Career Navigation : Insights from Sundarakanda

Sundarakanda Parayana(Recitation) is a profoundly revered Hindu religious practice, often turned to as a powerful means to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Numerous devotees seek solace and assistance in its recitation when faced with difficulties that feel beyond their endurance. The power of faith is undeniable. No Doubt!!!

But is its utility limited to matters beyond human reach? While those on the Bhakti Marg (path of devotion) frequently recite Sundarakandam to express reverence or navigate personal challenges, the Jnana Marg (path of knowledge) reveals profound lessons applicable to all aspects of life!

While these teachings offer guidance at any stage of life, this document presents a focused interpretation that could be especially beneficial for corporate professionals as they embark on their careers and navigate the inevitable challenges along the way…

Brief Context : Ravana, the formidable demon king, orchestrates the abduction of Sita Mata (the revered consort of Lord SriRama) to his kingdom in Lanka while her husband, Lord SriRama, is away. Upon discovering this tragic event, SriRama and his devoted brother Lakshmana forge an alliance with the Vanara (ape) community and together embark on a determined search for Sita Mata’s whereabouts. Lord Hanuman, a pivotal member of the southern search party, reaches the edge of the Indian Peninsula and is entrusted with the critical mission of crossing the vast Indian Ocean to reach SriLanka and find Sita Mata.

The Kick-off

In the initial moments before his momentous leap, Lord Hanuman doubted himself — could he truly traverse the immense ocean to reach Lanka? It was the wise Jambavanta who stepped forward to motivate him, reminding him of his extraordinary and multifaceted powers. Thus inspired and filled with a renewed sense of self-belief and unwavering resolve, Lord Hanuman took the courageous leap towards Lanka.

“Overcoming Self-Doubt”: Young and seasoned professionals alike, often grapple with self-doubt when faced with the prospect of undertaking significant new projects or stepping outside their comfort zones. This initial hesitation can be a major hurdle in taking on new responsibilities and demonstrating their potential. The responsibility often falls on experienced mentors, and senior leadership to provide the crucial encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support needed to help these individuals recognize their inherent capabilities and confidently take that first critical leap into new challenges. Just as Jambavanta reminded Hanuman of his powers, guidance from experienced professionals can be instrumental in building self-belief and fostering the courage to embark on ambitious career endeavors.

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Friendly Temptation

During Hanuman’s arduous flight across the ocean, Mainak, a noble mountain, rose from the depths to pay his respects to the mighty Hanuman and offered him a moment of respite — to eat, drink, and rest for a while. Displaying remarkable focus and determination, Lord Hanuman graciously declined this tempting offer, stating his firm intention to complete the urgent and high-priority task at hand before considering any form of rest or diversion.

“Resisting Distractions and Maintaining Focus”: Professionals are often surrounded by various opportunities and social invitations that can easily divert their attention from their primary goals. Well-meaning friends or colleagues might suggest taking it easy, implying that there’s plenty of time to achieve their objectives. However, just like Hanuman who recognized the urgency of his mission, maintaining unwavering focus and politely but firmly declining these tempting diversions is crucial for staying on track and achieving significant career milestones in a timely manner. The ability to prioritize and resist the allure of immediate gratification for long-term success is a hallmark of effective career navigation.

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Ego or Tact — which is bigger

Next in his path, arose Surasa, a formidable demon who possessed a unique boon from Lord Brahma — the power to swallow any being. She aggressively obstructed Lord Hanuman’s progress and attempted to engulf him. In response, the mighty Hanuman expanded his body to the colossal size of a mountain. Surasa, undeterred, retaliated by making her mouth even larger than the mountain. Hanuman then doubled his own size, and Surasa mirrored his expansion. Recognizing the stalemate, Lord Hanuman swiftly employed tact and strategic thinking. He instantaneously shrunk his form to the minuscule size of a thumb, entered Surasa’s gaping mouth, traversed her entire being, and then rapidly flew out, thus fulfilling the terms of her boon while remaining completely unscathed. Blessed by Surasa for his immense intellect and strategic brilliance, he resolutely continued his crucial flight towards Lanka.

 “Navigating Organizational Systems and Processes”: Corporate professionals almost always encounter seemingly tedious processes or legacy technologies that can feel as significant hurdles. These might include multi-layered approvals, mandatory training programs, or outdated technologies championed by senior management. Similar to Hanuman’s tactful approach to Surasa, the key lies in understanding the underlying driving factors, finding effective ways to navigate these without unnecessary friction, and focusing on achieving the desired outcome efficiently. Sometimes, a flexible and innovative approach, like Hanuman’s unexpected change in size, can be more effective than a direct confrontation with rigid structures.

