Introspectus a spiritual quest and documentary through the Himalayas

A key issue in Introspectus documentary shooting was to explore spirituality in the Himalayas. We often look at the word spirituality as a religious thing. And indeed, it is mostly used in that context. That is why, from day 1 of our journey in India with Dharamsala Buddhist monks, to Rishikesh and Badrinath holy cities for Hindu pilgrims, up to Deradhun Muslims our spiritual introspection was closely connected with religions.

On the way, when people were discussing religious spirituality, we were trying to explore spiritual elements which can be generalized to a day-to-day usage. What we learned is that spirituality is not an academic study. That it should be developed like Buddhist monks with the purpose of experiencing it. Rather a way of life not a series of religious mystical isolated experiences. Some people associated spirituality with a search to identify the world of meaning or meaning-making in order to influences other aspects of their lives. That it is important to understand what motivates us or what nourishes us in order to give us an insight of how to cultivate our force of motivation. That it can be seen as the life force that moves us and makes humans different from statues and robots.

After India, our adventure brought us, to Nepal, in the heights remote areas of Dolpo to encounter various animist ethnicities whose outlook on life is intricately linked to nature and the spirit. Further on, during the process of analyzing Himalayan spiritual inner world, we were asking western people to look at their innermost spiritual evolution during their tough trek and to think about the link between spirituality and the rational, scientific and materialist world we are living in.

People were trying to explain the values and attitudes that drive their behavior. Understanding the core values that reflect our moral principles is part of our spiritual development and act as guidelines for our decisions. Those core values greatly determine what a person considers to be good or bad. Those values make up the foundation for moral principles that collectively form an organization ethical system. Walking with heavy bags in the mountains and making a survey about of the values and principles of good behavior, of what is life in terms of happiness and trying to understand how a person can experience spirituality was not an easy work to do. With more than 200 interviews, of people coming from all over the world, I discovered the existence of many different collective and individual spiritual practices useful for me and for the development of my management skills.

Indeed, some people are saying business managers who are searching to improve their leadership may use spiritual practices used by religions leaders. In fact, understanding the practices or activities of spiritual development helps to discover one’s personal insights, to find meaning, purpose, and a path in our life. The purpose of spiritual leadership, is to continually transcending one’s self and to develop a greater connectedness to others through building relationships within the company.

As an example, one of the greatest challenges facing companies today is the need to develop new business models that accentuate ethical leadership, employee well being, sustainably and social responsibility without sacrificing profitability, revenue growth, and other indicators of financial performance.

Finally, I would like to say that a spiritual leader acts for the purpose of the work itself and not for the personal gain of benefits. That he should look out for the welfare of others in such a way that task is completed and the teamwork is unified throught all the process. That he should transend self interest trough a paradoxical mix of humility and professional will. It involves motivating and inspiring workers through a transcendent vision and a corporate culture based on altruistic values to produce a highly motivated, committed and productive workforce.