UNIT – 3: SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF INDIAN KNOWLEDGE
SYSTEM
1. Spirituality in Relation to Religion
1.1 Meaning of Spirituality
• Spirituality comes from the word spiritus meaning “breath” or “life force.”
• It is the inner quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine or
higher reality.
• Spirituality focuses on self-realization, inner peace, and universal values such as
love, compassion, and truth.
1.2 Meaning of Religion
• Religion refers to organized systems of beliefs, rituals, and worship followed by a
community.
• Example: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism etc.
• Religion is more external, involving rituals, scriptures, and customs.
1.3 Relationship between Spirituality and Religion
Aspect Religion Spirituality
Nature Institutional & external Personal & internal
Goal Worship and obedience Self-realization and enlightenment
Path Rituals, doctrines Meditation, introspection
Example Visiting temple/church Experiencing divinity within
• In Indian thought, spirituality is the core essence of religion.
• Every religion teaches spirituality, but spirituality can exist even without formal
religion.
1.4 Spirituality in Indian Context
• Indian philosophy emphasizes Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal
consciousness).
• True spirituality lies in realizing that “Atman is Brahman” — the oneness of all
beings.
• Spirituality is inclusive, promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony among religions.
1.5 Relevance in Modern Life and Work
• Helps employees and managers cultivate values, ethics, and compassion.
• Reduces stress and promotes inner balance at the workplace.
• Encourages purpose-driven leadership, focusing on service rather than ego.
Example: Mahatma Gandhi practiced spirituality through truth (Satya) and non-violence
(Ahimsa) — spiritual principles applied to social action.
2. Concept of Maya (Illusion) – Advaita Vedanta (अद्वै त वेद ांत)
2.1 Meaning of Maya
• Maya means illusion or ignorance.
• It is the veil that prevents humans from perceiving reality as it truly is.
• According to Advaita Vedanta, Maya causes us to see duality — the separation
between self and the world — when in truth, all is one.
2.2 Advaita Vedanta Philosophy
• Advaita Vedanta (अद्वै त वेद ांत) = “Non-dualistic end of the Vedas.”
• Founded by Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE).
• Core teaching:
o Brahman (Absolute Reality) is the only truth.
o The world (Jagat) is Maya (illusion).
o The Self (Atman) is not different from Brahman.
o Liberation (Moksha) comes from realizing this unity.
🕉 “Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Na Aparah”
(Brahman is the only reality; the world is an illusion; the self is none other than Brahman.)
2.3 Scope of Maya in Human Life
• People are caught in illusion of ownership, ego, status, and material success.
• Maya makes us think happiness comes from external possessions, not inner peace.
• Real understanding comes when we see the unity of existence and act selflessly.
2.4 Implications at Work
• In a corporate setting, Maya represents false attachments — greed, competition, and
ego-driven decisions.
• Awareness of Maya helps managers:
o Avoid unethical shortcuts.
o See the bigger picture of service and purpose.
o Remain balanced during success or failure.
Example: A leader who treats employees equally and focuses on shared growth is free from
the illusion of superiority (Maya).
3. Concept of Dharma – Varna Ashrama Dharma, Svadharma
3.1 Meaning of Dharma
• Dharma means “that which upholds or sustains.”
• It refers to moral duty, righteousness, and right conduct.
• Dharma maintains the order (Rta) of the universe and society.
3.2 Varna Ashrama Dharma
• Based on the four Varnas (social roles) and four Ashramas (stages of life).
(a) Varna Dharma – Duties by nature/profession:
Varna Role/Duty
Brahmin Teaching, knowledge, priestly duties
Kshatriya Protection, governance
Vaishya Trade, agriculture, business
Shudra Service, craftsmanship
Each Varna was based on Guna (qualities) and Karma (action), not birth.
(b) Ashrama Dharma – Duties by life stage:
Ashrama Stage Duty
Brahmacharya Student life Learning & discipline
Grihastha Householder Family, work, charity
Vanaprastha Retirement Detachment & guidance
Sannyasa Renunciation Spiritual liberation
3.3 Svadharma (One’s Own Duty)
• Svadharma = one’s personal duty or path according to one’s role, skills, and
situation.
