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The Success Sutra: An Indian Approach to Wealth
Most human beings hunger after riches and success. There are any number of management books which provide theories and techniques on how to become rich and successful. All of them advise us to chase Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in order to make her our own. But the Indian approach to prosperity and fulfilment warns against the relentless pursuit of the goddess, writes noted thinker and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, as it will result in conflict. Rather, we have to give in order to get, we have to satisfy the hunger of others in order to satisfy our own. If we learn and practise this fundamental truth, Lakshmi will enter our homes and our lives.
Derived from his acclaimed bestseller Business Sutra, this book is filled with lessons and insights into management, business and the creation of wealth and success.
Derived from his acclaimed bestseller Business Sutra, this book is filled with lessons and insights into management, business and the creation of wealth and success.
165 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2015
82 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
286 books3,325 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 25, 2015
Easy and quick read. Deals with the mythological characters in explaining the wealth creation and management. Indian approach to the subject using the Hindu, Buddhist examples.
January 22, 2022
Enjoyed the way author has correlated the stories from past to the present contexts.He has successfully shown the values Or ideas that can help us to create sustainable wealth.Loved it!
May 29, 2018
An interesting concept to link modern management with Hindu mythology. Author has done it in very convincing manner. He has sighted relevant mythological examples and also described modern world examples. I had seen Authors TV program and appreciate his expertise on the subject. I was, however, expecting more elaborative ways for how ancient mythological ways can be effectively used in current scenario.
May 21, 2019
I don't find much success sutra in the book. However, Devdutt Pattanaik draws some great parallels between Indian's behaviour and mythology. It is always great to read and listen to Devdutt's point of view.
July 11, 2022
The author has created his own construct by linking Indian stories to management. Some of them make an interesting read but at times it feels like meaning is being given to the story in a way that does not make much sense. I also did not like the reference made by the author on page 60 for Lord Ganesh as corpulent. Overall the book is good for all the stories it contains and definitely, Devdutt Patnaik does a good job in bringing many of these stories to life in this book. No idea how much a western audience can relate to the book. I found on page 80 "Every devata has a devata of his own" and its relatedness to modern context very interesting. Using the character of Felix to explain how it can work in a modern organization is great. Overall a good book for a novice and middle management executive. I was expecting more from the book and particularly in terms of Sutras from Indian books like Arthashastra, and many books on Niti shastra, and for that reason, I have given it only 3 stars.
December 15, 2016
The abundance of valuable resources or valuable material possessions or wealth is perhaps the most sought after elements in contemporary times. From individuals to organisations and from societies to countries, all relentlessly hanker for wealth. It is also the nature of wealth to give rise to a feeling of acquiring more of it - the more you have - the more you want, a never ending process indeed that contradicts the ideology of satisfaction and contentment, laid down in various scriptures.
But here is the country’s most trusted voice in modern day mythology writings, Devdutt Pattanaik, whose works also focus on management - cropping a seemingly contradictory idea - “An Indian Approach to Wealth”, in his latest book, The Success Sutra, which according to the publisher Aleph Book Company is “packed with unique profound insights into how individuals can create wealth and achieve success in life by following Indian principles of strategic thinking and decision making.” The author’s idea of propagating “an Indian approach to wealth” is seemingly contradictory for the very simple reason that the ethos of Indian scriptures and Vedas, when looked at from a perspective of acquiring wealth, largely revolve around the pivot of contentment - hankering after materialistic gains is largely discouraged in the scriptures. On the other hand, the same religious texts also teach that all human beings have basic desires that give us a purpose in life and suppressing these desires isn't healthy, and that we should pursue them unless they would cause harm to other people. However, that does not mean that desire is the ultimate end for human beings, rather it motivates us toward a higher cause. While Pattanaik has made no mention on the relevance of wealth as propagated by scriptures, he, by drawing upon the same religious texts, has made an attempt to unravel the various secrets, or techniques to acquire wealth and more importantly to acquire it in the right spirit.
