Leadership for an Age of Higher Consciousness II

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

Leadership for an Age of Higher Consciousness II: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times discusses leadership in a distinct way—how to lead or rule with the mass of people in mind. In short, it espouses “servant-leadership”—a phenomenon that allows leaders to identify with those whom they lead. It teaches how to be a servant and a leader at the same time. What you will read includes expressions of servant-leadership on both elementary and mature platforms, from introductory concepts to subtle nuances of developed theory. Our basic thesis is that genuine and mature servant-leadership is impossible without embracing a deeply developed form of universal spirituality.

In Part I: The Instructions of Bhishmadeva, we focus on the subject of leadership by using the proven methods of the Vaisnava ruling class in ancient India. Keep in mind that these teachings have universal application and are not confined to any geographical location. We specifically look at the great warrior-mystic Bhishmadeva’s instructions to Yudhisthira, as well as at insights from the life of the great Prithu Maharaja, a renowned King described in the ancient Vedic classic, Srimad-Bhagavatam.

We understand from the Vedic scriptures that the healthiest system of government is divine monarchy. In the material world, it is the system that God Himself recommends. However, a monarchy is the most easily abused system of all, and when wrongly applied, it can become a source of social devastation. When those with a demoniac mentality rule, they create great disturbances by misusing their power. Consequently, although divine monarchy—properly executed—can offer the highest benefits to the people, it is presently more of an idea than a reality. Other systems of government may work better for the current times, and we consider these possibilities in the course of the discussion.

We also ponder over each of the instructions of Bhishmadeva, which offer interesting insights into the spiritual paradigm. His words directly instruct us how to deal with the material energy in such a way that it does not enslave us or keep us in denial of our actual condition. Rather, by studying this conversation we can learn how to become free of material conditioning. In that sense, some Vedic followers feel that the ideas expressed by Bhishmadeva can be more important than most ideas expressed by the world’s best thinkers in the best cutting-edge books and seminars. They know that the Lord Himself has approved Bhishmadeva’s words. Thus, if our journey toward proper leadership takes heed of these primary instructions, we will find that our lives as visionary servant-leaders will have already begun, and that our spiritual life will develop much more. 

Part II: Servant-Leadership: Past and Present relates to the rule of King Prithu, a divine monarch and first class visionary servant-leader. The life of this noble King will help us embrace many useful ideas from ancient universal wisdom while simultaneously empowering us to use secular technologies for the fulfillment of our needs and goals. Our culture is in a serious state of deterioration at the present moment; therefore, we need animated servant-leaders who have the passion to help others; leaders who are deep lovers; who know how to use money and power to empower others; who help people feel happy and secure; and who create lasting value. Servant-leaders are philosophical because they are always seeking truth. They lead from the inside out while understanding that character is power. They are principle-centered because they rely on universal principles and laws rather than relativisms. They are powerful visionaries because they are concerned with a culture of excellence that continues to provide for those they love. Most important, their life is a message to others, and they leave a culture of enduring excellence behind them.