Bhagavad Gita

PRESENTED BY: DINAKUMAR LONGJAM SAYANTAN PAL

Introduction

The Bhagavad Gt also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that comprise the more general Vedic tradition. The context of the Gita is a conversation between Lord Krishna and the Pandava prince Arjuna taking place in the middle of the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War with armies on both sides ready to battle.

Cont..

Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma about fighting his own cousins, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince, and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies, and explains different ways in which the soul can reach the supreme being with examples and analogies. The conversation between the Arjuna & Lord Krishna are not a normal conversation. It has a great meaning & also have a lots of relevance in our modern world as well as in management.

Dharma

Dharma is not only holiness it is more than that. Dharma is neither Religion. Comparing Dharma and Religion is a wrong concept. Dharma means acting according to the Path what we have opted for . It is sustainability in the path opted. When the mismatch of action happen, it is called adharma. In the battlefield during the conversation Lord Krishna explains about the dharma to the Arjuna.

Manifolds of Dharma

Dharma is basically 4 types 1. Raj dharma: Dharma of a Ruler. 2. Kul dharma: Dharma of a family. 3. Jati dharma: Dharma of the Class. 4. Manab dharma: Dharma of a human being. *The cause of the kurukshetra war is adharma.

Dharma according to Dhitarastra

Dhirtarastra thinks that He and his sons are following Dharma, but not the Pandavas.

As a ruler he isnt aware of the happenings around him. He is asking Sanjaya instead about the happenings. He is violating Raj Dharma.
He didnt knew that war is within his and his brothers sons. His brothers son are also his son. Its war within the family. That is against Kul Dharma.

Karma

Actions of a human being is karma. In the (47th sloka- Chapter 2) of Bhagavad Gita it is stated that you just only have the right in the work not in the fruit or the result of the work. Do not consider yourself to be the cause of the result of action & nor let your attachment be to inaction.

CONTROL OF THE ACTION ONLY

SUBJECT

ACTION

RESULT

Outcomes of Karma

What ever action you do there are 4 types of outcomes they are.. 1. Greater than expectation- 25%. 2. Less than expectation-25%. 3. Same as expectation-25%. 4. Opposite of expectation-25%. So what ever action we do the result of the action within these 4.

Relationship Shared

Lord Krishna and Arjuna were not only friends, Lord Krishna was also the brother-in law of Arjuna. But most important of all, both shared a Mentor-Mentee relationship.

Lord Krishnas teachings were to a relative, a friend and as well as a Mentee.

Mentoring?

For effective leadership to flourish, a leader has to learn from a mentor who can teach values that surpass a particular leadership position. The lesson from the mentor should hold values that are more meaningful in terms of leadership and organisational development. The mentee must have the conviction and patience to learn from the mentor.

Cont..

It is also necessary for the mentee to find the right mentor, so that the mentee is not misled. The key benefits of mentoring is that the mentee gains perspectives from the mentors experience and wisdom rather than blindly following from the lessons or interpretations from lessons.

State of Arjuna in the Beginning:

When Arjuna saw his Gurus, relatives in the battlefield, he was totally demotivated, cast aside his bows and arrows. He was in a state of total nervous breakdown.

It is evident in the last part of Chapter 1 sloka number 47 of Bhagavad Gita.

Role Of Lord Krishna:

Lord Krishna played the role of a mentor (management trainer, developer) to revive Arjunas Motivation. Lord Krishna wanted Arjuna to cast of weakness of heart in performing duties. We see in the sloka number 2 & 3 in the chapter number 2 in Bhagavad Gita.

Words of Motivation
(Chapter 2-sloka 2) Sri Bhagavan said: Arjuna how has this infatuation overtaken you at this odd hour? It is shunned by noble souls; neither will it bring heaven, nor fame, to you.

(Chapter 2-sloka 3)Yield not to unmanliness, Arjuna; ill does it become you. Shaking off this paltry faintheartedness stand up, O scorcher of enemies.

Arjunas Break-even point

(Chapter 2-sloka 54) Arjuna said: Lord Krishna, what is the definition(mark) of a God realised soul, stable of mind and established in Samadhi(perfect tranquility of mind)? How does the man of stable mind speak, how does he sit, how does he walk.

Relevance to Corporate Context

Managers who are mentally weak cannot attain the organizational vision and mission. The mind of the manager must be firm in driving the organizational resources (human resources) towards vision and mission. Management development programs in organizations should focus in creating and developing managers and organizational members to be strong and be mentally fearless.

Great examples of Mentoring:

26th president of U.S, Theodore Roosevelt mentored William Howard Taft who later became the 27th president of U.S. Boris Yeltsin mentored Vladimir Putin who later became the Russian President. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was mentor to both Mahatma Gandhi and Jinnah.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita is a complete book of knowledge. Each & every sloka of Bhagavad Gita is a complete one & provide us the knowledge of different field. The Bhagavad Gita is not only the normal conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It contains a rich inner meaning which are applicable in each & every moment of our daily life as well as our Corporate life. So, understand Bhagavad Gita to be an effective leader.