The Discipline of Business – Atha Vyavasay Anushasanam

Inspired by Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga

Overview

In The Discipline of Business – Atha Vyavasay Anushasanam, Prof. Arun Kumar masterfully combines timeless wisdom from Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga with modern principles of business leadership and management. The book introduces a unique framework to approach business not just as a pursuit of profit but as a disciplined, holistic, and purposeful practice.

Core Concept

The title itself draws from Patanjali’s classical opening to the Yoga Sutras, “Atha Yoganushasanam” (Now begins the discipline of yoga), emphasizing the need for structured, ethical, and mindful engagement in both yoga and business.

Prof. Kumar draws a parallel between Ashtanga Yoga's eight limbs and the principles required to build successful, sustainable businesses, highlighting that discipline, ethics, and mindfulness can elevate businesses beyond mere commerce.

Key Themes and Insights

1. The Eight Limbs of Business Discipline
   Prof. Kumar aligns the eight-fold path of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi) with business practices to promote:

   • Ethical leadership
   • Organizational discipline
   • Mindful decision-making
   • Long-term sustainability

2. Ethics as a Foundation
   Similar to Yamas (ethical principles) in yoga, ethical conduct is emphasized as the first and foremost foundation for conducting business.

3. Self-Regulation and Personal Mastery
   The book applies Niyamas (self-discipline) to encourage leaders to cultivate integrity, resilience, and continuous personal development.

4. Strategic Focus and Balance
   Just as Asana promotes physical steadiness, Prof. Kumar stresses the importance of maintaining stability and balance within organizations through strategy, adaptability, and focus.

5. Mindfulness in Leadership
   Drawing from Pranayama (breath control) and Dhyana (meditation), the book advocates for mindfulness and emotional intelligence to help leaders make better decisions under pressure.

6. The State of Flow
   Prof. Kumar relates Samadhi—a state of deep absorption and oneness—to achieving business excellence, where teams align seamlessly to meet organizational goals with passion and purpose.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs: Those seeking a holistic approach to leadership and organizational growth.
• Management Professionals: Individuals who wish to integrate mindfulness and ethics into their daily practices.
• Students of Business and Yoga: Readers looking to explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary business challenges.

Why It Stands Out

• Innovative Framework: Combines ancient Indian wisdom with modern business management techniques.
• Focus on Holistic Growth: Encourages ethical and sustainable practices rather than short-term profits.
• Applicable Insights: Real-world examples and exercises to implement Ashtanga principles in business.

Conclusion

The Discipline of Business – Atha Vyavasay Anushasanam by Prof. Arun Kumar provides a refreshing perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship by drawing inspiration from Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. It’s an essential read for anyone seeking to elevate their business practices with a strong foundation in ethics, mindfulness, and discipline.

By integrating these timeless principles, Prof. Kumar shows how businesses can achieve long-term success, balance, and fulfillment.