is inaction in action. By such a practice and feeling, action loses its binding nature.

A man may sit quietly. He may not do anything. But if he has the idea of agency or doership, or if he thinks that he is the doer, he is ever doing action, though he is sitting quietly. This is action in inaction. The restless mind will ever be doing actions even though one sits quietly. Actions of the mind are real actions. “Nor can anyone even for one moment remain really actionless, for helplessly is everyone driven to action by the qualities of Nature”.

Inaction also induces the feeling of egoism. The inactive man says, ‘I sit quietly; I do nothing’. Inaction like action is wrongly attributed to the self. He is the performer of all actions who knows this truth. He has attained the end of all actions, i.e., freedom or knowledge or perfection.

When a steamer moves, the trees on the shore which are motionless, appear to move in the opposite direction to a man who is in the steamer. Moving objects that are very far away appear to be stationary or motionless. Even so in the case of the Self, inaction is mistaken for action and action for inaction. 

The self is actionless (Akarta or non-doer, Nishkriya or without work). The body and the senses perform action. The actions of the body and the senses are falsely and wrongly attributed by the ignorant to the actionless Self. Therefore the ignorant man thinks, “I act”. He thinks that the Self is the doer or the agent of the action. This is a mistake. This is ignorance.

Just as motion does not really belong to the trees on the shore which appear to move in the opposite direction to a man on board the ship, so also action does not really pertain to the self.                 

This ignorance which is the cause of birth and death vanishes when you attain Self-realisation.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

FOUR TYPES OF CASTES BASED ON FOUR TYPES OF OCCUPATION AND GUNAS AS GIVEN IN SASTRAS

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about the fourfold caste, based on the occupation of a person and the Gunas that he has. We should bear in mind that we should contribute to the society by way of service. If we want to grow spiritually we have to give more than we take. Karma is the occupation that we choose for contribution to the society.

Classification based on the composition of three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and the occupation one does. These 3 characters/Gunas will influence the aptitude of a person.

In a Brahmana, Sattva predominates. He possesses self restraint, purity, serenity, straightforwardness, devotion, etc. He will be highly spiritual and less interested in materialistic activity. Spiritual people should become teachers of the society and mould the minds of young children. Dharma will be lost if money becomes important.  

In a Kshatriya, Rajas predominates. He possesses prowess, splendor, firmness, dexterity, generosity and the nature of a ruler. He has inclination for activity. Contribution, service, help to others will be the prime consideration. He doesn’t reject money but money is not the prime consideration.

In a Vaishya, Rajas predominates and Tamas is subordinate to Rajas. Sattva is less. He does the duty of ploughing, protection of cattle and trade. He works more but towards a profit centered activity. His activity is called Sakamakarma activity.

In a Sudra, Tamas predominates and Rajas is subordinate to Tamas. Sattva comes last. He is not active. He is an illiterate. He does service to the other three castes. This group is very close to animal. They are neither materialistic nor have spiritual desires. Survival centric activity alone will be there in their approach. They will do manual labour which is an unskilled activity.

Happiness does not depend upon what I have but it depends upon what I am. You have to refine yourself more and more rather than acquiring more and more and also be contented. Aptitude and heredity coincided for some time. Caste system came because of heredity. We have to take occupation in keeping with our aptitude for our well being.

Ignorance is the cause of our problem in life. Spiritual knowledge will help us overcome all situations easily. You can look upon ageing as a natural inevitable process. So also death will fall upon when time comes. I have a contributing freewill. I don’t have a controlling freewill. I can advise others but not take a decision for others.

Be blissful

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com