ANCIENT

MANAGEMENT

VEDIC MANAEMENT,
SPIRITUAL MANAGEMENT &
EPICS MANAGEMENT
 MANAGEMENT -
INTRODUCTION
 One of the most important human activities is managing.

 No individual can satisfy all his desires himself. Therefore,

he units with his fellow beings and works in an organized
group.
 Management has become a part and parcel in everyday life,
be it at home, office, factory, Government, or in any other
organization.
 Management is a systematic way of doing all activities in
any field of human effort.
 The modern management concepts like vision, leadership,
motivation, excellence in work, achieving goals, meaning of
work, attitude towards work, nature of individual, decision
making, planning etc., are all discussed in the VEDAS,
SPIRITUAL BOOKS and in EPICS.
 From the pre-historic days of aborigines to the present day of
robots and computers the ideas of managing available
resources have been in existence in some form or other.
 The concept of management which is now studied in a very
scientific manner had its origin right from the beginning of
civilization.
 VEDIC MANAGEMENT
 For management to be successful and free from problems
it has to be systematic and scientific. For it to be scientific
it must conform to the theories of modern science. For
anything to be in conformity with all the theories of all
disciplines of modern science, it must be Vedic, which
means it must be in full accord with natural law.
 Efficient management techniques were discussed in
Vedas and Upanishads.
 Vedic means pertaining to Veda. The Vedas are the collection
of mantras. The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root
“VID” which means “knowledge”, hence the Vedas are the
books of knowledge.
 The Vedic literatures is an age – old literature of India.

 It should not be regarding to any religious (i.e. HINDU,

MUSLIM, CHRISTIAN, SIKKU, etc.).
 Vedic literatures are the ancient science (i.e. Physics,
chemistry, mathematics, physiology, etc...).
 Vedic literatures were discovered by Rishi (Ancient Scientist,
they had discovered the laws of universal)
 The Vedas are four only (i.e. Rig Veda, Yajurveda,
samaveda and Atharvaveda.
 These Vedas are the collection mantras God himself
revealed the Vedic mantras.
 God enlightened knowledge initially into the soul of the
Rishi’s.
 Vedic management means management through Veda-
management through knowledge (Veda) and its infinite
organizing power- management that is supported by the
holistic value of Natural law.
 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
 The Vedas repeatedly call upon everyone to earn and
maximize wealth. The primary objective of financial
management is maximization of the shareholders’ wealth.

 The Vedas mention about two types of wealth, viz.,

prevalent wealth (Vittam) and potential wealth
(Vedyam).One shall possess Vittam (wealth that is earned
already) and Vedyam (wealth to be earned hereafter).
 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
 Knowledge management plays a vital role in ensuring the success of
any business organization.

 It is a challenging task to understand the real sources of knowledge

and convert the tacit knowledge residing in human repositories into
explicit knowledge for the purpose of knowledge dissemination and
sharing across all members of the organization.

 The Vedas attach great importance to acquiring knowledge. The

Vedas reiterate that only knowledge liberates a person.

 For any knowledge to take place the following three factors are
important:
(a) Prameya representing the object to be known.
(b) Pramata denoting the knower of the object
(c) Pramana indicating the means of knowledge
 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 Human Resource Management is the management function that deals
with recruitment, placement, training and development of organization
members.
 The Vedas lay great emphasis on proper Human Resource
remuneration practices.
 They emphasize that women have to be treated equitably without any
discrimination.

EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION
 The Vedas spell out that remuneration for services rendered may be
paid based on the principle of capability to pay.
 PERSONALITY MANAGEMENT
 Depending upon the predominant characteristic of one’s
personality, five types of personality traits can be presented
based on the Vedic concept.
S.NO PERSONALITY TYPE MEANING
1 Annamaya •PHYSICAL
•MATERIALISTIC
2 Pranamaya •ENERGETIC
•ACTION-ORIENTED
3 Manomaya •EMOTIONAL
•SENTIMENTAL
4 Vijñanamaya •INTELLECTUAL
•JUDGMENTAL
5 Anandamaya •CREATIVE
•VISIONARY
 DIVISION OF LABOUR
 The four-dimensional approach to Vedic division of labor
are
S.NO VARNA TYPE OF LABOUR
1 BRAHMANA •PLANNING
•ADVISORY SERVICES
•CONSULTING
2 KSATRIYA •EXECUTION
•GOVERNANCE
3 VAISYA •TRADE
•BUSINESS
•COMMERCE
4 SUDRA •SERVICE
•PHYSICAL LABOUR

