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The Yogic Manager: A Bridge Between Yoga-Vedanta and Management
The Yogic Manager is a business novel that was written to bridge Yoga-Vedanta and Management. The story is the medium by which several new frameworks, business models and management principles are explained. The author, Avinash Sharma, has incorporated the philosophies and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Upanishads and Yoga Sutras. The book is a modern retelling of the ancient mythological epic, the Mahabharata, set in today's world of business. The epic's war of Kurukshetra has been recreated in the world of business at a consulting firm called Characterra Consulting. The protagonist is Arjun Atmanand who faces a crisis when his conscience clashes with the instructions of his boss and Characterra's founder, Raja Sahamkar. To help him with his crisis, Arjun receives advice from Yogi, a being with supernatural powers. Arjun learns Yoga and Vedanta from Yogi, which he uses to build a bridge between Yoga-Vedanta and Management. Arjun develops a set of Yogic Management frameworks and principles that are the foundations of this bridge: 1. Reality-Consciousness-Bliss Framework 2. Knowledge Work Equation 3. Motive-Mind-Means Framework 4. Purposeful Life Framework 5. Principles of Yogic Management 6. Yogic Management Mantra By reading and studying this book, you will: -Start to challenge conventional ways of thinking about business and gain a new, holistic perspective of Management; -Learn the principles and frameworks of Yogic Management, which you can then apply immediately to your work; -Become a more productive knowledge worker by learning how to control and channel the power of the instrument of knowledge work, your mind; -Gain fulfillment through your work and, in the process, contribute toward the betterment of society and all life on Earth; -Gain practical advice on how to build physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual strength; -Live a balanced and purposeful life by going through the four phases prescribed in Yoga-Vedanta; and -Join, should you wish to, the evolution of Management, a movement that will elevate the human condition and restore harmony to an imbalanced planet The frameworks (as high resolution charts in full color) and other resources have been made available for free on the website. www.yogicmanagement.com
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2013
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Avinash Sharma
1 bookAvinash B. Sharma earned his MBA from the Queen’s School of Business (Ontario). From 2008 to 2012 he researched Sanskrit texts, including the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Yoga Sutras, to determine how Yoga-Vedanta can be applied to Management. The Yogic Manager is the product of this research.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 30, 2013
Refreshing and inspiring to read book that brings forth lots of adage and is based on Yoga-Vedanta philosophy. The Author has referenced his sources and this speaks to the research and solid foundation this book is based on. If you are looking for original and different from the typical western management business novel, this is the book to read! Set in a Management Consulting firm, this novel challenges the notions of thinking about business, ethics and integrity. Don't think this book is only fiction, the author offers powerful frameworks for Yogic Management, that you can life and work to build your spiritual strength. This book may just be the start of a new revolution in Management thinking and bring about the balance and integrity that is much required in today’s Business Environment!
February 1, 2014
I was delighted to read this book. What we teach at Business Schools now, may some day be as outdated as Taylor's Time-and-Motion studies. The key question that the author raises in the book is: Can Business and Morality co-exist? It is not the first time that this question has been raised, but the author comes to it from the eternal perspective of Arjuna and Krishna: To Fight or Not to Fight - to be Moral or Not to be Moral? The author has exhibited a deep scholarly understanding of the ancient Indian Texts in tackling that timeless question in a very innovative and inspiring manner. I am a full time Professor of Business and a part time Yoga Instructor. There are ample of take-aways for me in both my vocations. I will surely read the book a second time and will incorporate aspects of it in my own lectures. Thanks, Avinash, for writing this book!
December 28, 2013
The principles of management can’t be defined under a single head – they vary from people to people, organization to organization, each following a certain set of rules and procedures that highlight their management policies. Some organizations focus on serving their clients, while many aim to get the maximum financial gain out of a transaction. A number of firms target profit-enhancement in the short run, and a few also look at the benefits that are provided to the employees. However, in most cases, the fundamentals of practical management aren't absolutely flawless, and thus often lack purpose and direction that can be beneficial to the society.