The lack of this backgrounder makes The Success Sutra shallow and superficial. For example: There are two basic paths that an individual may follow - the path of desire and the path of renunciation. In the path of desire the two pursuits are pleasure and success. Seeking pleasure makes individuals happy, and hedonism is not immoral as long as it doesn't infringe on the happiness of others. This desire of success leads individuals to seek wealth, power or fame.
The title has, undoubtedly, laid down a concrete skeleton on an Indian approach to wealth but there is another path too, the path of renunciation, of which Pattanaik makes no mention and the readers are left to believe that wealth is the “Indian approach” rather than what his cover says, “An Indian Approach to Wealth.” A brief mention of the other way would certainly make the title more convincing, more so coming from the most trusted voice in modern day mythology writings - the author of our subject.
Having stated the “not mentioned”, the ideas that find mention in this title are as true as real and the manner in which Pattanaik has penned these ideas are although based on mythology and the Indian belief but coincide brilliantly with everyday life in the contemporary times. This is where the mastery of a master storyteller like Pattanaik himself comes into play - even while dealing with the mythological aspects of acquiring wealth and the fundamental principle of non-fiction writing, focus on facts and detailed supervision of his contexts, he matches them brilliantly to suit the understanding as well as the conviction of his readers with simple, common and exemplary everyday examples that convey each of his ideas. And he does it all with a comfortable ease of words! Consider, for instance, the flexible yet conclusive manner in which the author differentiates between a karta and a karya-karta. He does not go into detail, he does not make a show of facts or figures and he does not bore his readers with heavy texts. Instead he tells them a story - that too, a story that they have heard over and over - of Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana. Pattanaik makes the difference clear when he states, “Had she (Sita) obeyed her husband without any thought, she would have been the karya-karta, or the obedient follower, and he the karta, or the responsible leader. But instructions were given to her in a context very different from the one she encountered; there was no hungry hermit then.” The mere fact that she chooses to take a call transforms her into a karta, a doer, regardless of the fact her decision did not serve her well. Using this simple example, he establishes his point that, “He who takes decision is the karta. He who follows decision is a karya-karta.”
Another interesting feature of this book is the simple stories that Pattanaik ends each of his chapters with. These simple everyday stories go a long way in convincing the readers and making the various sutras of success, crystal clear in his mind.
Lastly the publishers deserve a note too: The hardbound book, priced at Rs 399 is just 145 pages long and is packaged poorly (the colour of my title has faded within two weeks, the edges are fast turning white) and the title itself is derived from the author’s acclaimed bestseller, Business Sutra and as such is priced considerably higher. There are two basic options in the publishing industry to make profit - Low price and sell more copies or Price high and sell less copies - in this case the publisher, Aleph has chosen the latter which is undoubtedly against the interest of the readers.
First published in Beyond Books, The Statesman.
http://www.inkstreet.in/2016/02/as-tr...
But here is the country’s most trusted voice in modern day mythology writings, Devdutt Pattanaik, whose works also focus on management - cropping a seemingly contradictory idea - “An Indian Approach to Wealth”, in his latest book, The Success Sutra, which according to the publisher Aleph Book Company is “packed with unique profound insights into how individuals can create wealth and achieve success in life by following Indian principles of strategic thinking and decision making.” The author’s idea of propagating “an Indian approach to wealth” is seemingly contradictory for the very simple reason that the ethos of Indian scriptures and Vedas, when looked at from a perspective of acquiring wealth, largely revolve around the pivot of contentment - hankering after materialistic gains is largely discouraged in the scriptures. On the other hand, the same religious texts also teach that all human beings have basic desires that give us a purpose in life and suppressing these desires isn't healthy, and that we should pursue them unless they would cause harm to other people. However, that does not mean that desire is the ultimate end for human beings, rather it motivates us toward a higher cause. While Pattanaik has made no mention on the relevance of wealth as propagated by scriptures, he, by drawing upon the same religious texts, has made an attempt to unravel the various secrets, or techniques to acquire wealth and more importantly to acquire it in the right spirit.
