Indic wisdom: The art of lifelong learning

More than two decades in the corporate world has taught me one big lesson:? real learning transcends the confines of books or certifications.? It’s a shared voyage, a collective quest of discovery. ?Very much a team sport, where communication, collaboration and exchange are key, especially in our professional lives.? Every person you meet, every experience you encounter holds a lesson. The biggest learnings often come from the most unexpected places. The key to growth lies in being open to first absorb, and then apply these lessons while carving a better path for us.

Setting the stage

I stumbled upon an interesting perspective while watching a video by Anu Lall . This approach, based on Indic interpretation of the process of education, identifies six pivotal roles that individuals play in our lifelong learning journey. I strongly feel this framework transcends the boundaries of personal life, offering relevance in the realm of the professional as well, at any career stage.

But before diving into what these six roles are, it’s important to talk about setting the stage for learning. I’m not referring to physical spaces like schools or training centers, rather, the mindset and attitude we need to cultivate within ourselves to create an everlasting fertile ground. An open mind is the basic premise that sets the stage.

"To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe."

With the right foundation of empathy, openness, and respect for every individual’s potential to teach us something, we set the stage for true collaborative learning. It’s about keeping the ‘shishya bhaav’ or the learning spirit alive and kicking.

The learning journey

So, who are these six people who will cross our paths and help us grow? Let’s dive in and see how they fit into our professional world, making every new day a bit more insightful than the previous one.? One thing is certain.? All these unique teachers play a critical part in our professional development:

1. Adhyapak: The skill giver, laying the foundation for our learning.
2. Upadhyaya: The one who transforms skills into actionable knowledge, shaping us into subject matter experts.
3. Acharya: A coach-like figure, sculpting the application of our skills and knowledge.
4. Pandit/Pandita: The expert or specialist, offering deep insights and helping us develop an analytical mind.
5. Drishta: The visionary, offering new perspectives and altering our viewpoints.
6. Guru: The ultimate teacher, awakening our inherent wisdom.

In the corporate environment, these roles manifest through various individuals who influence our journey at different stages. Whether it's a mentor providing guidance, a colleague sharing expertise, a leader inspiring a new perspective, or those - one or two critics - perpetually finding fault in everything we do; every interaction has the potential to enrich our professional path.? Each of these figures plays a vital role in shaping us into well-rounded, insightful professionals.

What stands out is how seamlessly these traditional roles fit into the modern corporate ethos, enriching our understanding of collaborative learning while aligning with the values of continuous improvement, respect for diversity of thought, and the pursuit of excellence. As we navigate our careers, recognizing and valuing these roles can enhance our ability to learn, adapt, and thrive in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.?

What then is the call to action here? ?As we move forward in our careers, the ability to identify and learn from these six types of mentors can significantly influence our professional trajectory.?? By opening our mind to all the opportunities that surround us, identifying the mentors, we can equip ourselves to navigate the challenges that come our way with agility and insight.? In this light, failures no longer seem like roadblocks.? They are in fact steppingstones that pave the way for improved approaches and better solutions.

I would be eager to hear your thoughts and perspectives on how we can blend traditional insights with contemporary professional development.? Let’s learn from each other.