‘The Yogic Manager’ by Avinash B. Sharma talks about applying the philosophy of Yoga-Vedanta into the system of modern management. It differentiates between a normal manager and Yogic Manager, highlighting the shortcomings of the former and how they can be attended to by the latter, using the tools of proper judgement and integrity. The power of human conscience, combined with proper understanding of the environmental factors that affect, and are in turn affected by business decisions, play a big role in shaping the future of the society.
There are four major characters in the book. Arjun Atmanand works as a manager and consultant in Characterra, a consulting firm. He is hardworking and intelligent, but lacks the guidance that’s needed to perform a task keeping in mind the benefit of all. He is lured by materialistic riches offered by Raja Sahamkar, his boss, and thus readily agrees to whatever he has to say. Raja practically rules Characterra and often takes decisions that serve his hunger. He is not concerned about goodness, morals or high values, and believes that these are mere words and can never help you achieve your goals in the real world scenario. Arjun, in a confused state of mind, comes across Yogi Dharmaraja, an advanced spiritual being with supernatural abilities. The Yogi guides Arjun on his path to righteousness and good deeds. Karan Atmanand is Arjun’s brother, a genius with numbers and a financial guru. However, he ignores the betterment of the society and uses his skill to enhance his own richness and fulfill his greed.
An interesting thing to note here is that the characters are derived straight out of the Mahabharata. While Arjun Atmanand resembles Prince Arjuna, his brother Karan Atmanand is a modern day personification of King Karna. Raja Sahamkar has qualities similar to the unrighteous King Duryodhana, and Yogi Dharamraja’s character can be said to be inspired by that of King Yudhisthira.
The narration, comprising of quotes from the Bhagwad Gita, and also sayings of several eminent personalities, like Swami Vivekananda, is insightful and helps us delve deeper into the maze of human emotions, where we always fight a battle between what is lucrative and what is right. Mind is a complex entity, and in business and management, it is the key to ensure success. However, Avinash defines success in a totally different manner, highlighting the actions more than the rewards, and as we read on, we realize how true he, and every word spoken in the book, is.
The cover of the book states – “A Business Novel inspired by the Mahabharata.” However, as a lover of the epic, I was a bit disappointed as I had expected more substantial references to the Mahabharata other than the quotes from Bhagwad Gita. True, the Bhagwat Gita is also a part of the Great Epic, and the teachings imparted through it are really beneficial in every sphere of life. Also, there are some other episodes as well that are referenced straight from the Mahabharata. Yet, presence of more characters, and incidents, similar to the Mahabharata, would have found favor from me on a higher scale. Perhaps, on a second thought, those episodes might not have fitted the basic premise of the book.
All in all, this is a book that provides a relatively new concept of Yogic Management in a simplified form, and serves to be a good learning experience. If you love reading business novels, then 'The Yogic Manager' should surely be your pick.
‘The Yogic Manager’ by Avinash B. Sharma talks about applying the philosophy of Yoga-Vedanta into the system of modern management. It differentiates between a normal manager and Yogic Manager, highlighting the shortcomings of the former and how they can be attended to by the latter, using the tools of proper judgement and integrity. The power of human conscience, combined with proper understanding of the environmental factors that affect, and are in turn affected by business decisions, play a big role in shaping the future of the society.
There are four major characters in the book. Arjun Atmanand works as a manager and consultant in Characterra, a consulting firm. He is hardworking and intelligent, but lacks the guidance that’s needed to perform a task keeping in mind the benefit of all. He is lured by materialistic riches offered by Raja Sahamkar, his boss, and thus readily agrees to whatever he has to say. Raja practically rules Characterra and often takes decisions that serve his hunger. He is not concerned about goodness, morals or high values, and believes that these are mere words and can never help you achieve your goals in the real world scenario. Arjun, in a confused state of mind, comes across Yogi Dharmaraja, an advanced spiritual being with supernatural abilities. The Yogi guides Arjun on his path to righteousness and good deeds. Karan Atmanand is Arjun’s brother, a genius with numbers and a financial guru. However, he ignores the betterment of the society and uses his skill to enhance his own richness and fulfill his greed.