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The Ferocious Impediment

Then, from the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, arose Simhika, a terrifying giant demon, ferocious in nature. This formidable entity simply would not allow Hanuman to proceed, and the Lord recognized that no ordinary tactic or clever maneuver could circumvent this direct obstruction. Lord Hanuman contemplated the situation briefly and then, summoning all his might, unleashed a single, devastating strike that instantly killed the demon, without engaging in a prolonged and draining duel. Once the monstrous form of Simhika plunged back into the ocean’s depths, Hanuman resolutely continued his journey.

“Addressing Persistent and Unresolvable Issues”: While some corporate processes or policies can be circumnavigated wisely, sometimes, one encounters deeply entrenched systemic issues or obstructive individuals that block progress. These can manifest as toxic team members who negatively impact morale and productivity, or fundamentally flawed features/products that drain resources and lack viability. Just as Simhika presented an insurmountable obstacle to Hanuman’s mission, these issues often cannot be resolved through mere negotiation or tactical maneuvering. Young professionals who identify such unyielding impediments should learn to effectively channel these concerns to leadership with clear articulation of the problem and its impact. Leadership, in turn, must be willing to take decisive action, which may include the difficult but necessary step of retrenching toxic individuals or cutting untenable projects to protect the overall health and strategic direction of the organization. Recognizing when an issue requires escalation and acting upon it decisively is crucial to maintain momentum and achieve critical objectives.

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The Clash of Mission and Duty

After successfully overcoming the formidable obstacles across the vast ocean, Lord Hanuman finally landed in Lanka and cautiously proceeded towards the imposing entrance of the fort city. There, he encountered Lankini, a powerful Rakshasi (demoness) whose sole and unwavering duty was to protect the entrance of the fort. She issued a stern warning to the Lord, asserting that as long as she stood guard, no one could breach the city’s defenses and vehemently advising him, a seemingly insignificant Vaanara (Ape), not to risk his life and to turn back for his own safety. Lord Hanuman assessed this new challenge with characteristic swiftness and, without hesitation or lengthy deliberation, delivered a single, powerful blow that effectively brought the formidable Lankini crashing to the ground. Unable to even stand, she conceded defeat. Displaying wisdom and adhering to the principles of dharma, Lord Hanuman spared her life, recognizing that his mission was not one of unnecessary violence, especially against those who acknowledged defeat. Lankini, acknowledging that she had faithfully fulfilled her duty, then declared that she would no longer impede his progress.

“Challenges Posed by Individuals Defending Their Team/Organizational Interests”: One of the common experiences in professional life, especially in large organizations where cross-team collaborations are normal, is encountering individuals rigorously defending their team’s or department’s boundaries, resources, or processes. These individuals, much like Lankini, are often driven by their sense of duty and responsibility to their specific area. Young professionals navigating these situations should strive to understand the underlying reasons for this protectiveness. Presenting well-reasoned arguments supported by relevant data and facts can be significantly more persuasive in these interactions. Building rapport, clearly articulating the purpose and mutual benefits of collaboration, and demonstrating respect for their role, alongside data-driven justifications, can often lead to smoother interactions and overcome initial resistance. While firmness might be needed at times, a collaborative approach that acknowledges their perspective, backed by solid evidence, is usually more effective in the long run than direct confrontation.

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Moment of Bitter Realisation

Lord Hanuman finally entered the heavily fortified city of Lanka and tirelessly continued his desperate search for Sita Mata throughout the long night. He meticulously looked everywhere, his hope dwindling with each passing moment, until he finally found himself near Ravana’s opulent chambers, which were ingeniously constructed within the gravity-defying Pushpak Vimana (aerial chariot). As he cautiously peered around, he observed many beautiful women sleeping in a state of luxurious comfort alongside the demon king Ravana. Amongst them, his eyes fell upon a lady of extraordinary grace and captivating beauty. Her radiance was unmatched, and for a fleeting instant, Hanuman’s heart leaped with elation, believing he had finally found Sita Mata. He even experienced a surge of jubilant excitement, momentarily forgetting the gravity of his mission. However, this fleeting joy was abruptly shattered by a profound and sobering realization: Sita Mata, known for her unwavering virtue and purity, would never willingly place herself amidst such decadent luxury and in the company of the vile Ravana. He severely chided himself for this momentary lapse in judgment, overwhelmed by a wave of intense guilt and self-reproach at even allowing such an incongruous image to form in his mind.

