The word “enthusiasm” evokes eagerness: a zest for life, a fire in the belly. It is a quality extremely difficult to generate, but one easily recognizable when we have it or see it in others. During January 2020, the participants from the Madras Management Association (MMA) participated in an online event that focused on increasing their expertise and enthusiasm for both life and business called, "7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness & Fulfillment" based on the book and teachings of Swami Mukundananda.
What is MMA? Established in 1956, Madras Management Association, (MMA) is a multi-award-winning organization based in Chennai which has become the largest leader in management education and training in India. They provide innovative trainings and encourage their 8000 members to explore new approaches and apply them creatively in their businesses.
In 2019, Swami Mukundananda presented an in-person lecture at MMA’s state-of-the-art facility in Chennai. Members quickly recognized how unique and valuable his teachings are and sent out a request for a more comprehensive training for their members: "7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness & Fulfillment" workshop, based on the book of the same name.
This book is unparalleled in its simple, effective, and impeccable portrayal of the most direct path away from misery and into a perpetual and harmonious state of ecstasy. You can find more details on the book here.
This 8-day workshop on the topic of “7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfilment” for MMA members emphasized the importance of replacing mediocre patterns of thoughts, emotions, and attitudes with exceptional ones. The workshop helped to develop the mindsets required for immense happiness and fulfilment in our journey of life. Equipped with these seven mindsets, we can become masters of our mind. We learn to unlock the treasure chest of God’s grace and make our human life a success in accordance with His divine plan.
The format for every session in the workshop included a variety of offerings and modes of instruction. Swami Mukundanada’s, expertly chosen video lectures made an illuminating presentation on the topic. Engaging interactive sessions assisted the participants in the practical implementation of the knowledge. Contemplative meditation on the topic helped everyone gain a deeper understanding. The program was moderated and well presented by a qualified JKYog Instructor, Swapna Punyakoteeswaran.
To cap it, Swami Mukundananda attended almost all the sessions, sharing uplifting comments and anecdotes with the group.
A comprehension workbook was provided for each mindset so that the participants could record goals and note the progress on each mindset after the workshop concluded. Besides the workbook and a certificate, the videos and presentation materials were also shared for future reference.
In the last session, Swamiji conducted an exclusive interactive session, answering questions from everyone. He described his journey as a 40-year adventure where his mission has always been to fulfill his own Guru’s request, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, to share Vedic Wisdom in both the East and the West. In discussing the development of this book, Swami Mukundananda explained the need to connect the Vedic viewpoint with practical applications in business and in life. The outcome of that realization is "7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness & Fulfillment". While the market is flooded with “Mindset” books, none really addresses the issue of developing high ethical standards inherent in Vedic philosophy. They neither provide implementing tools that will make the material endeavor extraordinarily successful.
This workshop shared tools and methodologies that help the participants create a conscious business- balancing the spiritual needs with the material needs of both the individuals and the business itself. The topmost priority should be for us to become the best person we can be and make our journey of life a success. This workshop and book are an incredibly successful effort to help us get in touch with our own inner resources.
In conclusion, just like how Gita was appropriate to the Kurukshetra war context, this book and the workshop are appropriate to the modern-day business and management context. It provides a work-life-spiritual perspective that is important to achieve success and happiness. It further enables us to do the best work without getting stress associated with the attachment to the results. Participants in the course, who deal with running and managing businesses and its vagaries, have now a blueprint on how to retain equanimity while undertaking complex management.