An interesting thing to note here is that the characters are derived straight out of the Mahabharata. While Arjun Atmanand resembles Prince Arjuna, his brother Karan Atmanand is a modern day personification of King Karna. Raja Sahamkar has qualities similar to the unrighteous King Duryodhana, and Yogi Dharamraja’s character can be said to be inspired by that of King Yudhisthira.
The narration, comprising of quotes from the Bhagwad Gita, and also sayings of several eminent personalities, like Swami Vivekananda, is insightful and helps us delve deeper into the maze of human emotions, where we always fight a battle between what is lucrative and what is right. Mind is a complex entity, and in business and management, it is the key to ensure success. However, Avinash defines success in a totally different manner, highlighting the actions more than the rewards, and as we read on, we realize how true he, and every word spoken in the book, is.
The cover of the book states – “A Business Novel inspired by the Mahabharata.” However, as a lover of the epic, I was a bit disappointed as I had expected more substantial references to the Mahabharata other than the quotes from Bhagwad Gita. True, the Bhagwat Gita is also a part of the Great Epic, and the teachings imparted through it are really beneficial in every sphere of life. Also, there are some other episodes as well that are referenced straight from the Mahabharata. Yet, presence of more characters, and incidents, similar to the Mahabharata, would have found favor from me on a higher scale. Perhaps, on a second thought, those episodes might not have fitted the basic premise of the book.
All in all, this is a book that provides a relatively new concept of Yogic Management in a simplified form, and serves to be a good learning experience. If you love reading business novels, then 'The Yogic Manager' should surely be your pick.
March 8, 2014
This book is a must read for any student or professional. No matter what you do, it will make you think and give you a new perspective to management in this knowledge age.
At first I assumed that the contents would be difficult for my understanding, but when I started the book, I just could not stop! I literally got cold chills reading it. I loved every framework, table and diagram in this book. They looked intimidating, but were actually quite simple and I was amazed once I understood them. I literally gasped when I read the Purposeful Life Framework. Combining so many ancient concepts into one chart and table is absolutely brilliant. I cannot imagine the research and thought that has been put in to synthesize the frameworks and principles of yogic management. They should find their way into business schools sooner.
The insights and ideas shared in this book present a much needed fresh approach to management, which balances profit with principles.
The ethical dilemma that Arjun faces is one that people working in the corporate world will be able to relate to. The Q&A format used between Arjun and Raja, and between Arjun and Yogi, really makes you think and helps in understanding the ideas presented. I also like the fact that the author has referenced each section from the ancient Sanskrit texts that he has incorporated into the novel. These days, many authors reuse ancient teachings and pass them off as their own.
I would recommend this book to any person who wants success everyday! It will tell you that success and happiness are not meant for any one phase in life, but are for every day of your life.
At first I assumed that the contents would be difficult for my understanding, but when I started the book, I just could not stop! I literally got cold chills reading it. I loved every framework, table and diagram in this book. They looked intimidating, but were actually quite simple and I was amazed once I understood them. I literally gasped when I read the Purposeful Life Framework. Combining so many ancient concepts into one chart and table is absolutely brilliant. I cannot imagine the research and thought that has been put in to synthesize the frameworks and principles of yogic management. They should find their way into business schools sooner.
The insights and ideas shared in this book present a much needed fresh approach to management, which balances profit with principles.
The ethical dilemma that Arjun faces is one that people working in the corporate world will be able to relate to. The Q&A format used between Arjun and Raja, and between Arjun and Yogi, really makes you think and helps in understanding the ideas presented. I also like the fact that the author has referenced each section from the ancient Sanskrit texts that he has incorporated into the novel. These days, many authors reuse ancient teachings and pass them off as their own.
I would recommend this book to any person who wants success everyday! It will tell you that success and happiness are not meant for any one phase in life, but are for every day of your life.
June 15, 2015
Yogic Manager - A business novel inspired by The Mahabharata by Avinash B. Sharma was written to bridge Yoga-Vedanta and Management in one place. The story is the medium by which several new frameworks, business models and management principles are explained incorporating the philosophies and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita , Mahabharata, Upanishads and Yoga Sutras.
