Budhha in the Boardroom

When a Buddha sits in the Boardroom, problems are not solved. They are dissolved. Instead of reacting within minutes to a negative E Mail or a phone call, the Buddha waits for at least 24 hours in this era of instant communications. Instead of trying to make mini speeches at every corporate meeting, the Buddha talks in telegraphic language to make a point with thundering impact. Instead of remaining on the edge all the time to meet tough targets, the Buddha remains playful and enjoys his work. Instead of hankering for success and promotions, the Buddha enjoys his work and so puts in his best.

But how is this possible in the corporate world today? Certainly, it's possible if you incorporate meditation into the work ethic. The latest management buzz words are 'corporate karma' as high risk and high strung business executives seek solace in ancient Eastern scriptures or some form of relaxation or meditation techniques. Business Schools in the West are gleaning ideas lessons from the Bhagavat Gita to change their attitude to work. Look no further for a new compendium tackles all the problems of corporate tension. It is a newly published handbook of meditation techniques for the executive offices: 'Osho Meditation Inc.' published by Tao Publishing, Rs 350.

If work is just a four-letter word to you, be ready for a surprise, is how it starts off. With Osho's eye-view on the subject, work has been reworked! Awareness transforms the ordinary into the awesome. Joy rules - and apart from the fact that fun is, well, fun, it is also vital food for the creative mind. It is not about relaxation for all that time you spend at work or whole day. But just for some time to relax for yourself and you will surprised that the quality, output, efficiency and creativity of your entire working hours, indeed the whole day, will improve, promises Osho.

Osho disciples initially compiled this handbook when they were invited to conduct meditation sessions for executives. Gradually, more and more techniques were added and Photostat copies were privately circulated for their reference. Now, after many years of further research and new additions, it has been published to help individuals and group leaders. The treasure of techniques and tips in a single cover is mind-boggling. Almost every situation that needs a response in the corporate climate - and even personal life - can be addressed with different meditation and tips given here in a very business like presentation with appropriate photos mostly of the workplace.

No matter what the challenge, it comes in handy. Take decision making, for example. "Decision is good when it comes out of life," says Osho, "It is bad when it comes only out of the head. And when it comes only out of the head, it is never decisive: it is always a conflict. The alternatives remain open and the mind goes on and on, from this side to that. The body is always in the 'herenow'; the mind is never in the herenow; that is the whole conflict. You breathe now, you cannot breathe tomorrow or yesterday. You have to breathe now but you can think of tomorrow and yesterday." Then the handbook shows a technique how to come in the herenow of the body for decision making.

And what about problem-dissolving? "If you are clear," says Osho, "Your life-problems dissolve. I am not saying you find the answers, solutions to your problems, no. The most important point about life-problems is that they are created by your unclarity of vision. So it is not that you first see them clearly, then you find the solution, and then you apply the solution. No, the process is not that long; the process is simple and short. The moment you see your life-problem clearly, it dissolves."

The answer is meditation. As simple as that. Read it and do it. Now.

-Swami Kul Bhushan.