RUNA - AN INDIAN CONCEPT

CONCEPT OF RUNA (DEBT)

In the Indian context, when a person is born, he brings with him three debts (Runas), which he is supposed to repay as his duty.

These are a) Pitr Runa:  Debt towards forefathers

                b) Deva Runa: Debt towards the Creator

                c) Acharya/Guru Runa:   Debt towards the Teacher, usually a spiritual Master.

Each of these debts emerge from the fact that these three sources are responsible for our (re)birth from the previous birth. Although these are termed as Runa – Debt, they are to be considered as duties to be fulfilled for an individual's spiritual progress. Instead of getting bogged down to “repaying” these debts grudgingly, one must repay these with a sense of understanding, gratitude and reverence. Many are not even aware of these Debts to be “repaid” and carry on with their lives “ignorantly”.

Let’s analyze these debts.

a)     Pitr Runa: All the ancestors of a lineage by virtue of their fulfillment of their duties and understanding the spiritual context of life, through the path of rightful living, created families, by having children after marriage and their children in turn did the same down the lineage. The creation of children is perceived not as a mere “product of sexual pleasure” but more as a repayment of what the ancestors have paid us being instrumental in giving us birth. In fact, the context of having children is a “duty-based repayment” course of action. Thus the repayment of this “debt” is prescribed through the simple act of having children through marriage and raising a family. By doing this the individual is said to repay the Pitr Runa.

b)     Deva Runa :  The world in which we are born consists of beauty and bounty from the Creator, naturally endowed by the Almighty for our consumption and benefit. The creation around us is taking care of us by satisfying our physical, emotional, spiritual needs and even more. We take Creation for granted most of the time. Through the prescribed act of Dana (Charity) we are expected to fulfill the debt of Deva Runa. Through Dana, we are also ensuring that we don’t get greedy and that we lead a balanced need-based living.

c)     Acharya/Guru Runa: The teacher has an important role in traditional Indian ethos. The teacher is not an ordinary teacher who transfers knowledge to students. He imbibes values and character-forming habits and puts the student on the self- transformation path. He gives the students inputs through multiple dimensional training & an inner confidence of facing life  without any “crutches”. Thus his role is of a larger significance. The repayment of this debt is through ensuring that we pass on the knowledge to others down the line, through Jnyana Dana. In simple terms, it is considered that knowledge cannot be “cornered” within oneself alone. It becomes truly useful only when it is shared through transference. It must be remembered that Guru Dakshina is a gratitude paid by the Shishaya to the Guru on his own, not a compulsion, while transfer of knowledge is a duty and a prescribed repayment to be done.

To sum it up, all Runas are repaid through selfless duty-bound service (Nishkama Karma).By doing so we constantly remind ourselves that we need to be grateful to our parents and ancestors, the Creator, and the Master. While our ancestors facilitate our presence in this material world, our Guru through his spiritual excellence adds immense value to us and the Creator of course sets the wonderful backdrop/setting for all this to happen.

METHODS OF RESEARCH

(i)             Case Study

It is an intensive study of a single individual, group, or incident.

A case study involves an in-depth, longitudinal (long-term) examination of a single instance or event: a case. As a result the researcher may get a more detailed  understanding of why the incident happened as it did.

Advantages :

•     Because the study involves just one case, it is not very tedious            
•     Gives scope for a detailed in-depth study
•     Cost involved is less

Disadvantages

It is difficult to generalize the findings to the entire population, as only one person, or a group is / are studied.

(ii) Survey

A survey is a kind of research where people answer questions posed by the researcher. It can be conducted through face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, mailed questionnaires, SMS, telephone interviews etc.

Advantages

•   It can be conducted on a large number of people, and hence is easier to generalize
•  The research procedure is relatively simple, as it only involves asking questions
•  The subject himself/herself can give his/her answers pertaining to his/her own opinions, emotions etc.

Disadvantages

• The answers given by the subjects may not always be accurate, because he or she may not have good memory of the topic being discussed.
• Directly asking questions to subjects can make them self-conscious/uncomfortable, and can even cause them to lie.
• The amount of time, money and effort involved can be relatively high

(iii) Experiment

In an experiment, the subject is put through a test, or some kind of procedure. It might involve making the subject watch a movie, watch an ad, or read a newspaper article, and adjudge his or her reactions to it.

  

An experiment is different from a survey in that a survey only involves asking questions. In an experiment, some kind of procedure such as showing a movie is carried out before interacting with the subject.