“The Danger of Assumptions and the Importance of Validation”: In their professional lives, individuals and teams can sometimes jump to conclusions based on initial observations or incomplete information. This “moment of elation” followed by a “bitter realization” mirrors situations where a seemingly successful milestone or a perceived positive outcome might mask underlying issues with non-functional requirements like scale, performance etc. It highlights the critical importance of thorough validation and a deep understanding of the context before celebrating success. Just as Hanuman corrected his initial assumption by considering Sita’s character, professionals should always verify their assumptions against all aspects of the usage context to avoid misguided conclusions and potential setbacks.

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From the Depths of Despair to Heights of Joy

Lord Hanuman, having meticulously searched every conceivable location within Lanka and failing to find any trace of Sita, slowly began to succumb to the crushing weight of despair. He was tormented by agonizing thoughts, imagining the worst possible outcomes and the catastrophic consequences of his apparent failure. “What if Sita mata didn’t survive the torture of the demons? What if she already committed suicide? What will happen if Rama and others know about it? Won’t Rama kill himself, followed by Lakshmana and Bharata destroying the entire future of Ayodhya kingdom? Thereafter, Sugriva (Vaanara king) would himself kill himself, and the Vaanara kingdom will perish as well. All these are just because of my failure… I shouldn’t ever report back; better still, I should commit suicide here itself, which will save all of them… Yes, that’s the best course of action”. Thus, Lord Hanuman sank into a deep abyss of depression and self-blame. He then pulled himself up and told himself that this is not the way to think nor the time to give up. There must be some small corners of Lanka that he might have missed. Upon further diligence, he notices that he missed the small Asoka Vatika(garden) nearby. He reaches there and after carefully looking around, he finally discovers a radiant yet extremely frail lady sitting under the tree he is perched in. She is surrounded by lady demons guarding her. He finally found Sita mata and His eyes swell up with tears of boundless joy!!!

“Over-analysis, Negativity, Depression”: When faced with failures, teams or individuals tend to swiftly move from exuberant confidence to self-doubt and over-analysis. Way too many meetings are known to have been employed to do post-mortem after post-mortem, creating doubt in the team’s abilities. Engineers undergo extreme stress as they start worrying about their jobs/careers and possible impact on career, home loans, kids’ education, health, etc., often leading to depression. At such situations, staying resolute with hope and persevering with every small avenu would eventually help you bounce back. Leaders, on their part, should watch out for such individuals and provide motivation to strengthen their resolve/morale..

End of Sorrow & Pinnacle of Trust

Having finally discovered Sita Mata, Lord Hanuman then noticed the arrival of Ravana in the garden after the demon king had completed his pre-dawn prayers. Ravana approached Sita and issued a final, menacing ultimatum: she had a maximum of two months to accept him as her own, or face certain death. Sita, displaying unwavering strength and devotion, treated his threats with utter contempt, comparing him to a mere blade of grass and vehemently urging him to regain his senses and return her to Lord Rama before the inevitable conquest of Lanka and the complete annihilation of his demon clan.

Once Ravana had departed, Lord Hanuman cautiously began reciting the sacred story of SriRama, subtly signaling his identity and devout purpose as he slowly approached Sita mata. Sita mata, while experiencing a surge of hesitant joy at the sight of a potential rescuer, remained understandably doubtful and wary of the unfamiliar Vanara in her presence. To dispel her natural apprehension and establish his authenticity, Hanuman then presented the precious ring that Lord Rama himself had given him as an irrefutable token of identity confirmation. The sight of her husband’s ring caused Sita’s terrible grief to begin melting away like snow near a fire. With tears of profound joy trickling down her cheeks, she held the cherished ring close to her heart for a long and deeply emotional moment. Gradually regaining her composure, she implored Hanuman to urgently convey to Lord Rama that she was indeed alive and well but desperately needed his swift arrival to rescue her before the cruel deadline set by Ravana.

Upon hearing her desperate plea, Lord Hanuman valiantly offered to carry Sita Mata back to where Lord Rama was waiting. Sita, with a mixture of affection and disbelief, gently chided him, questioning how a seemingly small Vaanara could possibly possess the strength to carry her across the vast ocean. Understanding her perspective and the need to instill complete faith, Lord Hanuman then revealed his true, colossal, and incredibly mighty form, instantly dispelling any lingering doubts she might have had about his capabilities. Sita mata was now fully and unequivocally convinced of his boundless power and divinity!

“Building Trust and Demonstrating Capability”: This encounter highlights the critical importance of building trust and effectively demonstrating one’s capabilities, especially when dealing with stakeholders who might be skeptical or unsure. Just as Sita was initially unsure of Hanuman’s strength and capabilities, young professionals often need to earn the trust of senior colleagues and leaders. Providing tangible proof of competence is essential to dispel doubts and gain buy-in for their ideas and initiatives. This can be achieved through showcasing past successes, presenting well-researched proposals, delivering impactful presentations, and crucially, by building Proof of Concepts or Demos that vividly illustrate the viability and potential of their ideas. Ultimately, building credibility relies on backing claims with evidence and consistent delivery. Addressing stakeholder doubts with demonstrable ability, as Hanuman did, is key to effective collaboration and shared success.

