Twenty ancient values for the modern manager - Interview

Twenty ancient values for the modern manager
D. Murali
Chennai: What accounts for the sudden downfall of otherwise successful organisations? Are there any insights from the scriptures in this regard?
In answer to these questions, Dr S. Kannan, a Chennai-based chartered accountant, and author of ‘Vedic Management’ (www.taxmann.com), finds it apt to cite the maxim ‘Vinasa kale viparita buddhih,’ which in Sanskrit means that when one is on the path of destruction, his mind gets perverted.
“This happens due to the negative vasanas (inherent impressions) of a person which suddenly manifest and show the true colours,” he explains during the course of a recent email interaction with Business Line.
“Kings like Ravana and Duryodhana, though highly learned, powerful and wealthy, faced destruction finally when they went against dharma (righteousness). The great king Harischandra suffered a lot but emerged finally victorious as he remained steadfast and upheld truth at all costs,” says Dr Kannan, making a reference to the epics.
He also quotes from the Vajasaneya Samhita that one shall not covet the wealth of others. “In the organisational context, it is the top leader who either makes or breaks the organisation. Hence a leader should master the art of proper self-management and abide by the moral and ethical values.”
Excerpts from the interview.
These days, we hear a lot about corporate governance. Is this a topic on which we can draw from ancient Indian wisdom?
http://www.thehindu.com/holnus/006200901211081.htm

VEDAS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Vedas inspire one to follow the path of total transparency, truthfulness and righteousness, which constitute the substratum of proper Corporate Governance.


Vedic Quotes

Speak the truth
Satyam Vada!
Follow the path of righteousness
Dharmam Cara!

Do not swerve from truth

Satyanna pramaditavyam!

Do not swerve from the path of righteousness
Dharmanna Pramaditavyam!

The Earth is sustained by truth

Satyenottabhita Bhumih!

The mind, speech and action shall be aligned

Tasmat yatpurusho manasabhi gacchati !
Tad vaca vadati !
Tad karmana karoti !

Therefore truthfulness is considered Supreme.

Tasmat Satyam Paramam Vadanti !

Therefore righteousness is considered Supreme.

Tasmat Dharmam Paramam Vadanti !


Truth alone triumphs

Satyameva Jayate !


All are established in truth.
Satye Sarvam Pratisthitam !

I speak the truth

Satyam vadishyami !