Yoga Economics - Is the science of Yoga the roadmap for a sustainable future?

I just returned from a few days at an Ashram immersed in meditation and self-reflection. Amidst the serene surroundings, I took in the knowledge that yoga offers —the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern accounting practices. Together, Yoga principles, the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, and the world of impact accounting intersect to help us understand how we achieve balance & move toward a sustainable future.

The Cosmic Dance: Tandava and Trimurti

1. Tandava: Shiva’s Rhythmic Creation and Destruction

Imagine Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer, gracefully moving through the universe. His dance, known as Tandava, symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It’s a powerful rhythm—a dance that both creates and destroys. Shiva’s Tandava embodies transformative energies, echoing the heartbeat of existence. ?????

2. The Trimurti: Cosmic Forces at Play

The Trimurti—Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer)—forms the Holy Trinity in Hinduism. Each deity represents a cosmic function:

• Brahma: The creative force. Brahma’s canvas extends beyond mere financial metrics. Impact accounting aligns with his vision, recognizing the broader consequences of economic activities.
• Vishnu: The preserver. Just as Vishnu maintains balance in the universe, impact accounting ensures sustainable practices. It considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.
• Shiva: The transformer. Shiva’s Tandava mirrors impact assessment. It prompts necessary changes, adapting to the ever-evolving external materiality.

Impact Accounting: Bridging Spirituality and Economics

1. Beyond the Balance Sheet: Impact Accounting Unleashed

Impact accounting transcends profit and loss. It encompasses environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and community engagement. Like Shiva’s dance, it’s holistic—a rhythmic assessment of our actions.

2. Double Materiality: The Dance of Internal and External Impact

• Internal Materiality: Brahma’s creative process corresponds to internal assessment. Organizations evaluate their impact on themselves—resource efficiency, employee welfare, and more.
• External Materiality: Vishnu’s role aligns with external stakeholders—investors, communities, ecosystems. Their interests matter. Shiva’s transformative aspect guides adaptation.

3. Yoga Principles: The Thread That Connects All Beings

Yoga offers wisdom:

• Satya (Truth): Transparent impact reporting aligns with truthfulness.
• Ahimsa (Non-harming): Impact accounting promotes non-harmful practices.
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Double materiality acknowledges shared interests.

Harmonizing the Dance: A Sustainable Future

By integrating impact and materiality, organizations honor the interconnectedness of all beings—the cosmic dance of the Trimurti. ?????

As we move forward, let’s dance to the rhythm of conscious choices, creating a sustainable world—one step at a time. ?????

Namaste. ??