 An in-depth analysis of the Vedas proves that the wide spectrum of

modern business management practices are convincingly of Vedic
origin.
 SPIRITUAL MANAGEMENT
QURAN AND MANAGEMENT
• Management today is defined as  "getting things done through  others." Following
this  concept,  a Manager is now understood as  the person who works through 
others. A good manager, therefore, is a  person who not only knows what is to be 
done but exactly how to get it done. 

• The Holy Quran confirms:[43:32]

"...We raise some of  them above others in ranks,  so that some may command 
work from others...“
 OBEDIENCE AND  RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY

• Obedience and respect for authority is the basic fundamental requisite

for taking work from others and getting it done. Working through people
actually presupposes the willingness of people to obey. It is therefore
necessary for those people who are given the job to complete a task to
obey all legal and reasonable orders and perform it responsibly.

• Holy Quran instructs:[4:59]

"Obey Allah and His  Messenger and those in position  of authority

among you.“
 JOINT CONSULTATION &    TEAM WORK

 The modern world realized the importance of joint consultation and

team-work when the Japanese based its management style on it
and proved to the world of its effectiveness.

 The Holy Quran advocates for this concept: [42:83]

"...and those who do  their work  through mutual Consultation"

 PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

• The principle of equal opportunities postulate that all members of an organization

shall have equal and fair chances to grow, contribute, and be rewarded
accordingly.

• The Holy Quran emphasis this golden rule: [49:13]

"O people We created you from a single male and female couple and then
divided you in nations and tribes so that you may recognize one another.
Verily the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is he who is most
righteous of you."
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expounded the verse on the occasion of Hajat-ul-
Widaa, in the following words:

"In the light of this Quranic verse no Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab
nor does any non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Neither black is
superior to white nor white is superior to black. Of course, if there is any
criterion of superiority and respectability in the sight of Allah, it is Taqwa
(righteousness).“

• In the realm of management, it would mean that the criteria for entitlement to any
benefit, reward, position, or status shall be such that any one having requisite
qualifications and experience should have equal opportunity to achieve it. This will
obviously go a long way towards maintain the requisite degree of harmony in the
work environment conducive to the smooth working of the management process.
 MOTIVATION & COMMITMENT

• Making people what they are supposed to do requires a certain

degree of commitment which can only be achieved through
motivation. It is an established fact that the way a Manager behaves
or deals with the subordinates determines the level and vitality of
their motivation and commitment to a great extent.

• The Holy Quran too speaks about this golden rule:[3:159]

"(telling the Prophet) If you had been stern and fierce of heart
they (the companions and followers) would have disappeared
from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them
and consult them in the conduct of affairs"
 THE CORNERSTONE OF TOYOTA'S SUCCES:

 ELIMINATION OF WASTE

• Wastage - either in terms of material, human capital, energy, machine utilization, or

processing time, creates inefficiencies resulting in the increase of costs and consequent
decrease in profits.
• The Holy Quran says:
[17:26]

"And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the
wayfarer. But waste not (your wealth, time, health, talents, opportunities etc) in the
manner of a spendthrift.“

[17:27] "For the wasteful are the brothers of Satan; and Satan is ungrateful to his Lord.“
• [7:31] "O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of
prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters.“
• Management as Example:

It was Toyota who first understood and implemented this golden rule in business, not the
Muslims. Their success is thus based on two principles:

1.Complete Elimination of Wastage; and

2. Equal Level of Respect for All.

Continuous and aggressive pursuit of wastage elimination led Toyota to become one of the
most efficient manufacturing organizations in the world. The company is now able to
produce the best quality of automotive products at the least possible cost while maintaining
the highest pay-scale for its employees.
 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
• A business cannot flourish in the long run if it doesn't give its customer what it promises to.
The main focus of a businessman is to make profits and not necessarily to satisfy the
customer. It would not be wrong to say that the only time the businessman realizes that
customer satisfaction is important is when he understand that this is directly related with his
profitability margins.
• The Holy Quran commands:
[6:152]

“ And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the
age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice;- no burden do We
place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even
if a near relative is concerned; and fulfill the covenant of Allah. Thus doth He
command you that ye may remember."
• What it means to business?

