Introduction to the dimensions of Self-realization and their role in Transformational Leadership

Abstract

The rise and fall of civilizations marks a history, ages come and go, time changes but universal truth remains valid from the beginning up to the end and till the point of next beginning and the end, but that universal is eternal and beyond the range of all the artificial and mental sectors like of time and space. We are a part of that universal system, so we are also rotating in the same cycle of dissolution and appearance. So we have a tendency to turn again and again towards the same question of our existence ‘Who am I? From where have I come?’ Whenever this question comes, the search for the answers starts from the single source of Knowledge ‘The Vedas’. In searching the explanation of this curious question, again the ancient wisdom of śāstras is consulted. But every time, the fact we forget is to have the practice of the śāstra in our routine life forever. Our śāstras have laid down complete scientific procedure and practices to know the answers of one’s own existence and illuminate the path of self-realization. This is the reason that we i.e. Bhārata (the descendants of Bharat) are honoured with the title of ‘Spiritual Guru’. Unfortunately these days again, we are passing through a time when we ourselves have forgotten and left the practice of our śāstras. So rejuvenating, re-enlightening the ways of self-realization is our urgent need in all the sectors of work and life. Our Technical Educational Institutes, Medical Institutes, Management and Industry sectors all are facing a lot of problems in order to manage the Human Resources at all the levels. Truth, ethics, values, preservation of quality, honesty, happiness, satisfaction, sincerity, loyalty, health and peace cannot be cultivated in a single day. It is a long term practice, has to be developed by slowly, regularly and continuous efforts. As per Indian System of knowledge, there are five stages in the process of self-realization and thirty five different dimensions of experience. With upgrade in the levels of realization consciousness experiences different kinds of perceptions about the manifestation and the manifested forms. As one steps the realization process, the thought content and the vision about the reality and world also changes. The weakness which lies in a person in the form of greed, attachment, fear, sorrows etc. compels one to take decisions rapped into selfishness. When the perception about the things changes; the person becomes able to take decisions devoid of selfishness. This is the necessary qualification for leadership. In leadership one has to serve selflessly. Indian system is the carrier of all the procedures through which one can upgrade oneself to cross the stages which delimit the persons from selfless service. Today the world is facing crisis of such leaders. So we need to introspect and re-establish the principles of Ancient Indian thinking which is holistic in nature and train our generation, society and culture as per the prescribed norms so that a transformation in the leadership can be seen at a global level. This paper will introduce the five stages and thirty five levels of experience with reference to the treasure of Ancient Indian knowledge; which are the dimensions of self-realization and their importance in producing a transformational leadership.