Our ancient emperors and literature have excellent and deep knowledge about everything, especially nature and business. The knowledge they possess is unrivalled and unparalleled if only we bother to read and understand. Taking an interest in our ancient wisdom has perhaps become a thing of the past since all that concerns today’s youth wants little to do with India and its history and culture.
The greatest challenge we face is that the world is changing around us. Scientific techniques and technologies are changing and transforming, which requires time to adapt. There is a lot we can take away from this box of undiscovered ancient wisdom.
Environmental Teachings –
Climate change is a big part of the challenge we are facing today. Because of this, there is biodiversity loss and depletion of resources. Human engagement with the environment is essential. We need to value nature and the products we get from them. At that time, the great emperor Ashoka understood that the depletion of forests and wood to obtain sources would produce economic and environmental pressures. If we cut more trees to get wood, the air which trees clean will not be possible. Tree planting and harvesting are not the only solutions for this. The emperors then didn’t save nature only for ecological practices but also for economic purposes. The Rig Veda respects deities like Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Maruts and Aditya, which are responsible for maintaining the balance in the functioning of all entities of nature, whether mountains, rivers, lakes and earth.
There is a Vedic prayer to bless and protect the environment-
“Do not harm the environment, do not harm the water and the flora; the earth is my mother, I am her son; may the waters remain fresh, do not harm the waters. Tranquillity to the atmosphere, to the earth, to the waters, to the crops and vegetation.”
Augustus (A former Roman Emperor) said, “If you want a rainbow, you must deal with the rain.” It means that you need to suffer from the pain or hardships if you want something in return. To get wood or other products, you need to plant trees.
Business learnings-
Cholas were known for their magnificent temples, irrigation techniques, water storage, and crop yield management and for the outcomes of their good fortunes. The vital business lessons that we need to learn are-
- Creativity is important. When you think out of the box, business flourishes. People need to be encouraged to think about new ideas. Success doesn’t flow easily and especially not from the basic concepts every business follows.
- The concept of diversification is essential. Whichever field it is, you need to diversify your options and excel in it. For example, if you are in the corporate area, you must upgrade your skills now and then.
- There should be different departments for different work in the business. And each department must have a head who is an expert and guides the whole department in the right direction. When each department works like that, the business will grow.
There’s a lot to learn from our ancient Upanishads and Emperors. One must have the motivation and perseverance to utilise it in daily life.