• For a businessman, there is no alternative but to satisfy his customer,

even if the market and economic forces are making it difficult for him
to do so. It is his obligation to God that he resists these forces and
struggle and strive (wage Jihad) to fulfill the above-mentioned
commandments, even if he has to compromise on some profit or put
up some extra effort (up to his capacity). For him, profit is only a
"means" to keep his business alive and to satisfy his customer i.e. the
"end.“
 FULFILLING CONTRACTS, COMMITMENTS, & PROMISES

• Whereas promises are verbal commitment, contracts are written. From the ‘Nikah
Namah' to a business plan, including any financial agreement, are all different forms of
written promises that we make. If we look at it strictly from the business point of-view,
commitments and promises are a daily routine affair. To run a business successfully, a
businessman should not make promises that he cannot keep nor break any that he has
made.
• The Holy Quran instructs:[17:34]

"Allah says, ‘Fulfill your contracts. Contracts will be asked about.'"

[16:91] "And the Almighty says, ‘Be true to Allah's contract when you have agreed
to it.”
 BHAGAVATGITA AND MANAGEMNT

Now let us re-examine some of the modern management concepts in the

light of the Bhagavad Gita which is a primer of management by values.

 Utilization of Available Resources

The first lesson in the management science is to choose wisely and utilize
optimally the scarce resources if one has to succeed in his venture. During
the curtain raiser before the Mahabharata War Duryodhana chose Sri
Krishna's large army for his help while Arjuna selected Sri Krishna's
wisdom for his support. This episode gives us a clue as to who is an
Effective Manager.
 Attitude Towards Work

Three stone-cutters were engaged in erecting a temple. As usual a H.R.D.

Consultant asked them what they were doing. The response of the three
workers to this innocent-looking question is illuminating.
• 'I am a poor man. I have to maintain my family. I am making a living here,'
said the first stone-cutter with a dejected face.
• 'Well, I work because I want to show that I am the best stone-cutter in the
country,' said the second one with a sense of pride.
• 'Oh, I want to build the most beautiful temple in the country,' said the third one
with a visionary gleam.

Their jobs were identical but their perspectives were different. What Gita tells
us is to develop the visionary perspective in the work we do. It tells us
to develop a sense of larger vision in one's work for the common good.
 Work Commitment

The Gita advises non- attachment to the fruits or results of actions

performed in the course of one's duty. Dedicated work has to mean
'work for the sake of work'. If we are always calculating the date of
promotion for putting in our efforts, then such work cannot be
commitment-oriented causing excellence in the results but it will be
promotion-oriented resulting in inevitable disappointments.

• So, the Gita tells us not to mortgage the present commitment to an

uncertain future.
 Work Results

The Gita explains the theory of non- attachment to the results of

work in Ch.18 Verses 13-15 the import of which is as under:

• If the result of sincere effort is a success, the entire credit should not
be appropriated by the doer alone.

• If the result of sincere effort is a failure, then too the entire blame
does not accrue to the doer. The former attitude mollifies arrogance
and conceit while the latter prevents excessive despondency, de-
motivation and self-pity. Thus both these dispositions safeguard the
doer against psychological vulnerability which is the cause for the
Modem Managers' companions like Diabetes, High B.P. Ulcers etc.
 Manager's Mental Health

Gita tells us how to get out of this universal phenomenon by prescribing the
following capsules. 
• Cultivate sound philosophy of life.
• Identify with inner core of self-sufficiency.

• Get out of the habitual mindset towards the pairs of opposites.