Advantages

Unlike in a survey, where the subject has to rely on (possibly inaccurate) memories of events which have occurred in the past, in an Experiment, the subject has to only respond to the test immediately performed.

Disadvantages

• Costs are greater as compared to survey
• Because a test/procedure has to be performed, it is more time consuming, and can only be carried out on a limited number of people.
• This is performed in the laboratory, and people may behave differently in the laboratory than in their homes or other natural setting. 

(iv) Observation

Observation refers to the data collected by direct visual experience of the subject by the researcher. i.e. the data collected by directly seeing the subject in action.  This kind of research only involves only watching the participant, and not talking to them/interfering with their actions.

Observations however need not always be done by humans. It can also be recorded by video cameras or audio recorders, and studied by humans later.

Observations carried on the same subjects, and settings, over long periods of time are known as longitudinal observations.

There are two methods of observation :

a)    Fixed method of observation

In the fixed method, the researcher must plan the following things in advance :

Ø  The circumstances of observation, when and where observations will take place, and how much control will be exercised over the circumstances;

Ø  The period of time over which observations will be made and with what frequency

Ø  Precisely who will be observed and what will be observed about each person

Ø  How the observations will be recorded.

b)    Flexible method of Observation :

In flexible method research, it is not possible to specify (with certainty) how much observation will be enough, and how long it needs to be carried out for. Such matters are left  open since the method must remain flexible enough to respond to the data as they come in. With flexible method research, the answer to the question of how long to collect observations is simple : Until enough data have been gathered to answer the questions to be addressed.

Participant Observation

Participant observation is a flexible method of research widely used to examine social interactions, small groups, and organizational or community life. It involves the observer becoming a part of and a participant in the groups and communities being observed so that the role taken with those observed is less distant and more “inside.”

Participant observation as a method is defined by the fact that the researcher is both a participant and actor in the situation being studied and an observer of it.

Like other forms of observation, participant observation is an expensive data collection method. It requires long periods of contact with the groups being studied

Advantages of Observation as a method of research :

(i)             The researcher observes the subject, and his behaviour, so there is no need to rely on the subject’s memory, which may be inaccurate.

(ii)           Observation gives scope for the researcher to observe even the smallest of details about the subject’s behaviour.

(iii)         If the observation has been carried out by a mechanical device such as a video camera, or recorder, it gives the researcher the freedom to go over the tapes again and again and notice new details.

Disadvantages of Observation as a method of research :

(i)             In the method of observation, the researcher may wish to study only one detail or aspect of the subject’s behaviour and study it in detail. Eg. The subject’s expressions while talking to a colleague. But it is difficult to isolate that one aspect, as the researcher’s mind is always diverted towards the larger environment.

(ii)           The researcher has very little or no control over the subject, and cannot divert the subject’s interest towards activities of his choice.

(iii)         The subject may become self-conscious, if he knows that the researcher is observing him, and this may affect the subject’s actions and behaviour.

(iv)         In observations recorded by mechanical devices, one cannot make out what is happening outside the frame. Eg. In a video camera shot, if a man is looking outside the frame, one cannot what he is looking at.

(v) Content Analysis

Content Analysis can be defined as a research procedure, where one studies texts, to determine the presence of  certain words or concepts.

  

Texts which could be studied in Content Analysis include :      

Ø Books

Ø Book chapters

Ø Essays

Ø Interviews

Ø Discussions

Ø Newspaper headlines and articles

Ø Historical documents

Ø Speeches

Ø Conversations

Ø Advertisements

Uses of content Analysis

Content Analysis can be used for the following purposes :

1.    To reveal how communication content differs from country to country. 

2.    To detect the existence of propaganda and bias.  

3.    To identify the intentions, focus, and communication trends of an individual, group or institution 

4.    To describe responses to communication and media content.

5.    To determine psychological or emotional state of people, group or communities 

Two types of Content Analysis

Conceptual Analysis tries to understand the occurrence of a particular word or concept, and its frequency. 

Relational Analysis tries to not only understand how frequently words or concepts occur, but tries to understand the relations between the two.

  

(vi) Ethnography

Ethnography is a kind of research, that uses fieldwork to provide a descriptive study of how human societies work. It involves the researcher becoming a part of a particular community, and using all methods of research, including observation, survey, content analysis, and other forms such as informal conversations and interactions, to understand the finer aspects of the community’s culture, values and ethos.