The book is a modern retelling of the ancient mythological epic, the Mahabharata, set in today's world of business. The epic's war of Kurukshetra has been recreated in the world of business at a consulting firm called Characterra Consulting. The protagonist is Arjun Atmanand who faces a crisis when his conscience clashes with the instructions of his boss and Characterra's founder, Raja Sahamkar.
To help him with his crisis, Arjun receives advice from Yogi, a being with supernatural powers. Arjun learns Yoga and Vedanta from Yogi, which he uses to build a bridge between Yoga-Vedanta and Management. Arjun develops a set of Yogic Management frameworks and principles that are the foundations of this bridge: 1. Reality-Consciousness-Bliss Framework 2. Knowledge Work Equation 3. Motive-Mind-Means Framework 4. Purposeful Life Framework 5. Principles of Yogic Management 6. Yogic Management Mantra
The book takes a difficult path to navigate and is extremely dense and seriously long. Points are stretched to the point of breaking and without any practical examples, it's a test of patience. It also doesn't help that author decides make impractical suggestions and offer very little solutions. Read it if you must!
The book is a modern retelling of the ancient mythological epic, the Mahabharata, set in today's world of business. The epic's war of Kurukshetra has been recreated in the world of business at a consulting firm called Characterra Consulting. The protagonist is Arjun Atmanand who faces a crisis when his conscience clashes with the instructions of his boss and Characterra's founder, Raja Sahamkar.
To help him with his crisis, Arjun receives advice from Yogi, a being with supernatural powers. Arjun learns Yoga and Vedanta from Yogi, which he uses to build a bridge between Yoga-Vedanta and Management. Arjun develops a set of Yogic Management frameworks and principles that are the foundations of this bridge: 1. Reality-Consciousness-Bliss Framework 2. Knowledge Work Equation 3. Motive-Mind-Means Framework 4. Purposeful Life Framework 5. Principles of Yogic Management 6. Yogic Management Mantra
The book takes a difficult path to navigate and is extremely dense and seriously long. Points are stretched to the point of breaking and without any practical examples, it's a test of patience. It also doesn't help that author decides make impractical suggestions and offer very little solutions. Read it if you must!
November 23, 2013
Complete Review Here
“The Yogic Manager” by Avinash Sharrma is presented as a business novel with a story in sync with the Mahabharata. It’s about a consulting firm and the way decisions are made with only some stakeholders to benefit vis-à-vis the way all stakeholders benefit.
The author has ensured the flair needed to adhere to professionals is maintained throughout. He knows his target audience and is catering specifically to them. Also, there’s no denying that the author has done his research and is extremely passionate on this topic. The concepts and jargons are used in between which the corporate world is well versed with and use them in day-to-day discussions / meetings. The book also contains a lot of ‘gyaan’ and addresses two techniques that are as different as chalk and cheese.
There are a lot of takeaways from this book and can be immediately applied in daily work life. This book is the bridge and transition from an informative and trusted worker to a knowledge worker. If you are looking for a book that’s purely a novel, I suggest you skip this book since this book is approx. 25% novel and 75% knowledge. I personally was expecting more of a novel based on the book briefing. No regrets though. If you are looking for a book that can make you think, go for it.
“The Yogic Manager” by Avinash Sharrma is presented as a business novel with a story in sync with the Mahabharata. It’s about a consulting firm and the way decisions are made with only some stakeholders to benefit vis-à-vis the way all stakeholders benefit.
The author has ensured the flair needed to adhere to professionals is maintained throughout. He knows his target audience and is catering specifically to them. Also, there’s no denying that the author has done his research and is extremely passionate on this topic. The concepts and jargons are used in between which the corporate world is well versed with and use them in day-to-day discussions / meetings. The book also contains a lot of ‘gyaan’ and addresses two techniques that are as different as chalk and cheese.
There are a lot of takeaways from this book and can be immediately applied in daily work life. This book is the bridge and transition from an informative and trusted worker to a knowledge worker. If you are looking for a book that’s purely a novel, I suggest you skip this book since this book is approx. 25% novel and 75% knowledge. I personally was expecting more of a novel based on the book briefing. No regrets though. If you are looking for a book that can make you think, go for it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews