An Integral Approach to management and human development based on the spiritual vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother with an emphasis on its application to various domains of knowledge and life.
(An integral perspective on the meaning of change.)
In our modern world especially in the corporate world there is a constant clamour for “change.” Corporate pundits proclaim, “Change is the only constant” and therefore to survive or prosper we have to adapt or move with this change. The other psychological factor behind this clamour for change is that our human vital, seeks for novelty and change for its own sake.
Most of these corporate notions of change are incomplete half-truths. Change is undoubtedly an inherent characteristic of life. But change is not the “only constant”. There is an unchanging spirit and an immutable silence behind Nature’s change. There is a purpose, plan and design behind Nature’s change. There are some enduring values that belong to the higher nature of human being which are the foundations of lasting wellbeing. And finally in Nature, change is not for the sake of change but a forward movement. There is an evolutionary movement in Nature. This may not be a linear progress but a cyclical movement where various parts of the human being or elements of human potential are awakened, brought-forward and developed in different epochs, civilisations or phases of the historical evolution, according to a wisdom that transcends human logic and reason.
Towards a Holistic Change
Change cannot be an end in itself or for its own sake; it has to be a progressive and creative change which leads to a better human being and a better world. Ancient culture stressed on inner change and progress in the mental, moral and spiritual domain. The modern secular culture emphasises on outer change and progress in the economic, social and political domains. Both are needed for the integral fulfillment of human life. An exclusive stress on inner change and progress leads to a stagnant society, which ultimately degenerates into casteism or feudalism. Inner change has to manifest itself in the outer life interms of greater harmony, wellbeing, liberty, equality and fraternity in the community. On the other hand, too heavy emphasis on outer change and progress leads to a different kind of degeneration in the moral, aesthetic and spiritual domains. Outer change and progress have to be balanced by a corresponding inner change and progress. The fruits of outer progress in the form of increased wealth or better technology have to be used to create an outer organisation which provides sufficient opportunities, incentives and facilities for people to pursue their inner growth.
The corporate world views change interms of constant improvement in efficiency, productivity, economy or market-share; seizing of opportunities; satisfying the changing needs of the customer or the environment; new products, method or process through innovation. All these are well and good. But, if these things are pursued exclusively it can only create increasing stress, tension and degeneration. For a wholesome and healthy change, which leads to lasting wellbeing the following condition have to be fulfilled:
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