Continuing from the first sutra – ‘Sukhasya Mulam Dharmaha’ – Chanankya in the second sutra says that the basis of right action is resources.
It implies that the conduct of Dharma is not possible until one has the means or resources to fulfill the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. The Indian culture stresses that money does not directly lead to happiness, rather happiness is possible through righteous action. Resources or means or money make righteous possible. However, ‘satisfaction of basic minimum needs’ is essential, but it is not a sufficient condition for anyone to follow the path of Dharma or righteousness. Sri Sathya Sai Baba says the only solution to the problem of right action is self-discipline, which springs from a tough moral fiber and a superior value system. He says true discipline cannot be enforced; it springs from within. It is born out of the sustained conviction that what one is doing is right and it is natural to pursue the path of righteousness, irrespective of the consequences.
The sutra also signifies that one must endeavor to generate wealth/resources/money and share it with everyone involved fairly, to create happiness for oneself and others. And this wealth must be generated through righteous means, which alone would lead to complete happiness.
The relevance of the sutra to business owners is in that they base their vision and strategy concerning employees, on these lines of happiness & human sustenance.
In today’s business world, providing the right resources to employees goes beyond their paycheck as their needs go beyond just basic sustenance. Employee well-being involves taking care of them at four basic levels – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Physical well-being helps them feel energized and renewed and serves as a therapy in meeting the work overload and demands. Emotional well-being makes them feel valued and they have a deeper level of trust and security at work. Mental well-being where they are focused, helps them perform better. And finally, bringing a spiritual focus, makes them realize their highest potential, stemming from the true Self. With this kind of well-being, organizations can strengthen and instill their core values of right action in the employees. Let the employee be well taken care of. Who else can promote your business better than your employee?
