Emotional And Social Intelligence In The Bhagavad Gita: A Study On Leadership And Inner Resilience

Abstract

This study explores how Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita align with modern constructs of Emotional and Social Intelligence (ESI) and contribute to resilient and ethical leadership. Using a mixed-methods approach, thematic analysis of selected verses (e.g., 2.38, 6.32, 6.35, 17.15, 18.63) was conducted alongside an empirical survey of 20 professionals in India. Quantitative results revealed moderately high Emotional Intelligence (M = 4.82, SD = 0.61) and resilience levels (M = 28.6, SD = 4.3), both of which correlated significantly with leadership effectiveness (M = 3.72, SD = 0.54). Regression analysis showed that EI (β = .42, p < .05) and resilience (β = .35, p < .05) together explained 41% of the variance in leadership outcomes (R² = .41). These findings confirm that Krishna’s counsel on samatva (equanimity), abhyāsa vairāgya (discipline and detachment), and lokasaṅgraha (social harmony) provides a culturally grounded framework for leadership development, fostering both inner resilience and collective welfare.