Five Things Rama Doesn't Have To Consider When Interviewing Candidates

“O Lakshmana, do you rule this earth with Me. You are like My second self, so this glorious opportunity has been presented to you as well. O Saumitra, do you enjoy all the pleasures you desire and the fruits of the regal life. My life and this kingdom I covet for your sake alone.” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 4.43-44)

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लक्ष्मणेमां मया सार्धं प्रशाधि त्वं वसुन्धराम्।
द्वितीयं मेऽन्तरात्मानं त्वामियं श्रीरुपस्थिता।।
सौमित्रे भुङ्क्ष्व भोगांत्स्वमिष्टान्राज्यफलानि च।
जीवितं च हि राज्यं च त्वदर्थमभिकामये।।

lakṣmaṇemāṃ mayā sārdhaṃ praśādhi tvaṃ vasundharām।
dvitīyaṃ me’ntarātmānaṃ tvāmiyaṃ śrīrupasthitā।।
saumitre bhuṅkṣva bhogāṃtsvamiṣṭānrājyaphalāni ca।
jīvitaṃ ca hi rājyaṃ ca tvadarthamabhikāmaye।।

1. Their work history

This could be a relevant factor in the decision-making process, based on the position being filled. For an intern or junior, as long as they are in college or show some eagerness to learn, there is no reason to delve deeply into the past. There will be plenty of on-the-job training. The responsibilities minimize the risk in potential damage that can be done.

For a job requiring an established presence in a particular field, the history of work is important. The candidate must demonstrate that they have sufficient experience. This helps to calm the nerves of the employer. The hiring manager will know that the new employee is battle-tested, that the daily issues inside of an office environment will not cause a total meltdown.

2. Their stability

This factor could be a component of the work history. Does the candidate jump ship too often? Do they get bored at a job and then suddenly leave? That might be okay for some places, but if you are looking for an established veteran to settle in for the long haul, the past might be incompatible with what is necessary for the future.

3. Their ability

This seems so obvious that it is hardly worth mentioning. The candidate should be capable at the job they are applying for. They should have sufficient ability to handle the tasks they will receive going forward. Perhaps in some areas they lack experience, but they should demonstrate that they can learn new things quickly, that the overall package of skills they bring to the table will be enough.

4. Their age

Discriminating by age is against the law in most places, but no legislation can suppress human behavior and tendencies. If I have an office full of young people, it might not be a good fit for an established veteran to be placed in the middle. The same goes the other way, as a young person might feel out of place in an office with people old enough to have grandchildren.

As an example, in the United States of America, the President specifically considers age when filling court vacancies. For something like the Supreme Court, the appointment is for life. If you can get a good justice in there who also happens to be young, they will have a longer positive impact than if you were to choose an older person.

5. Their demeanor

Personality. Will this candidate be a good fit in the office? Will they maintain the company’s culture, that has been carefully built and maintained over one hundred years? Do they refrain from making inappropriate jokes in common conversation? Do they respect authority? Do they dress neatly and not emit foul odors?

…

An interesting juxtaposition is to study how the Supreme Personality of Godhead would handle a similar situation. If He were hiring for a job, what qualifications would He seek? What types of resumes would stand out within a pile sitting on His desk? What would He most value in a candidate?

The Vedas offer assistance in this area in many ways. For starters, they explain that God, the Divine Being, is indeed a person. The Sanskrit word is purusha. God happens to be the original person, adi-purusha. He possesses features which are like opulences; hence He can be addressed as Bhagavan.

We know that He has the potential to enlist others to help Him based on His many associates. They are always by His side; when He appears on earth as an avatara, they simultaneously arrive to offer assistance.

The key distinguishing feature is that Bhagavan does not need help from anyone. He is atmarama, or self-satisfied. In the plainest terms, there is nothing you or I could ever do for Him. He is never dependent on us for satisfaction or the completion of tasks.

Yet He is kind enough to maintain associates. When keeping close company, He has no need to study ability, work history, or any of the other attributes mentioned above. This is because someone without any qualifications can still turn out to be the best servant.

Love, affection, sincerity – in general, devotion is the sole qualification. Rama loves someone like Lakshmana so much that when He receives the honor of becoming the next king of Ayodhya, He wants to share it. Rama does not want Lakshmana to feel passed over. Lakshmana is one of three younger brothers to Rama, sons to King Dasharatha.

Lakshmana is full of ability. He could handle the job without issue. He is Rama’s number one protector. Later in the Ramayana story we see Rama form an alliance with the Vanara-king named Sugriva. At the time Sugriva had little to offer; he was homeless and bereft of his kingdom.

The bird named Jatayu died while valiantly trying to protect Rama’s wife, Sita Devi. His efforts failed, but the bravery turned out to be a blessing. The bird was conscious of Bhagavan while quitting the body, which as a reward of living is priceless.

All of this means that despite my lack of qualifications, my poor history of attendance at spiritual functions, my short attention span, my constantly wandering mind, and my inability to properly express what Bhagavan means to me, I still have every opportunity to enlist in bhakti-yoga, to be a member of the transcendental army serving the one who requires no support. If my devotion is pure, my success is assured.

In Closing:

If the devotion is pure,
Success is assured.

Not any ability mandating,
Shri Rama sincerity appreciating.

Since nothing to Him can give,
Because as atmarama to live.

But still associates to keep,
Who at service chance to leap.