People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE FOR ORGANIZATION HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: REFERENCE TO THE MAHA MANGALA SUTTA

Abstract study made a bridge between and ID by identifying how those principles categories under sub component in ID at the organization Human Resource Development (HRD) level. Application of these principles in this is playing a major role in today’s business world selected sutta will create sound outcomes to to enhance HR skills, attitudes and knowledge. the organization where recommendations HRD can be defined as a set of systematic & supposed to apply innovative practices in order planned activities designed by an organization to achieve organizations success. to provide its member with opportunities to learn necessary skills to meet current & future Keywords HRD, Mahamangala Sutta, job demands. HRD scope has built on four Individual Development, Skills, Knowledge, major functions including career development, Behavior individual development, performance management and organizational development. Introduction Purpose of this study was to find how can be applied principles in Mahamangala The field of Human Resource Sutta to the sub components of Individual Development (HRD) encompasses several Development (ID): development of skills, aspects of enabling and empowering HR in knowledge and behavior in order to achive organization. HR is source of competitive objectives of organizational HRD. Past advantage and not merely employees fulfilling studies were not sufficiently explain religious their job responsibilities. Current paradigm in perspective related to HRD discipline. Present HRD treats employees as value creators and study has involved to filling this gap by focusing assets Heathfield [1]. HRD is the framework for on one of the most well-known suttas to helping employees develops their personal and explore its meanings with the scope of HRD. organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities. HRD includes such opportunities as employee Researcher depended on Thripitaka training, employee career development, (contains three “baskets” of teachings: a: performance management and development, Sutta Pitaka (pyxidium), Pitaka and key employee identification and organization an Pitaka) and other Buddhism development. books. Mahamangala sutta explained thirty eight principles for individual development and this The focus of all aspects of HRD is

63 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 on developing the most superior workforce so studied about Buddhism to develop a model that the organization and individual employees for HRD. can accomplish their work goals in service to customers. HRD is set of planned and systematic activities designed by an organization to provide opportunities to its members to learn skills necessary for the present and future job requirements. The process of HRD involves the development of expertise in the employee through organizational development and training and development. The aim of HRD is to improve the performance of the employees Robert. Scope of the HRD Through-out this study researcher has extended over four main criteria such investigated the relationship in between ID as; Individual Development (ID), Career with Buddhism which was the selected sub Management, Organizational Development component of the scope of HRD. According and Performance Management Gilley et al. to Eggland [6] ID refers to the development of new knowledge, skills, and/or improved , also known as behaviors that result in performance Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni, or simply enhancement and improvement related to the Buddha, was a sage on whose teachings one’s current job (training). For this study Buddhism was founded. A native of the researcher occupied Mahamangala Sutta which ancient Shakya republic in the Himalayan is one of the suttas among suttas like Karaniya foothills, Gautama Buddha taught primarily in Metta Sutta and Vyagghapajja Sutta which were northeastern India. Lord Buddha is a primary explained about ID or preached for ID for figure in Buddhism and after achieving human. enlightenment remaining forty five years of Buddha’s life, dedicated to show the correct path for human to achieve enlightenment by them. Buddha’s sermons cannot be limited to Maha Mangala Sutta one aspect it spread over various disciplines Kalupahana. For the remaining 45 years of his life, he was sermon for various themes without According to Thripitaka Sakka (who is any boundaries. Among those sermons current the leader of devas) advised to one of devas study selected one of the Suttas preached by to consult the Buddha. Thus in the middle of him. the night that came to visit the Buddha at the monastery of Anāthapindika in Jeta’s How does Buddhism contribute Grove near Sāvatthi. He asked the Buddha to understanding of Human Resource for the true meaning of “blessing” (good Development (HRD) in Thailand research has omens). Buddha describes ‘blessings’ that are clearly explained and it is the only one study wholesome personal attainments, identified in which has done for Buddhism and HRD a progressive manner from the mundane to the Siriporn. Therefore in this study researcher ultimate spiritual goal. In response, the Buddha

