Shanti Mantra "ॐ सह नाववतु " VS Theories of Motivation

We live in a highly cut-throat, globalized, extremely competitive Corporate world which often takes a high toll on the physical and psychological well being of a person. As such, the importance of self-motivation is now more profound than it has ever been. In this blog post, we are going to discuss about individual motivation and its juxtaposition with the Shanti Mantra.

Motivation is what causes us to act in a particular situation in a particular way, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge. It is the drive that keeps pushing us towards the goal no matter how insurmountable the hurdles might seem. 

 ➢ Types of Motivation and examples:

1. Positive vs. Negative: Positive such as want to become an astronaut. 

Negative such as want to pass to avoid being thrashed by parents 

2. Basic vs. Learned: Basic as instinctive such as thirst, anger, pain, etc. 

Learned ones are not instinctive such as recognition and achievement.

3. Extrinsic motivation and Intrinsic Motivation: Extrinsic motivation occurs when we are motivated to perform a behavior for external reward, but intrinsic motivation comes from inside for personal satisfaction 

➢ Maslow’s Motivation Theory: 

Maslow designated 5 levels of needs, these needs are to be fulfilled from bottom to top. Individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can satisfy higher-order needs. 

This concept of lower-level needs being satisfied first before moving higher is called satisfaction progression. 

For a corporate manager: he must first ensure that the basic needs of employees are satisfied first and only then can be motivated to achieve higher. 

Criticism: many scholars have criticized this theory because as per them in collectivist society social belongingness holds more importance than personal achievement. 

 ➢ Alderfer's Hierarchy of Motivational Needs 

Clayton P. Alderfer's ERG theory categorizes Maslow's five human needs into three categories: 

1. Existence,
2.  Relatedness and
3.  Growth. 

The ERG theory demonstrates that more than one need may be operative at the same time through Maslow’s theory assumes in satisfaction progression that higher-level needs can be fulfilled only after lower level needs are fulfilled 

According to Maslow, an individual would stay at a certain need level until that need was satisfied. ERG theory counters by noting that when a higher-order need level is frustrated the individual’s desire to increase a lower-level need takes place. Inability to satisfy a need for social interaction, for instance, might increase the desire for more money or better working conditions. So, frustration can lead to a regression to a lower need. This concept is called frustrated-regression 

On a Corporate level: Alderfer’s model implies that managers must recognize their employees’ multiple simultaneous needs. Focusing exclusively on one need at a time will not motivate your people. 

 For example: Even though you may provide financial incentives, if your person’s other needs aren't being met, according to Alderfer's ERG theory your workers will not be motivated.

The Shanti Mantra: a win-win situation

In our latest Business communication class, we came across The Shanti Mantra and its relevance.

The mantra is:

ॐ सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥


Meaning:
1: Om, Together may we two Move (in our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),
2: Together may we two Relish (our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),
3: Together may we perform (our Studies) with Vigour (with deep Concentration),
4: May what has been Studied by us be filled with the Brilliance (of Understanding, leading to Knowledge); May it Not give rise to Hostility (due to lack of Understanding),
5: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

How is it comparable to the above theories?

This mantra moves beyond the narrow individual motivation based on needs and plunges into the spiritual realm of "co-existence and mutual benefit". This mantra addresses the major criticism of Maslow's hierarchy theory that fails to address the societal need (of man as a social animal) of mutual cooperation and collective progress. 

It also talks about the fact that while we are treading on our path of success driven by our own needs, we must simultaneously try to avoid the hostility with those whose own selfish needs might clash with ours. After all the world has witnessed 2 World wars because of narrow interest-clashes. 

All in all, it aspires for collective success with no conflict with others, thereby preaching the universal mantra of वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्.