3. Doing the Right Thing: The Ethical Philosophy of the Bhagavad Gītā

The Bhagavad Gītā is a book of self-mastery for leaders and managers. This chapter presents the ethical and spiritual philosophy of the Bhagavad Gītā as a pathway to self-mastery and freedom. It mainly focuses on its teachings regarding the discipline of selfless action (Karma Yoga) and the discipline of Self-knowledge (Jñāna Yoga) as two basic archetypes of ethics and spirituality presented in the Gītā. The first part of the chapter will present an overview of the Gītā, with a special reference to the psychological make-up of individuals comprising three basic modes of nature—sattva (purity/goodness) that brings truth/harmony; rajas (movement/passion) that kindles action/activity, and tamas (ignorance/ inertia) that leads to delusion/confusion. The teaching of selfless service and three psychological types have direct application to the field of management and leadership.

Given the need and importance of meditation during these stressful times, we will also present the teachings of the Gītā on the art and science of stilling the mind. The chapter will conclude with the five culminating practices for fostering inner security, peace, and harmony in life and leadership.