Spirituality can guide us through the process of being self-aware and, crucially, it can also help us become great leaders. When you connect
with your unconsciousness, it creates space for better focus, decision making, and understanding. It is no surprise then, that spirituality is a practice that entrepreneurs and professionals credit as their gateway to success.
Meditating and principles of the 'Bhagavad Gita' are the tools that Dhanny Joshi, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Big Deal Films, attributes to his growth and success. The 'Gita' is one of the most influential ancient texts in Eastern philosophy, centered around a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This ancient scripture is the basis of many answers to our life's big questions and our very existence, making it as relevant today as a guide to the many battles we face in modern times.
“Business is a battle, it can be a war zone - you've got enemies and competitors and at any time people can have a change of heart even
towards yourself,” says Dhanny, a practicing Hindu. In Hinduism, dharma - which means duty - is an important part of one's life, and its importance is echoed throughout the 'Bhagavad Gita'. For Dhanny his business is his dharma, and his unwavering determination and vision for BAFTA-nominated Big Deal Films is evident for the world to see. Starting from humble beginnings, Dhanny sowed the seeds for his business out of his bedroom as a talent management company whilst working at a call centre. Big Deal Films has gone onto work with major broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4, and ITV.
The 'Gita' comprises of 18 chapters, elaborating on how to connect with the Supreme whilst taking on a journey to understand the various aspects of the self and how to use this spiritual wisdom to raise the self to the highest possible position in life. Detachment is one such state of practice that Krishna highlights to Arjuna: “You have the right to work, for the works sake only. You have no right to the fruit of work”. When it comes to his work ethic, Dhanny applies this to his business on a regular basis.
“I've never been attached to the rewards or outcome. I focus on doing the work, the fruits
will appear based on the work I've done,” he explains.
For entrepreneurs who are constantly pulled in different directions, the 'Bhagavad Gita' is a useful guide to see and experience things as they truly are without attaching meaning or emotions to it.
It is often said that meditation does for your brain what exercise does for your body. For Manoj Kerai, author of 'The Burning Bride', it brings equilibrium to his mental health and state of wellbeing. Meditating daily for an hour, Manoj explains, “it means I am not carrying things around with me in my mind and gives me more thinking space”. The more connected we are to our mind the better our decisions; mediation is a process that allows this to happen.
In its essence spirituality can elevate the self to its highest capabilities by tapping into one's true self. In that context, wisdom from an ancient text is as relevant today as it ever was, and that wisdom is not confined within any religious boundaries but it is a concept open to all.
