Page 112 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

the company nurtures employee growth in a manner that mirrors this time-honored
practice.
• Work-Life Balance with Kala Utsav: Work-life balance is promoted through initiatives
like ‘Kala Utsav’, where the company encourages participation in cultural activities
and creative expression. This not only aligns with the Shilpa Shastra principle of Kala
Upasana but also supports employee well-being by providing an outlet for stress relief
and personal fulfillment.

6.7 Principles of Indian Shilpa Shastra: The Art of Craftsmanship in Corporate
Culture
Indian Shilpa Shastra, often referred to as the ancient science of arts and crafts, is a
comprehensive body of knowledge that has guided the creation of art, architecture,
sculpture, and other crafts in India for millennia. This ancient tradition is not just about
aesthetic beauty but also encompasses spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions.
The principles of Shilpa Shastra, rooted in the Vedic texts, provide a framework for
creating works that are not only visually pleasing but also harmoniously balanced with
the natural and spiritual world.
The Indian feminine given name Shilpa (Devanagari: शिशल्प) means “sculpture,”
“statue,” and “work of art. The word “Shilpa Shastras,” which means “the Science of
Shilpa” (arts and crafts), refers to a body of ancient Hindu writings that explore the
minute aspects of many arts and crafts as well as the fundamental principles of their
design. These books provide priceless insights into the fields of sculpture, architecture,
art, and much more, all of which are reflected in the rich cultural legacy of ancient
India.
The sixty-four Bahya-kala, or exterior arts, are listed in detail in the Shilpa Shastras.
These include a wide range of crafts, including architecture, jewelry making, acting,
dancing, music, medicine, and poetry. There are also sixty-four Abhyantara-kala, or
secret arts, covering a broad range of topics.

Rooted in the belief that architecture is not merely a functional endeavor but a
spiritual practice, Silpa Shastra emphasizes the importance of rituals in consecrating-
built environments, imbuing them with divine energy and cosmic resonance.

In the context of organizational rituals, Silpa Shastra provides a blueprint for designing
sacred spaces within the workplace that evoke a sense of sanctity, tranquility, and
harmony. By incorporating architectural elements such as sacred symbols, sacred
geometry, and ritual altars into the built environment, organizations can create physical
spaces that serve as focal points for collective rituals, ceremonies, and meditative
practices.
Shilpa Shastra emphasizes the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and
spiritual realms, and this holistic approach can be profoundly beneficial when applied

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