• The Bhagavad Gita says:
“Better to do one’s own duty imperfectly than another’s duty perfectly.”
• Encourages authentic living, ethical responsibility, and contribution to society.
3.4 Application in Modern Management
• Varna Dharma → Role specialization & teamwork in organizations.
• Ashrama Dharma → Work-life balance, retirement planning, mentorship.
• Svadharma → Doing one’s duty with integrity, even in challenges.
Example: A manager following Svadharma performs responsibilities honestly, without
comparing with others or cutting corners for profit.
4. Concept of Karma – Meaning and Importance to Managers, Corporate Karma
4.1 Meaning of Karma
• Karma means action or deed; derived from Sanskrit root “Kri” (to do).
• Every action has a cause and consequence — “As you sow, so shall you reap.”
• The Law of Karma states that:
o Good actions → positive results.
o Wrong actions → suffering or imbalance.
4.2 Types of Karma
Type Meaning
Sanchita Karma Accumulated past actions
Prarabdha Karma Portion of past Karma now being experienced
Kriyamana (Agami) Karma New Karma created by present actions
4.3 Bhagavad Gita’s View on Karma Yoga
• Karma Yoga = Path of selfless action without attachment to results.
“Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana”
(You have the right to perform your duty, not to the fruits thereof.)
• Focus on doing duty well rather than worrying about reward.
4.4 Importance of Karma to Managers
• Teaches ethical decision-making and accountability.
• Encourages focus on process excellence rather than short-term gain.
• Builds trust and integrity in leadership.
• Prevents stress — when effort is prioritized over outcome.
Example: A project manager who performs sincerely, even if results are delayed, practices
Karma Yoga — effort-centered leadership.
4.5 Corporate Karma
• Extending Karma principles to organizations:
o Every corporate action has social and environmental consequences.
o Companies that exploit people or nature create negative corporate karma.
o Ethical, sustainable, socially responsible companies build positive karma.
• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is a modern form of Corporate Karma.
Example: Infosys Foundation or Tata Trusts demonstrate positive Karma through ethical
governance and social initiatives.
5. Concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटु म्बकम्)
5.1 Meaning
• Sanskrit phrase: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” = “The world is one family.”
• Origin: Maha Upanishad (6.71–75).
“Ayam bandhurayam neti gananā laghuchetasām,
Udārcharitānām tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam.”
(Narrow-minded people think in terms of ‘mine’ and ‘others’; the broad-minded see the
whole world as one family.)
5.2 Essence of the Concept
• Promotes universal brotherhood, inclusiveness, and global harmony.
• Encourages us to move beyond divisions of caste, religion, nationality, or wealth.
• Based on the idea of Oneness (Advaita) — all beings share the same divine essence.
5.3 Indian Cultural Examples
• Rig Veda: “Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.”
• Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Sarvodaya (welfare of all).
• Indian Constitution’s ideal of fraternity reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
5.4 Modern Relevance
• Promotes global ethics and multicultural cooperation.
• Basis of India’s foreign policy: “World is one family.”
• Encourages corporate inclusivity and cross-cultural respect in global business.
• In management: Helps build diverse, compassionate, and collaborative workplaces.
Example: Indian companies working for global sustainability (e.g., renewable energy, fair
trade) reflect the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
6. Summary Table – Unit 3 Concepts Overview
Concept Essence Modern Relevance
Spirituality & Inner awakening beyond rituals Value-based leadership &
Religion emotional balance
Maya (Illusion) Worldly attachments create Reduces ego, encourages
false perceptions mindful work
Dharma (Duty) Righteous conduct, role-based Professional ethics &
ethics responsibility
Karma Cause-effect of actions; selfless Sustainable, ethical business &
work leadership
Vasudhaiva Universal brotherhood Global cooperation,
Kutumbakam inclusiveness, CSR
