How the philosophy of Shiva can help in furthering systems leadership...

I was driving from Delhi to Gurugram this evening in the middle of heavy rains. The traffic was bad and ongoing the Kanwar Yatra (journey) made the traffic even worse. But I was entertained watching the Shiva devotees taking their long arduous journey by foot as part of the Kanwar Yatra. For the uninitiated, the Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva take a 100 km journey barefoot to fetch the sacred water from the river Ganga with utmost devotion and enthusiasm.

Shiva means different things to different people. In this article, I am keen to share how I interpret Shiva and why the Shiva philosophy is important for systems leadership - a research project I have taken up and currently, work-in-progress.

Shiva has gripped scholars and influenced perspectives in the fields of art, physics, philosophy, theology, neuroscience, and psychology, amongst others. The underlying narrative through the myths and allegories of Shiva is that Shiva represents the universal, undivided, and omnipresent consciousness that pervades all existence in the cosmos that are within and beyond the perception and imagination of humankind. It is this fundamental consciousness that we experience through our journey called life and that exists in all aspects – both living and nonliving – and that makes us realize existence as it is. In his elaborate philosophical treatise, “Shiva and the Primordial Tradition”, Daniélou notes:???

“An element of consciousness acts as a kind of inactive witness in every atom or conglomerate of atoms, in every cell, as well as at the center of the "inner organ", the principal engine of every living being… However, this consciousness does not really "belong" to the inner organ, since it is inseparable from Universal Consciousness…”

Daniélou’s note helps us understand that the Shiva consciousness is the substratum of reality. Further, the basis of everything that one witnesses as distinct, separate, or individual existences all map back to one non-distinct, non-separate, and non-individualized force. Kashmir Shaivism, attributed majorly to the works of Somananda (c. 875–925 CE), Utpaladeva (c. 925-975 C.E.), and Abhinavagupta (c. 975-1025 C.E.), provides extensive commentaries on the Shiva philosophy as the principle of cosmic pulsation, or spanda, resulting in the manifestation of our worldly experience. The Pratyabhijna school within Kashmir Shaivism articulates that Shiva necessarily manifests himself and that he has no consciousness of his manifestation. It also espouses the theory of causation called Satkaryavada, according to which an effect pre-exists within its cause. As a consequence of this theory, Pratyabhijna maintains that the universe is the effect that pre-exists in Shiva himself. The Spanda Karika, one of the essential scriptures of Kashmir Shaivism, composed between the eighth and ninth century CE, attributes the origin of the cosmos to pulsating energies between gunas (universal attributes) in the void between the perceiver and the perceived that give rise to the reality that we experience. Hence, the ultimate reality is that of universal pulsations.

Interestingly, the mystery of the quantum world proves that even beyond the tiniest particles of matter – electrons, neutrons and protons – and their antiparticles – antielectrons, positrons and antiprotons respectively – there are still smaller building blocks called quarks that are pulsating loops of energies demonstrating constant transformation at the most elementary building blocks of reality. The building blocks of reality are actually entangled nodes of energies emerging out of “nothing”, and yet “nothing” cannot exist as empty space itself is an amazing playground of pulsating loops of energies between virtual particles at the most micro level. This quantum dance of sub-atomic energy bears its own logic and has its own mysteries. Quantum Electrodynamics suggests that reality is just part of an infinite pool of the energy of creation and transformation. In the words of particle physicist, Jim Al-Khalili:

“An average point in an empty space borrows energy from the future only to give back – a particle and an antiparticle that annihilate each other. Self-destruction back into energy. In space there is constant creation and destruction – physicists call it the quantum foam.”

Put simply, reality is created out of nothing in a pulsating dance between particles and virtual particles. Parallel to this theory is the Shiva philosophy, where reality is realized through a transcendental and eternal process of fusion and dance of energies between the archetypes of the Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (creative force). Everywhere, in each minute attribute of reality, a “self” is present, which is the universal consciousness of Shiva. Similarly, Shubhash Kak talks about developments in the transition of assumptions from classical to quantum science with the shift in the understanding of consciousness as being “produced by the brain” to consciousness “is primary”.

Shaivism is not a religion in the manner in which, the term is normally used. It is rather a process of inquiry into the world we exist in.

Shiva is pure consciousness.

Conscious systems leadership

Transforming complex systems requires a grand vision and coordinated action by people with different viewpoints. A grand vision must bring together institutions that represent different disciplines and interest groups adopting a multi-stakeholder approach. Such a grand vision can only be delivered on a movement pinned on systems leadership (SL).?

SL takes a holistic approach to design and facilitate change with the idea that real impact can only be achieved by thinking beyond one’s immediate span of influence and by mobilizing diverse stakeholders bringing multiple institutions together with a deep sense of personal commitment.

The Shiva philosophy can provide important insights for the development of a consciousness-based approach to SL.

A consciousness-based approach to SL can enable the understanding that as individuals, every one of us is part of a wider scheme of existence. A consciousness-based approach lets us appreciate social purpose, personal commitment, and meaningful entrepreneurial creativity; further, being conscious is one of the most authentic skills needed for accountable and responsible leadership.

Glattfelder, in his research connecting consciousness to management, highlights the following notable viewpoints from selected spiritual traditions:?

Only the Self exists. Life is the endless play of the Self (lila) losing itself only to find itself again in a constant game of hide-and-seek. [Hinduism]

Only pure consciousness exists. In endless cycles, it manifests itself as separate physical embodiments, allowing for an experiential context, only to merge in unity again and start afresh. [Panpsychism]

A consciousness-based approach to SL can lead to the realization of the importance of self-awareness, humility, and mindfulness. Conscious leadership is about being truly responsible to one’s actions and communication. Maheshwari deep dives into Hindu spirituality to develop what is called Higher Consciousness Management (HCM) as a way to unlearn self-limiting beliefs and enable leaders to reach their full potential.

A consciousness-based approach will enable systems leaders to undergo a mind-shift from the individual to the collective, from short-term to long-term, from rigidity to fluidity, from holding on to letting go, and from results-focus to learning orientation. It can help in striking a balance between the pursuits of actions and an evocation of humility and release of the ego in leadership behavior. A wide range of research has shown that a consciousness-based discourse can lead to leadership behaviors that are more compassionate and rewarding and practices that are more responsible and sustainable. World events, especially COVID-19, have taught leaders that currently, humanity exists in highly complex and transient times and systemic goals must be defined by drawing meaning from such dynamic realities. Importantly, humans interpret meaning out of affective relationships between the infinite possibilities of perception in relation to the goals that they work towards. Leadership consciousness needs to be considered as a holistic spiritual approach that requires an ability to connect the awareness of the individual existence to the wider cosmic existence. With a call for our action to be more responsible, sustainable, and value-centered, there is a need to link SL with consciousness.?

My current research focuses on leveraging the understanding of consciousness, inspired by the Shiva philosophy, to develop what I would call Conscious Systems Leadership.

Watch out for more...