The lack of this backgrounder makes The Success Sutra shallow and superficial. For example: There are two basic paths that an individual may follow - the path of desire and the path of renunciation. In the path of desire the two pursuits are pleasure and success. Seeking pleasure makes individuals happy, and hedonism is not immoral as long as it doesn't infringe on the happiness of others. This desire of success leads individuals to seek wealth, power or fame.
The title has, undoubtedly, laid down a concrete skeleton on an Indian approach to wealth but there is another path too, the path of renunciation, of which Pattanaik makes no mention and the readers are left to believe that wealth is the “Indian approach” rather than what his cover says, “An Indian Approach to Wealth.” A brief mention of the other way would certainly make the title more convincing, more so coming from the most trusted voice in modern day mythology writings - the author of our subject.
Having stated the “not mentioned”, the ideas that find mention in this title are as true as real and the manner in which Pattanaik has penned these ideas are although based on mythology and the Indian belief but coincide brilliantly with everyday life in the contemporary times. This is where the mastery of a master storyteller like Pattanaik himself comes into play - even while dealing with the mythological aspects of acquiring wealth and the fundamental principle of non-fiction writing, focus on facts and detailed supervision of his contexts, he matches them brilliantly to suit the understanding as well as the conviction of his readers with simple, common and exemplary everyday examples that convey each of his ideas. And he does it all with a comfortable ease of words! Consider, for instance, the flexible yet conclusive manner in which the author differentiates between a karta and a karya-karta. He does not go into detail, he does not make a show of facts or figures and he does not bore his readers with heavy texts. Instead he tells them a story - that too, a story that they have heard over and over - of Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana. Pattanaik makes the difference clear when he states, “Had she (Sita) obeyed her husband without any thought, she would have been the karya-karta, or the obedient follower, and he the karta, or the responsible leader. But instructions were given to her in a context very different from the one she encountered; there was no hungry hermit then.” The mere fact that she chooses to take a call transforms her into a karta, a doer, regardless of the fact her decision did not serve her well. Using this simple example, he establishes his point that, “He who takes decision is the karta. He who follows decision is a karya-karta.”
Another interesting feature of this book is the simple stories that Pattanaik ends each of his chapters with. These simple everyday stories go a long way in convincing the readers and making the various sutras of success, crystal clear in his mind.
Lastly the publishers deserve a note too: The hardbound book, priced at Rs 399 is just 145 pages long and is packaged poorly (the colour of my title has faded within two weeks, the edges are fast turning white) and the title itself is derived from the author’s acclaimed bestseller, Business Sutra and as such is priced considerably higher. There are two basic options in the publishing industry to make profit - Low price and sell more copies or Price high and sell less copies - in this case the publisher, Aleph has chosen the latter which is undoubtedly against the interest of the readers.
First published in Beyond Books, The Statesman.
http://www.inkstreet.in/2016/02/as-tr...
October 26, 2020
Absolutely love the references and the minimal yet magnificent writing. Devdutt never fails to bring out the true essence of mythology. When I started reading the way he mused few references I was convinced this was the rightful way to look at those age old stories. Mythology was never fiction to me and with these references my believes have just got more stronger. The style of writing was ease and gripping. The way there were examples for each chapter was another add onto simplicity of the book. The book was a total worth and I think each one of us should read it. Since it's not fiction but a way of living, it'll surely be a great and worth to read any individual
May 15, 2025
Another book full of lessons based on the Puranas by Devdutt Pattanaik. I usually like the author's work. But honestly this book was a hit and a miss. Maybe it was the unnecessary accents used by the narrator on Audible, which were distracting and made one miss the lesson buried inn the chapter.
I would suggest a re-narration with nor,=mal English. I think that would be giving the audience some credit and not treating them like a child.
I would suggest a re-narration with nor,=mal English. I think that would be giving the audience some credit and not treating them like a child.
