In the epic Mahabharata, a pivotal moment occurs when the Pandavas, having completed their 12 years of exile and 1 year of incognito living, sought to reclaim their kingdom from the Kauravas. What followed is a timeless lesson that entrepreneurs can draw from - the choice between material resources (represented by the army) and the guidance of a mentor (symbolized by Lord Krishna).
As the Pandavas and Kauravas prepared for an inevitable war, they realized the need to secure allies and resources. Duryodhana, driven by ego and ambition, was the first to seek the support of Lord Krishna. However, his approach revealed a critical flaw that many entrepreneurs make when pursuing success.
When Duryodhana arrived in Dwaraka to meet Lord Krishna, he found the divine being resting comfortably on a couch. On either side of the couch were seats, one near the head and the other near the feet. Duryodhana's ego led him to choose the seat near the head of the couch, an elevated position. In contrast, Arjuna, the humble and virtuous Pandava, chose to stand at the feet of Lord Krishna, patiently waiting for His awakening.
Upon waking, Lord Krishna, perceiving Arjuna's presence first, gave him the privilege to state his purpose. Duryodhana, however, protested, claiming he had arrived first and should be heard first. To resolve this, Lord Krishna presented them with a choice that carries profound wisdom for entrepreneurs.
The choice was between two options: on one side, there was the Narayani army, an army of 10,00,000 mighty warriors, ready to fight the war; on the other side, there was Lord Krishna Himself, who pledged not to engage in battle or wield any weapon. Arjuna, given the first choice, astutely chose Lord Krishna as his ally. Duryodhana gladly accepted the powerful Narayani army.
At this juncture, Lord Krishna turned to Arjuna, questioning his decision to choose Him over the formidable army. Arjuna, with deep humility and devotion, explained his choice. His words reveal a profound lesson for entrepreneurs.
The Metaphor of Money and Mentorship:
In the context of entrepreneurship, the Narayani army can be seen as a metaphor for financial resources, while Lord Krishna represents the invaluable mentorship and guidance that a seasoned mentor can provide. The choice faced by Arjuna mirrors the dilemmas many entrepreneurs encounter in their journey to success.
1. The Temptation of Financial Resources: Duryodhana's eagerness to acquire the Narayani army symbolizes the allure of abundant financial resources. Many entrepreneurs, especially those in the startup world, often prioritize securing funding, believing that money alone will ensure victory. They are drawn to the idea that with sufficient capital, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.
2. The Power of Mentorship: Arjuna's choice to have Lord Krishna as his charioteer and guide represents the recognition that the right mentor can be more valuable than money. Entrepreneurs who understand the significance of mentorship acknowledge that a seasoned mentor brings not just knowledge and experience but also wisdom, guidance, and a strategic perspective.
The Moral of the Story for Entrepreneurs:
Arjuna's decision to choose Lord Krishna as his guide carries a powerful message for entrepreneurs:
1. Vision and Strategy: While money is undeniably important for any venture, it is not a substitute for vision and strategy. Arjuna understood that having Lord Krishna's wisdom and guidance would help him navigate the complexities of the battlefield (business world). Similarly, entrepreneurs should prioritize developing a clear vision and a well-thought-out strategy.
2. Learning from Experience: A mentor brings to the table years of experience and insights that money alone cannot provide. Arjuna recognized that Lord Krishna's presence would not only offer strategic direction but also moral and emotional support. Entrepreneurs should seek mentors who can provide guidance based on their own experiences and help navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
3. Long-term Success: The choice made by Arjuna emphasizes the long-term perspective. While a substantial army (funding) might provide temporary advantages, it is the mentor's guidance that can lead to sustainable success. Entrepreneurs should focus on building lasting relationships with mentors who can help them grow and adapt over time.
In conclusion, the tale of Arjuna's choice between the Narayani army and Lord Krishna as his mentor serves as a timeless reminder to entrepreneurs that, ultimately, the right mentor is more valuable than money. Financial resources are essential, but they must be complemented by strategic vision and the guidance of a mentor who can provide direction, wisdom, and unwavering support on the path to success. Just as Lord Krishna guided Arjuna to victory in the Mahabharata, the right mentor can lead entrepreneurs to triumph in the ever-challenging battlefield of entrepreneurship.
Disclaimer: This article uses mythology purely as a metaphor for entrepreneurial lessons, with no religious connotations intended.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, leader, and investor, I am passionate about creating and scaling businesses that solve real-world problems and deliver value to customers and stakeholders. As the CEO and Managing Partner at Billionaire Venture Capital and Group CEO at Orange Holdings Ltd, I am responsible for setting the vision and direction of the company, leading the management team, and strengthening our founder-centric culture as we grow. I also leverage my expertise in technology, finance, and healthcare to identify and support promising startups and entrepreneurs across various domains and geographies. I serve on advisory boards, study industry trends, and partner with strategic allies to foster innovation and growth. My mission is to empower the next generation of leaders and disruptors who can transform the world with their ideas and solutions.