With respect to the media, it can be used to understand how the media influences, is influenced, and interacts with social institutions such as family, local community etc.

ATTACHMENT (CONCEPT) & NISHKAMA KARMA

Attachment involves the identification & indulgent involvement of Man with sensory based objects. These sensory objects are nothing but the world around us, our surroundings, the people, and the things which we come across on a day-today basis. We are driven by desires to acquire whatever we find “meaningful” or “pleasant”. When we acquire these things, we are happy; when we do not acquire them we are unhappy. In other words our happiness or unhappiness is dependent on these external objects. These objects are themselves not responsible for our happiness or unhappiness. What is responsible is the choice we make to allow these external objects to be sources of happiness through their acquisition/possession.

Attachment is the result of the Mind & Intellect making choices that act as hindrance to Man’s spiritual progress. As a result of Attachment, we get “carried away” both by joy and sorrow and we tend to identify all experiences subjectively. That is, if a certain task gives us happiness we like it and do more of it and also crave for it to be permanent. While on the other hand, if a certain task gives us sorrow we don’t like it and try and avoid doing it and hate it all the more. This comes from the attribute of deep desire in every human being to feel eternally happy. 

The reason we seek eternal happiness or bliss is because that is the true nature of ourselves which is “hidden” behind the sheaths of ignorance, such that instead of identifying with the inner bliss we try to “reach” it through “external” means using our Mind & Intellect.

The significance of Attachment is in understanding that all attachments arise from desires. In the corporate context we are in the process of moving up the ladder of achievement and position. Desire and in turn greed turns an individual to resort to any means of reaching the goals. The position and power gets too heady and all the activities of the individual is centered around goal achievement. This shifts an individuals focus from the prime and only duty of living, that is, reaching the Source from which he has emerged. Due to desire, greed and mindless ambition he may tend to get insensitive to the environment and cause all sorts of disturbances in the name of “duty”.

Detached Involvement is practiced by great leaders. In fact one of the attributes they possess is Detached Involvement. By certain self awareness practice like Yoga, Meditation and Dharma, Detached Involvement could be achieved.

This leads the leader to Nishkama Karma – selfless work, without getting “attached to the nature of the outcome”. It emerges from the prescription of Karma Yogic practices, which postulates that “One’s duty is to perform actions with detachment, with surrender to the Almighty & one needs to not get affected by the outcome of the action or Karma.”

This is famously learnt and known through the Sloka from Bhagwad Gita:  Chapter2, Sloka 47

Karmanye Vadhikaarasthey maa Faleshu Kadachanaa

Maa Karma Faleytubhurmaa tey Sanghostvakarmanee.  

In the Corporate world of targets & achievements, people tend to get “intoxicated” with material Goal achievement at any cost. We come across justification of means to achieve the ends goals. This perception itself is a sign of Attachment to material success. When they succeed they are very “happy”; when they do not succeed, they are upset. Thus they want to always succeed and get attached to success. The disappointment due to failure takes them “off course”. Either they give up through passive behavior or they try to achieve their goals at all costs through aggressive behavior. Both ways they live subjective lives of alternating sorrow and joy, which even affects their motivation of the work itself. 

The Karma or work performed is with a deep expectation of wanting to only succeed and all tasks are undertaken which “assure” success. Expecting is normal, but getting obsessed with expectation creates Attachment which ultimately creates anguish in the individual. An anguished leader cannot motivate and lead his team to effectiveness and performance. Moreover he tends to ignore the efforts of the work, choosing to focus only on the results.

Hence corporate leaders need to properly understand that they are just playing Roles in the organizations to achieve Goals. They need to understand the Roles with clarity and just do them without expectations. Those who have practiced this in the true sense have emerged as great leaders.

TYPES OF RESEARCH

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs, as it exists at present. In social sciences and business research the term Ex post facto research is used for descriptive research studies. The main feature of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening. For e.g. frequency of shopping, preferences of people, etc.

ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

      APPLIED RESEARCH

Applied (or action) research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem. Research to identify social, economic or political trends affecting a particular institution, evaluation research studies, etc. are examples of applied research.

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

Fundamental (basic or pure) research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Accumulating knowledge for the sake of knowledge is termed as ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research. For e.g. research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics.

           QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH  

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon i.e. phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.

CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions, which are capable of being verified, by observation or experiment. It is also called an experimental research.

CLINICAL RESEARCH OR DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH

This type of research follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to research or find out about a particular problem.