64 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 delivered a discourse known as Mangala those worthy of respect Sutta, in which thirty-eight highest blessings 20. Patiruupadesavaaso: Residence in a were enumerated. Purpose of this suuta was suitable locality elaborate how would be a human can gain 21. Pubbe ca katapu~n~nataa: Having personal attainment. made in the past 22. Attasammaapa.nidhi: One’s mind Besides, these thirty-eight blessings are properly directed ethical and spiritual in nature, providing a step- 23. Bahusacca~n: Profound learning by-step training on the journey of individual’s 24. Bahusippa~n: Proficiency in one’s work life. It contains Buddha’s advice and guidance 25. Vinayo ca susikkhito: Well-learned for the ‘novice’ of life. Buddha. The researcher moral discipline first attempt was elaborate the meaning of 26. Subhaasitaa ca yaa vaacaa: Gracious thirty eight blessings clearly. English translation kindly speech developed based on R.L.Soni’s Life Highest 27. Maataa pitu upa.t.thaana.m: Giving Blessing commentary. support to parents 28. Puttadaarassa sa”ngaho: Cherishing 1. Anaakulaa ca kammantaa: Business wife and children pursuits, peaceful and free from conflicts 29. Sama.naana~n ca dassana.m: Meeting 2. Daana: Acts of giving (seeing) monks 3. Dhammacariyaa: Conduct according to 30. Kaalena dhammasaakacchaa: Dhamma Discussing the Dhamma at the proper 4. Naatakaana~n ca sa”ngaho: Helping time one’s relatives 31. Tapo: Energetic self-restraint 5. Anavajjaani kammaani: Blameless actions 32. Brahmacariyaa: Holy and chaste life 6. AArati paapaa: shunning evil 33. Ariyasaccaana dassana.m: Insight into 7. Virati paapaa: Abstaining from evil the Noble Truths 8. Majjapaanaa ca sa~n~namo: Refraining 34. Nibbaana sacchikiriyaa: Realization of from intoxicants Nibbaana 9. Appamaado ca dhammesu: Diligence in 35. Phu.t.thassa lokadhammehi citta.m yassa practice of what is Dhamma na kampati: A mind unshaken by the ups 10. Gaaravo: Reverence and downs of life 11. Nivaato: 36. Asoka.m: Freedom from sorrow 12. Santu.t.thi: Contentment 37. Viraja.m: Freedom from defilements of 13. Kata~n~nutaa: Gratefulness passion 14. Kaalena dhammasavana: Timely hearing 38. .m: Perfect security of the Dhamma 15. Khantii: 16. Sovacassataa: Meekness when corrected According to the Mangala Sutta thirty 17. Asevanaa ca baalaanam: Not associating two (32) principles (one – thirty two) for with fools mundane development and others (thirty three- 18. Pan.ditaana~n ca seyanaa: Associating thirty eight) for super-mundane development. with the wise Therefore researcher had to consider on these 19. Puujaa ca puujaniiyaana.m: Reverencing thirty two principles but among those thirty

65 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 two selected principles to make a relationship with ID in the organization environment.

Individual Development and Maha Mangala Sutta

According to Eggland ID refers to the development of new knowledge, skills, and/or improved behaviors that result in performance enhancement and improvement related to one’s current job (training). This study has focused on the ID at the organization context. Based According to the figure to the individual on the definition ID consists with development development of employee management should of new knowledge, skills and improvement of concern on skills, knowledge and behavior behavior. • Not associating with fools • Associating with the Wise Development of Skill • One’s mind properly directed

• Not associating with fools • Associating with the Wise Development of • One’s mind properly directed Knowledge

• Not associating with fools • Associating with the Wise • Reverencing those worthy of respect • One’s miund properly directed • Gracious kindly speech • Acts of giving Improvement of • Refraining from intoxicants behaviour • Humility • Contentment Figure 1 Individual Development with Maha • Gracefulness Mangala Sutta • Patience • Meekness when corrected

66 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 improvement. In that case selected principles listening to good advice, rational faith, noble which were explaining in Mahamangala thoughts, clear thinking, self-control, good sutta can be categorized in to three criteria. conduct, conquest of the hindrances, gaining Researcher listed not associating with fools, of wisdom and the consequent liberation. Soni associating with the wise and one’s mind [8] explains that wise association makes wise properly directed will develop employee skills people therefore employees should maintain and knowledge. Meanwhile including above relationship with wise. To gain knowledge, three principles for the improvement of skills and behavior development people should behavior employee can respect to reverencing away from bad company, one who is advanced those worthy of respect, gracious kindly speech, in self-control, full of loving-kindness and acts of giving, refraining from intoxicants, compassion and thus immune to the evils of humility, contentment, gratefulness, patience such association Soni. and meekness when corrected. Researcher identified twelve (12) principles among thirty One’s mind properly directed eight principles in Maha Mangala Sutta to categorize under sub variables of ID as follow. Action is performed by one’s body (kaaya-karma) or by speech (vaci-karma) or by Not associating with fools mind (mano-karma) (Buddha). These actions are called karma when will, the performance of Development of new knowledge, skills “action” directed by own mind. If there were and behavior influence by this principle because no “will” in mind to involved, there would be when the person ignore the relationship with no results. According to Buddha the emphasis foolish people that person can enhance his is on “one’s own self ”: one should try to knowledge, skills and behavior. According to direct oneself to the desired goal by the efforts Soni this principle emphasis is on keeping away one makes. This encourages self-confidence from and not getting entangled with people and discourages dependence upon the grace who, though grown up in years, have none of of men. It says many people pass their lives the graces of children but all their failings and in the wrong course, engaged in evil practices shortcomings; these are the people possessing of the body (behavior), speech and mind was the characteristics of “fools.” According to a result of absent of properly directed mind. the sutta company with fool can only harm. Therefore a directed mind of person’s leads to obtain skills, knowledge and behavior and It reveals that when person accompany when the person absent form directed mind no with fools make different disadvantages. any results as Buddha’s view. Development of knowledge, skills and behavior depend on this association. Therefore Reverencing those worthy employee should associate with people who of respect are not fool to ignore those negative outcomes. Buddha preached reverence means Associating with the wise veneration of the Buddha, Dhamma and , and respect for parents and teachers, On the other hand, through wise people, good persons and elders. In companionship with the wise the sequence is: industrial perspective reverence is very

