The Bhagavad Gita in the making of conscious capitalism

Abstract

The article is a critique of arguments outlined by Mackey and Sisodia (2013). This article is divided into two parts. The first part proceeds from a critical analysis of Mackey and Sisodia (2013) and their narratives of conscious capitalism as manifested in its theological foundations in response to capitalist contradictions, conflicts and challenges. The second part deals with the relationship between Hindu religious consciousness in the making of conscious capitalism. This article argues that Hindu religious consciousness provides philosophical solutions to internal contradictions and challenges of capitalism by outsourcing its systemic problems to individual work ethics, which is Karma (duty) in Hindu religion as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita (the songs of god). However, these religious solutions are temporary as everyday life experiences generate human consciousness that questions the power of capitalist systems. It also argues that Hindu religious consciousness is concomitant with requirements of capitalism and its compliant consciousness.