Ashta Lakshmi Framework: Divine Perspective for Building Enlightened Enterprises

Abstract

The article proposes a framework to redefine wealth management by replacing its underlying anthropocentric ethos and perspectives with divine ethos and perspectives. A multidimensional divine perspective of wealth as enunciated in the Ashta Lakshmi (eight forms of wealth) concept is examined to address the challenges posed by the wicked problems humanity is encountering. The article elucidates the correspondence of the framework with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and brings out the nuances of the Dhana Lakshmi (monetary wealth) obsession using the lens of Trigunas (primary three attributes/qualities of nature). The article further provides a phased approach to Ashta Lakshmi balancing and looks at Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) Principles which are interdependent and provides a mapping of BRSR Principles with SDGs and correspondingly with Ashta Lakshmi framework for holistic wealth management.