With the all too apparent changes in the climate and onset of economic and ecological disasters that are directly and indirectly related to business, can we truly say that any aspect of the current corporate model is truly healthy or sustainable? The current ethical (economic and ecological) meltdown demonstrates that the mainstream management models are neither healthy nor sustainable and even more so, are part of the cause rather than the solution to this crisis. On another level, the root cause is that as a whole, we have become estranged from our very own souls. The result is that our worldview, thoughts and actions are largely driven by our own egos. An individual who does not have soul based consciousness is a ship without a rudder, floating aimlessly, getting taken up and distracted by every surface desire and impulse that comes his way.

Driven by the need for changing the current business paradigm, Sharda Nandram and Margot Esther Borden are pleased to announce the release of ‘Spirituality and Business: Exploring Possibilities for a New Management Paradigm. The book represents academic, business and mystical visions for a new business paradigm that is rooted in spirituality. This book is a reflection of the co-editors' passion for bringing spirituality into the business world as a response to current world crisis. Ms. Nandram and Borden conduct research and give seminars in companies helping business leaders to experience the transformation potential that spirituality possesses. Their premise, drawn from ancient wisdom, is that our relationship with the world is a direct reflection of our relationship with our inner self. Therefore, they say in order for the world around us to be transformed, we first need to transform our own selves. Transformation begins by developing knowledge and harmony with Self, society and nature. This in turn, arouses our inherent, inner drive to express our behavior and attitudes as a reflection of the inner meaning that we find. We have the potential of overcoming our past short-sightedness, of learning from the errors on which our current economy is built. By cultivating a harmonious relationshipbetween our inner and outer selves, we can emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.

They explain that corporate models can be seen on a microcosmic level: work/life balance, workrelationships, the way we vision our business objectives and on a macrocosmic level: relationship with other businesses, society and nature. All of these aspects and levels reflect the shortsightedness that is associated with ego-centered rather than soul-centered consciousness. According to their opinion, the current ego-centered, win-lose model addresses only our materialistic drives, how to win out over our competitors and make as much money as possibleand as quickly as possible. This model raises the questions of who is going to take care of the common goods such as the earth, health care and infrastructure?