67 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 important fact to maintain sound relationship. intoxicants where the extent of the intoxicants Even the Buddha after his Enlightenment could endanger his or her own safety, health surveyed the world to try to find a teacher to or welfare at work or that of any other person revere. This is a blessing resulting in harmony present Health and Safety Authority. Therefore in the present life and it improves positive referencing from intoxicant leads to improve behavior. one’s own behavior.

Gracious kindly speech Humility

Well-spoken words of civility make This is a factor which stresses the harmonious environment. Certainly what importance of having no pride. According one speaks and how one speaks it are very to Soni this does not mean that one is important, considering all the words which obsequiously “humble” — just another pour out of our mouths every day Soni .Words disguise for pride. He said humble person does can never be ill-spoken words since they are: not advertise himself; he is not exuberant in true; bring concord; are compassionate; and body or speech but instead is restrained. This meaningful. This practice leads to kind speech is a kind of practice which leads to improve which is another component of behavior of a behavior as a result of being humble to person. According to Catania behavior would everyone at the work environment. Because be verbal or nonverbal. And this principle according to Catania behavior consist with two represents the verbal behavior of person. As a as verbal and nonverbal and being humility is result of kindly speech improve the behavior. relating to nonverbal behavior. Contentment Acts of giving This implies acceptance of conditions Giving also works in harmony with and situations as they arise, with equanimity other good qualities and strengthens them. and without grumbling. This is a quality which Person’s practice to giving will leads to improve should be improve by people as a behavior. their behavior because according to (Buddha) According to Buddha one can be content giving is related to moral conduct, that one gives with enough clothes, enough food, enough gifts which do not conflict with the precepts. living room and enough medicines. “Enough” Again it’s discussing about behavior and this gives one little trouble to keep and maintain brings in another relationship with wisdom, for but more than that brings anxiety and worry. one should give wisely, not unwisely. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether possessions will bring more happiness or more Refraining from intoxicants trouble. Therefore employees should practice to be contentment and ultimately it makes the Buddha preached play on intoxication improvement of behavior because Soni said and maddening leads to destroy of the mind. contentment is a part of sound behavior of a People should maintain a clear mind and body. person. But intoxicants finish the positive behavior of person. Any employee while at work must ensure Gratefulness that he or she is not under the influence of an

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The Buddha preached: “Two sorts of people Meekness when corrected are hard to find in the world: one who first does (something kind or helpful), and one who applied the Dhamma to his life and “Cool- is grateful and recognizes (that kindness).” heartedness,” not worried or impatient. Without this quality a person forgets parents, Health and Safety Authority presented that relatives, friends, teachers, and he turns his patience at the work place leads accident zero, back on them just when they could be helped and minimum conflicts. As Buddha preached by him or when they are in need of aid. This patience is an action of people and when principle represents the practice that should be employee improves this action means improves used at the working environment because Soni his behavior. said grateful result to improve person action (behavior). The meaning given is “one who can easily be addressed, spoken to or advised” Patience and it further means “a person who can be corrected.” Also implied are the qualities of Patience, this is important virtue, in fact tolerance of criticism directed at oneself and one of the highest, and it includes the virtues of courtesy and gratitude in accepting advice. forbearance, forgiveness and tolerance. Buddha According to Buddha a person who is meek preached a person who practices patience has a use the chance to learn. So this action leads “cool heart,” the mark of a person who has to improve behavior of employees when they prefer to correct their faults by accepting those.

