Why MBA students should meditate

This essay argues for the introduction of Buddhist mindfulness meditation practice in MBA education for the purposes of expanding the exploration of solutions to environmental problems. Meditation is already taught in many business schools, primarily for the purposes of stress reduction, leadership development and creativity. There are voluntary workshops and meditation programs available to business students at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, INSEAD and many other top MBA programs. Stress reduction is one positive side effect of a relaxed mind, but it is not the goal of meditation. Relaxation of the mind is an essential step in developing the concentration that can yield insight and wisdom. The ability to hold the mind still can reduce the anxiety that comes from a preoccupation with to-do lists, distractions, and busy-ness. But while learning to relax is valuable, it is merely the tip of the transformative potential of meditation.