• Strive for excellence through work is worship.
• Build up an internal integrated reference point to face contrary impulses,
and emotions.
• Pursue ethico-moral rectitude.

Cultivating this understanding by a manager would lead him to emancipation

from falsifying ego-conscious state of confusion and distortion, to a state of
pure and free mind i.e. universal, supreme consciousness wherefrom he
can prove his effectiveness in discharging whatever duties that have fallen
to his domain.
 BIBLE AND MANAGEMENT

• "Millions have been inspired by the Bible’s spiritual

lessons.

 Time Management

• “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise

men, but as wise, making the most of your time,
because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, 16)”.
 Business Ethics
• The teachings of the Bible promote commonsense, wisdom and
integrity in every aspect of life. These are the same things that good
business leaders strive for.
• Diligence and hard work are the sure paths to success. No Fortune 500
company got its reputation from being lazy. The Bible recommends

' Not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit’.

Businesses have a lot of incentives to encourage their employees to

work hard. They have quotas to strive for with rewards when completed;
they are given bonuses; employees are motivated by stars and plaques;
their wages are made competitive. The Bible states,

'the laborer is worthy of his reward.'

• Managers when choosing new employees always look for flexibility
in character. The new hires should have the ability to work with
others. They should not be combative in nature. Conflict in the
workplace is counter productive. People who cannot live together
because of race, religion or culture eventually destroy each other
and their country. The Bible states that

'For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace....'

 Valmiki Ramayana and
Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership consisting four dimensions

(4I’s) namely;

 Inspirational Motivation (IM),

 Idealized Influenced (II),
 Intellectual Stimulation (IS) and
 Individualized Consideration (IC)

Valmiki Ramayana, in the Sanskrit literature is known as

Adikavya or the first poem and Sri Valmiki Muni is known
as Adikavi or the first poet
• Valmiki Ramayana offers many lessons in various fields by great
personalities, Sri Rama exhibited great leadership qualities, which
has transformed and continues to transform millions of people even
today.
• Leadership is an art (not science) of influencing, motivating,
inspiring, and transforming people (human resources) towards
achieving organizational goals.
• Transformational leaders are able to define and articulate a vision
and mission for their organization and departments and their
leadership style can transform their followers towards higher
performance.
 Traits of a Transformational Leader
• Transformational leaders are visionaries - Sri Rama created
future vision for Ayodhya and the vision was clearly communicated to
the people of Ayodhya before leaving to the forest.

• 2. Transformational leaders are change agents - Sri Rama

changed the kingship of Kiskhinda from Vali to Sugriva and the
kingship of Lanka.

• 3. Transformational leaders - are courageous people. Sri Rama

was firm and brave to take all the risk to protect the words his father
(King Dasaratha) gave to Kaikeyi
• . Transformational leaders believe in people - Sri Rama had
complete trust and belief in Sugriva to recover Sita.

• 5. Transformational leaders are value driven - Sri Rama, never

deviated or deviates from the words he had and has given.

• 6. Transformational leaders are life long learners - Sri Rama, a

perfect example of life of learner.

• 7. Transformational leaders have the ability to deal with complexity,

ambiguity and uncertainty - Sri Rama had to make the painful
decision to banish Sita from Ayodhya.
 The Four (4) Dimensions of
Transformational Leadership
• Idealized Influence (II) - the people of Ayodhya were full of loyalty
and adoration to Sri Rama, which resulted them to follow him (Sri
Rama) and to request Sri Rama to return to their kingdom
(Ayodhya).

• Intellectual Stimulation (IS) - The intellectual stimulation provided

by Sri Rama forced Bharata to think and rethink some of the ideas
that he never questioned before.
• Inspirational Motivation (IM) - Hanuman crossed the ocean to Lanka
and found Sita. Sri Rama also exhibited inspirational motivation to
the vanaras in the construction of the bridge to Lanka.