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Recommendations

No Mangala concept Management practice 01 Asevanaa ca baalaana m: Not Create learning environment and hire who match associating with fools with organizational culture. Then every employee has opportunity to deal with nice people. 02 Pan.ditaana~n ca seyanaa: Create communication flow from senior to junior for Associating with the wise. transfer knowledge. Then every employee become wise and they can associate each other. 03 Puujaa ca puujaniiyaanam: Employee should know respect each other and ethical Reverencing those worthy of qualities then will create sound working environment with respect. sound working relationship. 04 Subhaasitaa ca yaa vaacaa: Establish harmonious culture by aware employees about Gracious kindly speech. the importance of kind speech. Can develop code of ethics including this principle. 05 Daana: Acts of giving Corporate Social programme is a kind of act of giving that the organization can do. Then management can get the support of the organization employees to CSR works. Ultimately employees also practice to giving. 06 Majjapaanaa ca sa~n~namo: Alcohol and smoking should prohibit at the work Refraining from intoxicants environment and include it as a disciplinary behavior of employees. 07 Nivaato: Humility Maintain sound employee management relationship, Good grievance handling procedure, Enhance employee self- satisfaction on their job, superior and environment.

08 Santutthi: Contentment Practice employee to satisfy with existing resources through moral development programmes. 25 Kata~n~nutaa: Gratefulness. At the induction management can be presented the importance of being gratefulness to seniors at the work place. 27 Khantii: Patience Organize attitudes development programmes. 28 Sovacassataa: Meekness when Train employee to make their faults by organizing positive corrected. attitudes development programmes.

Table 1: Management Practices to provide its member with opportunities to learn necessary skills, knowledge and behavior Conclusion to meet current & future job demands.

Intention of the researcher was find Mahamangala Sutta is highest life the relationship between ID with buddhism blessing preached by Lord Buddha and researcher which was the selected sub component of the found the relationship selected principles of scope of HRD. HRD is a set of systematic & this sutta and ID in HRD. Researcher clearly planned activities designed by an organization established how those selected principles

70 People Management Review Volume 01 Issue 01 link with the three sub components of ID termed; development of skills, knowledge and • H. Robert (2013). & Quote; Development of behavior. Researcher presented management human resources -- Part 1 Beyond Training a perspective on improving organizations and practices regarding how each principle develop people in the paper industry. within organization to obtain employees skills, knowledge and behavior development. • Gilley, J., Eggland, S., & Maycunich, A. (2002: 14). Summary of the management practice can be Principles Of Human Resource Development. illustrated as; create learning environment and Basic Books. hire who match with organizational culture, • Kalupahana, J. D. (1994). A history of Buddhist create clear communication flow, develop philosophy. Deilhi: Motilal Banarsidass. code of ethics, organize CSR activities with the support of employees, intoxicants should • Siriporn Yamnilla, G. N. (June 13, 2008). The prohibit at the work environment, establish role of a religious institution in HRD: the case of (temple) Panyanantaram, Thailand . Human sound grievance handling procedure, proper Resource Development International. induction programmes and organize moral and attitudes development programmes. The • Buddha, L. (Khuddakapāha, Sutta Nipāta). every organization can apply Buddha’s view by Thripitaka. converting in to management practices because • Eggland, J. G. (n.d.). Principles of Human it’s about the reality of the world. Current study Resource Development. Perseus Books Group. remains with limitations including this study • R.L.Soni, D. (2006). Life’s Highest Blessings: The investigated only one Sutta preached by Lord Maha-Mangala Sutta. Buddha, among four components of HRD • Authority, H. a. (2011, September). Intoxicant selected only ID, this study is a concept paper at work, Occupational_Health. Retrieved from hence cannot measure the findings, and study http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/ findings were depend on available literature. Publications/Occupational_Health/Intoxicants_ at_Work_Information_Sheet_.pdf

Acknowledgement • Catania, A. (1986). On the difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Behaviour. University of To make this greater output regarding Maryland and Baltimore Country. the Human Resource Development with the • Metcalfe , B., & Rees , C. (2008). Global, Comparative respect of Lord Buddha’s sermons Ven. Nawane and National HRD . Retrieved from www.ufhrd. Saddajiwa thero, Mr. H.M.D. Senarathna, co.uk: http://www.ufhrd.co.uk/wordpress/wp- Mrs. U.D.De Silava and Senior Lecturer Dr. content/uploads/2008/06/710metcalfe.pdf D.U.Mohan gave their immeasurable support.

Padmasiri. M.KD REFERENCES Department of Human Resource Management

• Heathfield, S. M. (2013, 05 31). Retrieved from Faculty Of Commerce And Management Studies About.com:

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