August 20, 2018
Hughlight on the importance of people over numbers
I remember when my grandmother would sometimes tell me stories to sort of build in me a value system. Pattnaik has again metamorphosed into the typical grandmother who patiently espouses the importance of people over numbers in any endeavour using anecdotes and mythology that inspires equal parts awe and common sense.
I remember when my grandmother would sometimes tell me stories to sort of build in me a value system. Pattnaik has again metamorphosed into the typical grandmother who patiently espouses the importance of people over numbers in any endeavour using anecdotes and mythology that inspires equal parts awe and common sense.
April 18, 2020
A reall great piece connecting the various events of mythology to present dilemmas of personal as well as professional life's of humans.
It's better to have a brief idea of Hindu mythology, particularly Mahabharata and events related to Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva.
Overall it is really a great piece composed of multiple short stories with a lesson to learn from each of them.
It's better to have a brief idea of Hindu mythology, particularly Mahabharata and events related to Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva.
Overall it is really a great piece composed of multiple short stories with a lesson to learn from each of them.
April 19, 2023
While the book is very interesting and imparts another means to perceive the Hindu way of things, the pronunciations of many a names were westernised unnecessarily. Surely westerners can say Kubera instead of Koobera. This westernised pronunciation reduced from the overall experience of the book for which I’m forced to remove one star from an otherwise delightful book.
November 2, 2024
Pattnaik weaves Indian concepts of success, wealth, intellect, power and the urge to gain and control these beautifully through the ritual of yagna. Thought-provoking yet relatable instances on organisations and people/leaders work make the book also an inspiring read. Can't wait to read the rest of the Pattnaik sutras.
August 26, 2017
Good Read. Parallel between Hindu Mythology and management are well written.
February 12, 2019
The success mantra through the examples of devata, yajaman, rakshas, yakshas, god and goddesses - a very simple way to sync in the mythological facts with marketing and organization dos and don'ts.
June 24, 2022
Every person who loves Indian mythology should read it. It's the essence of all the short stories and our myths which can change our lives in this modern world.
Very crisp and to the point......
Very crisp and to the point......
July 22, 2024
There is a lot of generalized advice which you may or may not be able to apply, mostly derived from the author's interpretations of mythological stories and the morals he draws from them.
September 13, 2016
An Excellent and different approach to management. Also this a great learning Hindu mythology. An excellent read.
December 23, 2015
You will not miss out on much if you have read Business Sutra by the same author. Some stories and lessons are repeated but engaging nonetheless. If you have not read Business Sutra, this is a wonderful read - one that you can finish in a week. It's amazing how all the management lessons being preached by the West today were already written in ancient India by sages. The most impacting lesson is the importance of making ourselves attractive to the auspiciousness of wealth rather than trying to chase it. Do read if you want a better understanding of Hindu mythology and pragmatic lessons on life.
January 24, 2016
The Success Sutra is not a book that will blow your mind with some amazing stories. It is book on management, so from story book reader's perspective it will not be a whirlwind ride. Author has put the management sutra with a wrap of Indian mythology.
Author tried to keep the book short with some real world example but in some points his reference points become repetitive. To sum up this is nice book to get a management perspective and understand the Indian mythology.
Author tried to keep the book short with some real world example but in some points his reference points become repetitive. To sum up this is nice book to get a management perspective and understand the Indian mythology.
November 9, 2015
If you have read Business Sutra , you don't need to buy this book. Last few pages from Business Sutra are printed with new title and cover, having said that , This is very good book for people who haven't read Business Sutra or new to mythology. a must read for all start up folks , business leader and any knowledge seeker to learn how to attract success than seek success. Powerful book.
January 24, 2016
One of the most interesting and engaging books on Management which seldom emphasizes on statistics and figures,in a way completely devoid of management jargon which is quite refreshing.The striking similarities between Hindu mythology and Business environment pleasantly surprises the reader .I would recommend non-believers of Hindu mythology to give it a shot!
May 26, 2016
Good work by Devdutt, Mythology and corporate culture hand in hand
March 23, 2023
This is a derivative of Business Sutra.
September 21, 2016
Interesting analogy with stories from hindu mythology.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews