Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-04, Issue-03(Jul-Sep 2025)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2959-1376
Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance
Deepak
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, NIILM University, Kaithal, Haryana
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7857
Subject: Philosophy / Environmental Science / Leadership Management
Page No: 328-337
Received: May 22, 2025
Accepted: June 25, 2025
Published: July 01, 2025
Thematic Classification: Mindful Leadership, Yogic Values, Environmental Governance, Anthropocene, Ethical Leadership, Sustainability.
Abstract
This study explores the transformative role of yogic principles in fostering mindful leadership for effective environmental governance in the Anthropocene epoch. The Anthropocene, marked by human-induced environmental changes, necessitates a paradigm shift in leadership approaches. Drawing on yogic values such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness), the research examines how mindfulness practices influence environmental policies and leadership behavior. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and case studies of environmentally conscious organizations reveals that integrating yogic principles enhances sustainability, empathy, and long-term ecological responsibility. The paper concludes with recommendations for embedding yogic mindfulness into leadership training and environmental governance frameworks.
Keywords:- Mindful Leadership, Yogic Values, Environmental Governance, Sustainability, Anthropocene
Impact Statement
The Anthropocene epoch, marked by unprecedented human influence on Earth’s ecosystems, demands a transformative shift in leadership paradigms. This research on Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance addresses the urgent need to embed ethical, conscious, and holistic decision-making into environmental governance structures. By integrating yogic principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), santosha (contentment), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and dharma (duty), the study presents a sustainable and spiritually grounded alternative to conventional leadership models rooted in exploitation and short-term gains.
The impact of this work is both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it advances interdisciplinary dialogue by bridging ancient Indian philosophy with contemporary environmental policy discourse. Practically, it offers a values-based leadership model that can be incorporated into institutional training, public policymaking, and community-led ecological stewardship programs. The research contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for inner transformation as a prerequisite to outer ecological change. It empowers leaders to approach governance with empathy, equanimity, and a deep sense of planetary responsibility.
This study can influence educational curricula, sustainability frameworks, and international environmental negotiations by fostering a leadership culture that prioritizes ecological balance, intergenerational justice, and inner wellbeing. In an era marked by climate crises, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation, mindful leadership rooted in yogic values emerges as a vital paradigm for catalyzing systemic environmental change.
About Author
Dr Deepak is working as Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, with extensive experience in teaching, and research. His areas of interest are cloud computing, IoT, and Machine Learning. He has participated in and presented research articles at various National and International conferences.
Cite this Article
APA 7th Style
Deepak. (2025). Mindful leadership for the anthropocene: Yogic values in environmental governance. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(03), 328–337. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7851
Chicago 17th Style
Deepak. “Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 4, no. 3 (2025): 328–337. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7857.
MLA 9th Style
Deepak. “Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 3, 2025, pp. 328-337, https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7857.
Statements and Declarations
Peer-Review Method: This article underwent a double-blind peer-review process by two independent external experts in Environmental Ethics and Management Studies to ensure the philosophical depth and practical feasibility of the leadership framework proposed.
Competing Interests: The author (Deepak) declares that there are no financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that could have inappropriately influenced the research findings or the interdisciplinary analysis presented in this study.
Funding: This research was conducted as an independent scholarly project at the Department of Computer Science, NIILM University. No specific external grants or commercial funding were received for this work.
Data Availability: The analysis is based on a qualitative synthesis of yogic philosophy (specifically the Yamas and Niyamas) and current environmental governance protocols. All primary sources and literature cited are available through public academic archives and institutional repositories.
Licence: Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance © 2025 by Deepak is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. This work is published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
Ethics Approval: As this study is a theoretical and philosophical review focusing on leadership models and does not involve direct experimentation on human participants, it was deemed exempt from formal ethical review by the Institutional Research Committee of NIILM University, Kaithal.
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