• Individualized Consideration (IC) - it is my vow to provide shelter

and protection to any living entity from fear, even if Ravana comes for
protection, he (Sri Rama) will give protection. (Sakrudeva prapannaya
tavasmiti cha yachate; Abhayam sarva bhutrbhyo dadamyetadh
vratam mama).
Winning mantra from Mahabharata
• Kauravas :11 Akshouhini
• Pandavas : 7 Akshouhini

1 Akshouhini = 21,870 chariots, 21,870

elephants, 65,610 horses and 109,350
foot-soldiers (in a ratio of 1:1:3:5).
Kauravas : Pandavas :

• Bhishma • Arjuna
• Drona • Bhima
• Karna • Dhrshtadyumna
• Shalya • Abhimanyu
• Kripacharya • Ghatotkach
• Ashwatthama • Shikhandi
• Duryodhan • Satyaki
 Background
Pandavas :
Exiled for 13 years. Have no kingdom. Their main strength both in
terms of political and financial power depends on their friends and
relatives : The Pancalas, The Yadavas, The Magadhas and The
Chedis.

Kauravas :
In power for 13 years. Duryodhan has been a benevolent king. Theres
no guarantee that the Subjects really miss the Pandavas. Not only
have they the wealth and power of Hastinapur, but also that of
Indraprastha, the kingdom that the Pandvas had taken such labors to
build and which had surpassed the Hastina of old in all degrees. Karna
had gone on a nation-wide conquering on behalf of Duryodhana. They
are the national sovereigns
 Motivation
Kauravas :
“Without war, will concede not a needle-prick of earth.” –
Duryodhna
Duryodhana was completely focused on the War.It was his moment
of truth. He had usurped a kingdom, and he meant to keep it. He had
resorted to any means, foul or fair to get the kingdom, which he
believed to be rightfully his, and he was in no mood to give it up.

Pandavas :
“We fight over a Kingdom, as dogs over a piece of meat.”-
Yudhisthira

The Pandavas had been humiliated, their wife insulted, their kingdom
taken. But…still they wanted to avoid the War. The three elder
Pandavas were against the War. They even went as far as making an
offer that they will stop the War in exchange of 5 villages.
 Result
War Lasted : 18 Days. 10 Days (Bhisma), 3 Days(Drona), 1½ Days
(Karna) ½ Day (No General),1 Day (Shalya), 1 Night(Ashwatthama)

18th Night of the War :

Ashwatthama slaughtered the Pandava camp in sleep.

Before That :

Kauravas :
Bhishma, Drona, Karna and his sons, Shalya, Bhagadutta, Bhurisrava,
Susharma, Jayadrath, Duhsasana and all of Duryodhana’s brothers,
Shakuni and Ulooka.

Pandavas :
Drupad, Virat and his sons, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkach and Iravan.
 SO HOW DID THE PANDAVAS WIN
?????

• Preparation
Kauravas :

• Karna went on a country-wide military mission, subdued the different

kingdoms and acquired wealth. But it meant a loss in terms of both men and
money and creation of new enemies.

Pandavas : Though in exile they turned their attention to improving over their
weakness
• Arjuna set out on a mission to acquires Divyastras.
• Bhima met his brother Hanuman and got a blessing of enhanced strength.
• Yudhisthira acquired teachings from the various wise rishis, and also learnt
the Game of Dice from Gandharava Chtrasena, lest he was challenged to
yet another dice game. Its said that he had become undefeatable in Dice.

Turn your weakness into your Strength.

 Allies
Kauravas : Centralized power system. The greatest empire of the time. But not
many powerful allies, except from old relations from far off places like
Gandhara(Shakuni), Sindhu(Jayadrath) and Kambodia(Camboja -
Bhagadutt)

Pandavas : No wealth. No power of their own. But powerful allies all over India.
• Panchala through Marriage with Darupadi.
• Dwarka through marriage with Arjuna and Subhadra.
• Magadh through marriage of Shadeva and Vijaya.
• Chedi through marriage of Nakula and Karenmayi.
• Kasi through marriage of Bhima and Balandhara.
• Kekaya through marriage of Yudhisthira and Devika.
• Matsya through marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara.
• The Rakshasas through marriage of Bhima and Hidimba.
• The Nagas through marriage of Arjuna and Uloopi.

Make Powerful Allies.