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

Here the objective is the development of hypothesis / hypotheses in order to explore (find out about) certain events or conditions prevalent.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

This research utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time.

DEMOCRACY

The word democracy comes from two Greek words ‘demos’ meaning  ‘people’ and ‘kratos / kratein’ meaning ‘rule / government’.

The philosophy of democracy evolved over centuries from various sources, and as a reaction against the absolute control of monarchs. Greeks believed it to be the best form of administration. Direct democracy – all adult males were members of the Council of the City State (women and slaves were not allowed).

Modern democracy evolved over a period of 700 years in England – the main purpose being to restrict the absolute authority of the king. Also greatly influenced by the French Revolution and Liberalism.

Lincoln’s definition – ‘Government for the people, by the people, of the people’.

In the modern sense democracy is ‘a government made up of peoples representatives chosen by universal adult franchise and governed by principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

LIBERTY – Freedom of the individual, within certain parameters

EQUALITY – Social, political and economic equality is a necessary condition of democracy because every individuals worth / right is equally important. The government / society / constituency must strive to make all its citizens equal. Equality does not mean being at the same economic standard but providing the same opportunities. Therefore positive discrimination is allowed.

FRATERNITY – Refers to a sense of brotherhood, which must be developed if the principle of equality is to be upheld.

Thus democracy is not just a political system but also operates on the economic and social levels.

TYPES OF DEMOCRACY

Political Democracy – System of government made up of representatives chosen through a universal electoral system – equal political rights for all. The highest office must be responsible. Equality before the law, freedom of thought and speech.

Social Democracy – Since all individuals enjoy equal political rights, the principle of ‘equality’ must be accepted and fostered – thus it must be practiced first in the social context. Every individual must believe in the inherent value of other individuals and treat them equally – only then will we accept that each ones opinion or vote is important.

Economic Democracy – All individuals have the right to earn wealth without interfering in or obstructing the right of other people. The state does exercise certain control over the economy in order to prevent exploitation or unfair practices.

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS FOSTER / PROTECT DEMOCRACY

1.     Fair Electoral System – adult franchise, no malpractice. Manipulated elections are worse than no elections because it promotes autocracy under the cloak of democracy. Therefore elections must be free and fair.

2.     Political freedom – of speech, expression, no intimidation while exercising political rights.

3.     Education – people must understand their rights to exercise them effectively. Use judgment when selecting candidates; be aware of rights in order to protect them. According to Aldous Huxley ‘If your aim is liberty and democracy, then you must teach people the art of being free and governing themselves’.

4.     Mass Communication – in order to make informed choices, people must have access to information. Therefore mass communication media must be developed. Physical mobility through transport must also be easy in order for the administration to  reach every corner of the country.

5.     Independent Judiciary – in a democracy, government and people have defined rights and privileges. In order to protect these and prevent abuse of power, the judiciary must be independent of the executive and legislative control.

6.     Accountable administration – the government must be responsible to the people who have elected them. This accountability is ensured through independent judiciary and parliamentary procedure, i.e. vote of no confidence, public interest litigation etc.

7.     Growth of Middle Class – a powerful middle class traditionally has championed the cause of democracy

8.     Freedom of political parties – multiple choice, freedom to put forward ones agenda, etc.

OPINION & EXIT POLLS

OPINION POLLS

Opinion polls seek to gather and comprehend public opinion on electoral issues. It enables candidates contesting polls to understand the voter’s mind and shape the campaign in such a way as to secure the maximum number of votes. It also brings into light those issues that are important to the public thereby ensuring that the interest of the masses is placed on the national agenda and political parties vie to secure these interests such that irrespective of which party comes to power, it’s the masses who win.

EXIT POLLS

Exit polls are conducted as people exit the election booth after casting their vote. Exit polls seek to determine for whom people actually vote. Exit polls are conducted in order to predict the outcome of the election before the votes have been officially counted and the results declared.

SOURCES OF DATA

Data collection begins after a research problem has been defined and the research design / plan is chalked out.

There are two main types of data

1. Primary data

2. Secondary data

                                            

Primary data

Primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character.

Secondary data

Secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have already been through the statistical process.

The researcher has to decide which sort of data he/she would be using for his/her study.

Primary data collection methods include observation, interview, questionnaire, schedules etc.

Secondary data is available in the form of books, magazines, newspapers, reports and publications of various scholars, associations, universities, public records, historical documents. 

For those who prefer to Listen & Learn, you can hear the same by clicking the link Sources of Data