SHIVA - THE MYSTIC MANAGER

Shiva, constitutes a part of the powerful triad within the cosmos of the Hindu mythology, often associated with destruction, or bringing balance.

A Manager on the other hand is defined by various Management Gurus in various ways – The one who manages, The one who plans, organizes, leads, controls and coordinates etc.

In this article, I briefly bring my thoughts on  - 

How can we draw parallels between the God of Destruction and a Manager?

Shiva, when translated from Sanskrit means the Pure or Auspicious one. This shows that apart from having a complex family, ( which is described in my previous article) He has also been given a complex name and depicts various forms with Managerial Qualities encrypted in essence of each form.

1. The Dakshina Murthy

Dakshinamurthy – Hindu Calender Art

Dakshina Murthy is the form of Shiva who is known to be the personification of knowledge and is revered as the cosmic teacher. It is said that Shiva, in this form taught the sons of Brahma (Sanathkumaras) the essence of Vedas, in silence! Such is the power of Shiva's Aura described in the scriptures.
In the corporate, the team members are Sanathkumaras. They look up to their manager for knowledge, training  and awareness and this becomes an important attribute of manager,  mentoring his/ her team. Thus, first form of Shiva is found in our Managers.

2. The Aadi Bhikshu

Annapurna and Shiva – by Raja Ravi Varma

Shiva is called the Gangadhara (one who holds Ganges in his locks) and Neelakanta (who has a Blue throat - this is because he swallowed the poison - 'Halaa-hala'). These two names symbolize that He has won over hunger and thirst and yet is described as Aadi Bhikshu (or the first beggar), who asks his consort Annapurna for food.

Similarly, most managers have a wonderful team and they themselves hold a pinnacle of knowledge. But, asking for help shows the ego-free nature and an attitude which proves him/ her to be open for change.

3. The Aadi Yogi

Shiva in Meditation by – Community Artists Group

Shiva is often portrayed to be in deep meditation. He is in eternal peace irrespective of what happens in the universe. He is not attracted to Kama (desire) or not affected by Maya (illusion).
The corporate always has surprises hidden, in various forms. A manager on a daily basis combats all or few of these - Attrition, Under-performance of Reportees, Pressure of Deadlines, Unmotivated teams etc. But, the effectiveness of managers is seen in the way they maintain inner peace, not letting external circumstances affect the internal state of mind and keep the spirit of the team high. Hence, we can notice most of our managers being Aadi Yogis.

4. The Nataraja

Nataraja – By Avik Chakraborthy

Nataraja is the form of Shiva who is a Cosmic Dancer, performing the Ananda Tandava, the Dance of Bliss. He is an epitome of Cosmic Energy, Celebration and Destruction of Ignorance.

A Manager not just mentors his team, but also celebrates with his team just like Nataraja whose cosmic energy flows and energizes the whole Universe.

5. The Bhairava

Bhairava – By Avinab Mukherjee

Shiva’s fiercest form is Bhairava. The form of Shiva which is actually associated with destruction. Giving this form a thought clearly shows that anger in certain situations is necessary to bring balance. In corporate scenario this can be related with maintaining the quality of the project. Thus, Anger, for a manager is surely an important quality where needed and in the right amount.

As an end note, I would humbly say that Shiva is Vast and has only been explored in fragments down the centuries by various people. He still has various Forms to show in our surroundings, for those who have Eyes to see it.

I am not the Mind nor Intelligence, I am not the Ego nor the faculty of recollections.

I am not the faculties of Hearing, nor that of Tasting, Smelling or Seeing.

I am not the Sky, nor the Earth, Neither the Fire nor the Air

I am the Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness; I am Shiva, I am Shiva, 
The Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness.

-          Adi Shankaracharya, Nirvana Ashtakam (Stanza-1)