Provoking a Strategic Battle 

Having been wholly convinced of the immense capabilities of Hanuman, Sita mata still refuses to be rescued by him as it’s only Dharma to be rescued by her Husband after defeating Ravana. Sita mata affectionately presents him with her Chudamani (a jewel worn in the hair) to be given to Lord Rama.

Lord Hanuman was preparing to depart Lanka when he, ever the strategic thinker, pondered if this accomplishment was truly SUFFICIENT. Recognizing the impending conflict, he felt a strong imperative to assess the strength and capabilities of Ravana’s formidable army firsthand, so that he could provide Lord Rama with crucial intelligence to effectively plan his war strategy. He picks up a fight with the demons around the garden, and as it escalates, he gets into a major battle, killing a large number of Rakshasas, including several Army generals and warrior sons of Ravana.

Thereafter, displaying remarkable foresight, he choses to be captured by Indrajit, Ravana’s most valiant son. Once brought before Ravana, he boldly identifies himself as the messenger of Lord Rama and forcefully impresses upon Ravana the immense strength and righteous fury of Lord Rama, outlining the dire consequences that would inevitably befall them if they chose war. Perturbed by Hanuman’s audacity, Ravana, yet adhering to the code of conduct that forbade the killing of a messenger, ordered that Hanuman’s tail be set ablaze. With his tail now on fire, displaying remarkable presence of mind, Hanuman uses the very flames intended to humiliate him sets the entire Lanka ablaze. He soon realises that he may have burnt down the garden hosting Sita Mata. He quickly reaches Ashoka vatika and after making sure that Sita mata is safe, chides himself for his over-enthusiasm.

Having gathered crucial intelligence and inflicted significant damage yet making sure that Sita Mata is safe, Hanuman then extinguished his tail and, with a triumphant heart, prepared for his journey back to Lord Rama 

Turning a Challenge into an Opportunity: Hanuman’s realization that his initial task wasn’t sufficient reflects the importance of understanding the larger goal — the rescue of Sita Mata by defeating Ravana. Once the overarching objective is clear, one should look for tactical opportunities that help in achieving the strategic goal of the Organization. In some situations it could be to analyze the “competitor” (in a business context, this would be direct competition; while here, it’s Ravana and his forces). Hanuman’s engagement with the Rakshasas can be seen as an initial “SWOT analysis”. Furthermore, his deliberate escalation and partial destruction of Lanka can be likened to executing a “rapid prototype” — a quick way to gain firsthand insight into the challenges ahead and at the same time resolving a few challenges upfront. Another learning is that while executing such commendable strategic initiatives, one should never go overboard with and throw the baby with bathwater risking the very goal they are meant to fulfil.

The Grand Return

Upon his return to the mainland to Lord Rama, Hanuman very Exuberantly conveyed the most impactful yet concise statement: “Found Sita mata safe and sound”. This immediately brought immense joy to Rama and the entire assembly. Lord Rama, his heart brimming with joy and relief, received the Chudamani and gave Hanuman a heartfelt warm embrace as a mark of deep appreciation. Subsequently, Hanuman provided a comprehensive account of his journey to the entire Vaanara Sena, immensely inspiring them for the journey ahead. The successful outcome by their celebrated leader, was then celebrated collectively by the entire Vanara army. 

 Manage Up and Manage Down: In professional settings, particularly when updating senior leadership on critical matters, clear, concise communication is paramount. Delivering the most significant information upfront ensures immediate understanding and impact. Detailed information can follow as appropriate to help motivate and prepare the team. Furthermore, sharing the fruits of success with the entire team, reinforces the value of collaboration and motivates the entire team for future successes.

Epilogue: The Conquest of Lanka

Subsequently, Lord Rama, along with the Vaanara army, crosses the ocean and reaches Lanka. There he vanquishes Ravana and his entire demon clan, and brings back Sita Mata to Ayodhya! Jai SriRam!!

Conclusion

The lessons from Sundarakanda offer timeless insights for young and seasoned professionals alike while navigating the challenges of their careers. By embracing resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering focus, they can overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success, just as Lord Hanuman did in his mission.

PS: Lord Hanuman is known as Nava Vyakarana Pandit, for his renowned expertise in Communication skills. Based on the interest expressed, I may attempt a similar write up on the same, drawing parallels to Corporate Communication.