Leadership Alchemy No. 1 – Discipleship: The Bedrock of Leadership

The Transformative Power of Guru-Shishya Relationships in Leadership. 

 By Anupama Vaidya.   

Every year, as I turn the pages of my almanac, certain days instantly resonate with me. Guru Pournima is one such day that fills me with a deep sense of anticipation,  illuminating the path of gratitude and reverence. This day holds a special place in my heart, a warmth that grows brighter with each passing year.

The role of the “Guru” is deeply embedded in my life. Without the direction and wisdom of my mentors, I would have felt adrift. Whether grappling with my countless dilemmas, or steering through life-changing events, standing at cross-roads, or facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles my vulnerabilities so apparent, I could not have journeyed through life without my Mentors, my Gurus.

I find solace and direction through my mentors. Their guidance & influence continue to help me rediscover myself, and navigate both the stormy and serene phases of my life.

As I dedicate this day to all my Gurus and Mentors, I express my heartfelt gratitude and reaffirm my commitment to being a devoted “Shishya”, embracing the role of being a lifelong disciple.

This is the undeniable power of a Guru, a meaningful mentor, the catalytic transformative force that shapes you into a life-long Shishya (the learner, the disciple), the bedrock upon which leadership is built.

As you pay respect to your Gurus, celebrate your being the Shishya, I offer my insights on this very transformative power of discipleship in your own leadership journey.

 

"यदा छात्रः सिद्धः भवति, तदा गुरुः प्रकटः भवति"

(Yadā chātraḥ siddhaḥ bhavati, tadā guruḥ prakaṭaḥ bhavati).

When the student is ready, the Guru appears!

This ancient wisdom holds profound truth. Reflecting on my own journey, I can say with confidence, that when I opened my heart and mind to being a true learner, inquisitive, seeking knowledge, it paved the way for the emergence of my mentors. When I am receptive, rivers of insights and perspectives flow into me, culminating in me an ocean of wisdom.

As we dedicate this day to the beautiful tradition of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on our journey as disciples of leadership:

Do I have the humility to recognize and acknowledge my limitations?  Am I open to welcoming a mentor, creating space for their guidance to illuminate my path and broaden my horizons?

Do I empty my mind’s vessel to create sacred space for wisdom to flourish? How do I show my genuine and deep desire to learn, understand and grow? Am I receptive to guidance and insights, the feedback, the thoughts that will come my way to walk through the path of discovery?

Am I open to learning from others, embracing new ideas & perspectives, accepting guidance and feedback with an open mind? Am I aware that true wisdom & guidance often resides outside of myself, while I, as an individual, have my own constraints? Will I allow my mentor’s wisdom to flow into me to rediscover myself?

Do I possess the courage to challenge my beliefs, question the known, and confront reality? Am I ready to seek help and embrace uncertainty with my mentor by my side? Do I exhibit the patience to ensure the journey, the perseverance to overcome obstacles, the resilience to tide over tough times? Do I have the patience to walk this journey with my guide and not walk alone to endure the time and efforts?

Am I actively seeking opportunities to apply the wisdom imparted to me, turning insights into action and growth? Am I authentic in my learning and understanding integrating my values into my daily actions and behaviours? How do I check if I am on the right path?

Am I truly embodying the qualities of a disciple? What dedicated steps am I taking to nurture my discipleship?

And finally, how do I acknowledge and express my gratitude to the immense wisdom I am gaining on this journey of my life?

Leadership is more than a title; it's a journey of lifelong learning. True leaders are eternal students, revering the wisdom of their mentors. Guru Purnima is a sacred reminder of this profound truth. By honouring our teachers and embracing a spirit of discipleship, we cultivate the qualities essential for effective leadership: humility, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.

Let us nurture the Guru-Shishya Parampara, and celebrate not just the tradition, but also the timeless wisdom that underpins it. As both seekers and guides, let us inspire others on the their own journeys of discovery.

Wishing you all a profound Guru-Shishya Parampara. May you embody the essence of discipleship and continue to inspire those around you!!!