An Eastern Approach to Moral Development

Abstract

This chapter discusses research indicating that development of consciousness in organizational leaders develops their moral awareness (their conscience) and ethical behavior. A brief review of theories of moral development and its measurement is followed by a discussion of how development of higher states of consciousness (Self-realization) through an evidenced-based practice of meditation from the ancient Vedic tradition of India has been shown to foster growth of moral development. Specifically, research indicates that regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation® technique brought to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the well-known scholar of the Vedic science of consciousness, gives rise to improved leadership qualities, such as enhanced moral development and ethical awareness. This is further validated by qualitative research on one aspect of the Vedic literature Srimad Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇ, which presents an example of how when an individual’s awareness is permanently established in the higher Self (Self-realized), improved moral awareness and ethical behavior are spontaneous by-products. Both the qualitative and quantitative research support the conclusion that Self-realization gives rise to improved ethical leadership.