 Leadership
Kauravas : Centralized leadership. One Head of Army at a time, who has
supreme authority of 11 akshouhini of army. Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Shalya
and Ashwatthama.

Pandavas : Distributed leadership. Seven commanders for the seven divisions.

(1 man command 1 akshouhini each).
• Virat (King of Matsya).
• Drupad (King of Pancala).
• Sahadeva(King of Magadha).
• Dhrshtaketu (King of Chedi).
• Satyaki (Only warrior from Dwarka).
• Shikhandi (Prince of Pancala).

Dhrshtadymna – Commander in Chief.

Arjuna –Supreme Commander.
Krishna – Arjuna’s charioteer and counselor.

Share your responsibilities.

 Team Spirit
Kauravas : No team spirit. They all fought their individual wars.
• Bhishma : For his Vow to protect the throne Hastinapur.
• Drona and Kripa : They owed allegiance to the throne.
• Shalya : Simply cheated by Duryodhana to be there. Was originally a Pandava ally.
• Karna : To prove his mantle against Arjuna. Friendship for Duryodhana.
They didn’t gel well with each other. Bhishma and Karna. Bhisma and Shakuni. Karna nd
Shakuni. Karna and Shalya. Shalya and Bhishma. It was like a bees, hornets and
mosquitoes put together in a jar.

Pandavas : One team. One Goal. As men, they all had huge respect for Krishna and
Yudhisthira. While as warriors they were in complete awe of Bhima and Arjuna. Most
of them were close relatives – cousins, brother-in-laws, father-in-laws. More than that
they all were part of the decision-making process. It was their “common” war.

Teamwork succeeds where Individual effort fails.

 Individual Motives
Kauravas : Except for Duryodhana nobody wanted the War. All the 4
main generals had strong ties with the Pandavas.
• Bhishma(grandchildern) – Wont kill the panadavas. Will kill a
thousand soldiers each day.

• Drona (students) – Wont kill the Pandavas. Will capture them only.

• Shalya (Nakula-Shadeva’s maternal uncle) : Loved the Pandavas and

covertly helped them by humiliating Karna
• Karna (brother to the Pandavas) : Promised not to kill any of the other
Pandavas save Arjuna.

A Team of Traitors.
Pandavas : Common goal. But the individuals had their individual
targets. Their own agenda, which just became one with the teams’
agenda.
• Dhratsadyumna : Drona.
• Shikhandi : Bhisma.
• Satayaki – Bhurisravas.
• Arjuna – Karna.
• Bhima – Duryodhana and his brothers.
• Sahadeva – Shakuni and his sons.
• Nakula –Karna’s sons.

The Right team is made by selecting the Right Individuals. Get the
right man for the right job
 Right Managers
Krishna : The Greatest Crisis Manager the world has seen.

Yudhisthira : Low-key strategist.

• On the first day of the War, he played a Master game. Went over to
the Enemy side to seek blessings from Elders. In reality he made a
covert deal with them, wherein all of them agreed to help him and
unfolded the secrets of defeating them.
• While coming back, he took a calculated risk. He made an offer to
all the assembled people to change sides if they wanted to. He
knew well of the lack of cohesiveness among the Kauravas.
Yuyutsu, son of Dhrtarashtra crossed over to the Pandavas. This
exposed the weakness of the Kauravas for all to see.
Know your enemies weaknesses and exploit them.
Take Calculated risks.
Inspire, invigorate, counsel your own team in moments of need.
 Recap
• Turn your weaknesses into strengths.
• Turn enemies into allies.
• Share your responsibilities.
• Teamwork scores over Individual Effort.
• Right Team = Right set of Individuals. The right man for the right
job.
• Commitment scores over Competence.
• Team interests over Individual interests..
• Know your enemy/challenges. Exploit its weaknesses. Take
calculated risks.
• The Right Managers : To inspire, invigorate, counsel in crisis .
• Know Ground realities. Accept different ideologies. Cooperate.
• Empower Women. The Gender Balance is required for stability and
administration.
“The conventional definition of management is getting
work done through people, but real management is
developing people through work.”

“Go before the people with your example, and be

laborious in their affairs”

-Confucius