The Effect of Vipassana on the Work
Environment
By S.S. Joshi
To study the effect of Vipassana on
the work environment, we interviewed people who had attended a ten-day Vipassana
course. A questionnaire was given to them. Their colleagues were also interviewed
to find out their views about the results of Vipassana.
In general, everyone
experienced a positive change in the behavior of Vipassana students and a consequent
improvement in the work environment. There was a new dimension of trust, commitment
and cooperation with others, and a remarkable rise in goodwill. There was a decrease
in hatred or strong dislike towards others, short-temperedness, mental fatigue,
jealousy, negative feelings towards others, and confrontation because of jealousy,
ego, guilt-feelings, etc.
Now let us look at the interviews of Vipassana students
in detail:
Mr. Balle, Manager (R&D) has been practicing Vipassana for the
last ten years. He said that his anger and short-temperedness have greatly lessened
and he has cooled down considerably. He thinks twice or before answering now,
and does not give harsh replies to either seniors or juniors. His subordinates
feel free to approach him and the atmosphere has become cordial both in the office
and at home.
His trust in people has increased. He feels comfortable with all
types of people. For example, while others were having difficulty in dealing with
one person in the factory, Mr. Balle was comfortable with him and in due course
they became friends. Because Mr. Balle benefited from Vipassana, he recommended
it to his friend, who was clever but short-tempered. After the friend attended
a Vipassana course his short temperedness was reduced remarkably-even his family
members were surprised. Later his friend sent another two or three doctor friends
for a Vipassana course.
As Mr. Balle has become less angry and more trusting
of his subordinates, the commitment of his subordinates to work has increased.
During work on a project, normally a direction of work is selected and work is
started accordingly. Previously, projects used to reach a lot of ends, with new
lines of action being chosen and work re-started. A lot of time was wasted. Now
after learning Vipassana, Mr. Balle chooses the direction of work in consultation
with his colleagues so that the risk of selecting a wrong direction is reduced
and time is saved. The result is a direct increase in productivity, i.e., more
output in less time.
All Vipassana students and their colleagues agree that
there has been a positive improvement in the atmosphere of the workplace. Different
reasons have been mentioned by them. For example, Mr. Kulkarni (Executive) says
that previously he had very high expectations of results from his subordinates.
If these expectations were not fulfilled then it gave rise to anger and tension.
Now, after he has learned Vipassana, he looks at the 65 mistakes of subordinates
objectively and gives guidance to them to correct those mistakes. His concentration
and peace of mind have increased and tension has lessened, which has resulted
in more work output each day.
Colleagues of a Vipassana student have reported
that after a Vipassana course, he is more co-operative at work and less aggressive.
Now, before replying to them, he thinks first and then takes action or not, as
appropriate. They say that are now more comfortable with him.
Mr. B. Sitharam
(GM) attended his second ten-day course in January 1993. After his first course
he stopped using tobacco, paan and alcohol. He practices Vipassana every day for
one hour. His wife attended a ten-day course in November 1993.
Mr. N.P. Joshi
(Assistant Manager) feels that after learning Vipassana he has become more polite
and more considerate towards others. His wife attended a course in January 1994.
Her outlook towards life has changed. Now his nine-year-old son is also planning
to attend a course in May 1994.
Mr. P.J. Shah (Purchase Officer) practices
Vipassana daily for one hour. He says that even if his mind is upset, it becomes
fresh and sharp after meditating. His short temperedness has been reduced. His
working efficiency and decision making power have improved and he feels more confident.
Mr.
Pathak, a Stores Officer, has practiced Vipassana since July 1992. Before that,
he used to sleep during lunchtime; now it is not required since his mind is more
fresh. He works more quickly and therefore completes most of his work before the
end of the day. As a result he can give attention to other areas, like housekeeping.
His subordinates report that Mr. Pathak has cooled down, and is less angry and
tense. His colleague, the Purchase Officer, focused on the term, "reliability".
He said that the answers given by Mr. Pathak are more reliable. This shows that
his work is more efficient and accurate.
A general observation of all employees
is that those who are practicing Vipassana are clearing paperwork daily, with
less pending work, showing that they have better concentration and work faster.
They have given up the habit of cigarette and tobacco smoking.
Increased trust
and co-operative-ness have strengthened the attitude of teamwork, which is essential
for the success of the organization. If we widen this concept of co-operation
with people and team spirit, we can see that it will also greatly benefit the
society at large.
In a nutshell, we can conclude confidently that Vipassana
has a very positive effect on productivity and the work environment.