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Today, any reference to the word “management” gives an impression as if it were about business or corporate management. This is because, in the present times, commerce, marketing, finance, and related issues have taken center stage in the world. “Development” too has become synonymous to economic development. However, the meaning of the word “management” is significantly wider. It encompasses all aspects of orderly organization and systematic and efficient use of available opportunities, resources, and potentials in life. It is thus the key to development on all fronts of life. Specialized policies, planning, strategies and training are required for specific kinds of management on different fronts. Different schools may adopt different approaches for this purpose which may often be debated. But one fact remains universal, that is management in all domains of personal, professional, and social life depends upon one’s ability of managing his/her thoughts and emotions and translating them into action.

As emphasized by a renowned thinker, Rudolf Steiner, in the context of holistic education, it is most important to achieve balance in the three different ways a person relates to the world —through thoughts, emotions and actions. Considering that emotions and thoughts are faculties of mind, role of spirituality becomes prominent in attaining this balance. As stated in “Bhagwat Gita”, the undisciplined mind acts as our enemy whereas a trained and disciplined mind acts as our friend. Other related ancient Indian scriptures also deliberate upon the depth of mind as a medium of expression of Consciousness-Force and teach spiritual practices for selfcontrol, training and evolution of mind.

Ancient Indian science of spirituality describes four-fold functions of the mind as associated with the four domains of the inner-self: memory and experience which are functions associated with Mana (conscious & subconscious mind), cognition, conceptualization, reasoning, analysis and deliberations — associated with Buddhi (Intellect), intrinsic tendencies, convictions, determination and decision making — manifested expressions of Chitta (unconscious mind), and the ‘I’-consciousness or ego (Ahankara). This science is vast and also deals with transcendental realms of Consciousness-Force. Here we shall discuss only the practical aspects relevant to holistic management in our lives today.

Methods of scientific spirituality derived from the ancient Indian science, focus at awakening and prudent and constructive use of the immense power of thoughts and emotions. In more practical terms, this also amounts to augmentation of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) both. As we might have experienced, a person with high IQ is more productive, introvert, cautiously expressive, ambitious and detached. He is expert, talented and logical. He may be an efficient professional, executive, academician or scientist. However, he may not always be so good on personal and social fronts of life. High EQ person is cheerful, socially poised, committed, methodical, ethical, sympathetic,and has spontaneity and a power to cope with uncertainties. He not only is excellent in selfmanagement, but can also be a great manager and leader in his chosen field of profession or social work.

In the early days of scientific development, genetic configurations and brain were regarded as regulators of intellectual and emotional functions. However, deeper and more advanced studies show that the brain functions, including hormonal secretions and activation of specific centers in the rational and emotional lobes are natural manifestations and not originators of emotional and mental states. Then what originates, relates, and evolves intelligence and emotions? Let us now look into some deeper aspects of their interdependence, genesis and evolution to understand the importance of scientific spirituality in their management.

Nature of emotions, thoughts and intelligence:
In spite of being invisible, the potential of thoughts is greater than any other power of the physical world. Every moment of human life is intensely interwoven with thoughts. The key of the ascent or descent of one’s life lies in his thoughts. People with greater strength of the inner self and elevated levels of pr³ña (vital spiritual energy) can attract and influence many others by the aura of their consciousness energy and the enthralling force of their thoughts. This is how they can effectively lead and shape the mass movements.

Thoughts are most powerful expressions of intelligence and emotions, and are also the natural links between the two. Propositions of spiritual insights that are now accepted by the modern psychology underline the importance of thoughts; it is regarded that — a person is formed and molded by one’s thoughts. Savants also remark that “Thought is a natural process not necessarily related to one’s deliberate act or the character or value of the act”, and that, “All teaching is a ‘revealing’ via the usual agency of the world and its perception. All ‘becoming’ is an unfolding. Nothing can be taught to the mind, which is not already concealed as potential knowledge in the unfolding soul of the creature”.

A natural quest then arises – Why the knowledge hidden in the folds of mind, or the unbounded intelligence of the soul is not expressed or manifested in the thoughts and actions of every one, every time? Why is there a need for any training, education, value-system, etc?

The advaita principle of Vedanta Philosophy and the Upanishads provides the complete answer. The gist of this is – Each being is a manifestation of the Brahm1. The enormous diversity among different people or beings is because of the samskaras2. Samskaras form the emotional trait and tendencies of the mind and are also responsible for the intrinsic desires and nature of the individual self. Intrinsic desires as per the activated mental tendency trigger corresponding emotions and then thoughts and actions in succession[1]. Spiritual practices deal with purification and control of the samskaras. Disciplines of value system, rational educational training, moral conduct, etc are meant for controlled orientation of the emotions, thoughts and actions triggered by them.

As emotions are intimate and easily experienced reflections of our samskaras, these play a key role in our spiritual endeavors, adoption of value system and molding of our thoughts, character and actions and hence in the management of our life. Scientific spirituality — the universal science of refinement of intrinsic tendencies, awakening of conscientiousness, wisdom and awakening of inner-self — should therefore be an integral part of holistic management.

