by Sri Bmal Mohanty
VOL No. 17
Feb. 2002

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN- PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE MANAGEMENT - Part -2

"Based on the lectures by Sri Bimal Mohanty"

Thus we see, understanding the importance and right manipulation of these eight elements determines the performance quotient of every individual. When every thing is balanced in the proper manner, when the needs do not change into greed, when the ego does not over step into rash negativity, when the mind is amenable to the path of righteousness and the intellect is knowledgeable enough to decide between right and wrong, there is progress. There is achievement.

It is indeed interesting to note that the entire gamut of management theories, propounded by all management Gurus eventually addresses these eight elements. Nothing exists beyond these. Without the satisfaction of the basic material needs no one can perform. Then the ego must condescend to perform. This it does when it perceives some benefits for itself. The mind provides the skill and efficiency and finally the intellect introduces the ethical element, the differentiation between preyas (things of temporary allurement) and the shreyas (things that bring permanent satisfaction).

All these eight elements have to have a single pointed focus to be able to succeed. For material success they must focus on their goal. For spiritual focus they must focus on The Bramhan or the ultimate consciousness.

How can they remain focussed? To keep them in focus, their basic needs must be satisfied in the right manner. Here we should not misunderstand that we are talking of physical or sense dictated satisfaction. Not for a moment we should forget that all our physical needs must always be dharmaaviruddha -in conformity with righteousness- as said in Gita. When we are in the path of righteousness, our physical and mental performance increases by leaps. But when they are to the contrary it depletes fast.

All desires, conforming to righteousness is indeed supported by the Lord. As assured by Lord Krishna.

Dharamaaviriddha bhutasya kamosmi bharatarsava

(An interesting point to take note here is that, denial of physical needs is never advocated by our scriptures. Forceful suppression, torturing of body and mind, etc practiced by many is sheer madness. Denial is not called for. But mastering these needs and channeling them for the right purpose is the essence of physical Yoga.

This is then the principle of "eight"- The ASTABHIH in that Upanishadic sloka.

What is then the principle of three? It is the qualitative dimension of all performance.

.The Sanatana Dharma philosophy catagorises everything - and when we say everything, we mean all actions, thoughts, results, behavioural patterns, causes and effects, creations and dissolutions, judgements and principles, knowledge itself and everything that can be conceived- into three qualitative groups.

These are Satvik, rajasik and tamasik.