Emotional maturity, values and spirituality:
It is well-known that emotions trigger impulse to act; and the tendency to act is implicit in every emotion. There are seven prime emotions, namely, anger, fear, joy, love, surprise, disgust, and sadness — each prepares the body and also the rational (or so called ‘intelligent’ mind) for a different kind of response. Emotions guide us to face danger, painful loss, perseverance, bonding with a mate; building a family, etc. In short, emotions are the core of our sensitivity as human beings.

However, emotional excitement, be that of any kind, is undesirable. For example, emotional explosion may lead to brutal crimes; excessive sorrow puts one into depression; laughter due to over-joy is also an explosion of emotions and may lead to emergencies. Growing cases of emotional excitement, emotional imbalance, violence, selfishness, meanness, and deterioration of other factors affecting personal and social values have intensified the need for improved Emotional Intelligence of the common man today.

Emotional Intelligence[2] pertains to selfcontrol, zeal and persistence, the ability to motivate oneself, one’s character, sentiments and moral instincts. Prime sign of emotional wisdom is emotional honesty: being real and true to self. It builds personal power, awareness, inner guidance, respect, responsibilities and connection. Emotional fitness implies being transparent and getting along with circumstances and people under different circumstances. This is why it is so important in personal and professional management. Its immediate benefits include authenticity and hence social respect, resilience without compromising with values, ability of constructive discontent, initiation and renewal of trusting relationships.

Emotional intelligence (EI) builds core character, potential, integrity, purpose, integrity, commitment, and unique and high purpose; it initiates self-motivated evolution. What isrightly termed by modern thinkers[2] as emotional alchemy includes sensing opportunity, creating suitable future, ability of natural situational transformation, and adaptive decision-making. Further advancement of EI arises with spiritual refinement and endows one with the faculties of emotional feedback-based intuition, emotional intuition, intuitive emotional energy, intuitive flow, intuitive innovation, and intuitive intelligence.

Self-inspired adoption of ethical norms,transmutation of personal value system and expansion of social values for the welfare of all are successive outcomes of progress in emotional intelligence.

Personal values:
Personal values evolve from interaction with the external world and can change over a period of time. Integrity in the application of values refers to its continuity; persons have integrity if they apply their values appropriately regardless of arguments or negative reinforcement from others. Values are applied appropriately when they are applied in the right area. For example, it would be appropriate to apply moral values in times of happiness as well as in times of despair. One’s samskaras (and hence his/her natural tendencies), circumstances, and experiences influence one’s personal value system; it is also a universal fact that one’s personal values, integrity and emotional intelligence are mutually dependent. For example, if one respects personal values of others and reacts prudently, it indicates his dignity of emotional maturity. Selfless love, care, courage, bravery, integrity and compassion are examples of universal emotional-values associated with high emotional intelligence.

Key to improvement of EQ:
‘Daily introspection and self-analysis to avoid mistakes, to overcome shortcomings of today and to determine feasible plans for execution of something that improves self-behavior or action tomorrow’ — this simple practice of ten minutes before sleep and five minutes before leaving the bed (after waking up) works like effective autosuggestion. It induces courage, selfconfidence and emotional stability with gradually increasing impact. Yoga-practices of pranayama and meditation lend essential support for calming of mind. Balanced diet, physical exercises and self-restraint (samyam) are prerequisite for best effects. Emotional depth and enlightenment are then achieved through sincere practice of Upasana, Sadhana and Aradhana (Upasana —inculcation of sensitivity and invocation of divine thoughts and qualities hidden in the inner self by heart-felt prayers, and meditative practices; Sadhana — refinement of thoughts and deeds, self-transformation by self-determination in light of the teachings of spiritually illumined sages, and noble works of great personalities, and Aradhana — admiring and beautifying God’s creation by helping the needy and making thoughtful use of time, talent and resources with a cheerful and caring attitude for the upliftment of more and more people).

Incorporation of spiritual science in management education:
After recognition of EQ as a crucial requirement in management, importance of spirituality in management education is also being considered by many institutions across the world. For example, the Academy of Management, at New York now has a separate full-fledged division for theoretical and applied studies in Management, Spirituality, and Religion (MSR), which focuses on interdisciplinary theoretical and applied research and pedagogy related to the relevance and relationship of spirituality in management and organizational life. Spiritual ambience at work place and use of spiritual attitude in customer care, etc are core topics of research studies at several such institutions. Management educationists working in related areas should note that rather than mere theory, adaptation of spiritual values in thoughts, character and deeds is more vital. The practical training and workshops with specific spiritual sahanas conducted under the auspices of Shantikunj, Haridwar, and the approach to self-management and life-management courses and experiments with spiritual practices adopted at the DSVV University, Haridwar, have set excellent live examples in this direction.

Notes:
1. Brahm: Eternal, Omnipresent, Omniscient Consciousness-Force.
2. Samskaras: Intrinsic impressions assimilated in the unconscious mind since the earlier lives.

References:
1. Saras Safal Jivana ka Kendra Utkrista Chintan. (Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya) Publ. Yug Nirman Yojna, Mathura (4th print), 2004.
2. “Emotional Intelligence” (excerpts of talks delivered by Dr. Pranav Pandya in 2004/5).
3. Adhyatmika Drishtikona aur Ananta Atmabala (Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya). Publ. Yug Nirman Yojna, Mathura (7th print), 2006.
4. “What is Spirituality?” (English translation of original Hindi book by Brahmavarchas) Publ. Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj Haridwar, 2007. ISBN: 81-8255-025-4

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