I believe that we learn by practice.

Whether it means to learn to

dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living,
the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a
dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which
comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a
satisfaction of spirit. One becomes, in some area, an athlete of
God. Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face
of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a
means of inviting the perfection desired. Martha Graham

When someone asked a world class cricketer (Sachin Tendulkar)

what his secret was to win so many world tournaments, his
response was a memorable one. He said, the more I practice the
luckier I get.

Pondering over this, one is reminded of the deep significance of

practice, not just in cricket, but in all aspects of life. In fact, it is
interesting to observe that qualities required to practice cricket
are the very same elements needed to practice computer
programming, management or meditation.

Technique:

When cricket professionals provide guidance, they usually give

advice on what type of cricket bat to use, the right posture and
balance

to

maintain

while

taking

shots,

the

aggressive

psychological temperament to maintain at striking end; and they

exhibit the various techniques to execute the perfect shot.

Just as the correct application of these methods determine our

ability to play the sport successfully, so too will the correct
application of the techniques of management helps us to manage
an organization effectively. Right path, right thinking and right
meditation help one in cardinal goal of self-realization. For
learning all these techniques and mastering skills require
guidance of a perfect Master. Thus right technique forms the
foundation of our efforts and goes a long way towards the success
of our endeavor let they be sports, management or meditation.

Concentration:

Every good cricketer knows that he has to focus his mind solely
on the shot he is playing at that single, specific moment. If he
thinks of anything else, the seamless connection between the eye
and brain is severed and the game is lost. Without that intense
level of concentration, it is virtually impossible to execute a good
shot.

In management, concentrating the mind over the problem and

their solutions, withdrawing the attention from the daily chatter,
intense focus over the data provided, can yield optimal strategy
to overcome the problems.

In spirituality, concentrating the mind, withdrawing the attention

from this world and withholding at the eye centre (the seat of
consciousness) is a constant battle for most of us. The mind is so
immersed in sensual pleasures and flooded with thoughts, that it
is extremely difficult to direct it inwards. Like the avid cricketer,
every serious meditator knows that only intensity of focus and
strict confinement of the mind to the present moment can lead to
successful meditation. Every vagrant thought that passes through
the mind through meditation makes concentration impossible.
Only deep, penetrating remembrance can achieve that intensity
of concentration.

Perseverance:

In cricket, through persistent practice one develops rhythm,

coordination and muscle memory. One develops a feel for certain

shots, so that when one is out on the pitch, it becomes natural to

execute the proper shot.

One often hears comments like: what a lucky shot that was, or it
was his lucky day. But luck, as they say, is what is left only after
one has given his hundred percent. The fact is, when we witness
any inspiring performance what we might consider is what we did
not witness the endless hours of practice that led to the
execution of that piece of perfection.

A manager may have to maintain his cool and keep on doing his work in
spite of adverse conditions and constraints. A managers role may
sometimes appears thankless; in particular to those who lay more emphasis
on recognition and the appreciation of others. Indeed, to achieve planned
goals in due time, quality deliverables and under constrained costs require
decisions not always appreciated by all. But manager has to run the show
with continued perseverance.

A project is rarely a long and quiet road. Speed barriers will be numerous
and the crooked passages with hairpin bend also. When things are going
well, it is easy to be optimistic and constructive. But it is when they harden
and do not go as we wish that it is most important for the leader to keep in
mind that his attitude and perseverance is keenly observed and is essential
for the members of the team. He cannot give up, or let go some pessimistic

comments It is his constructive strength that will step by step, milestone

after milestone, help the project team to progress towards satisfactory if not
ideal solutions.

The mystics inspire us when they say practice makes a man perfect.
Despite the obstacles we may encounter in meditation, we simply have to
go on practicing diligently and intelligently, until the entire process
becomes automatic, a habit. Eventually, it will become easier to accomplish,
as mind is a creature of habit. Saints always emphasize in their teachings
that it is only by obediently sitting in meditation that the disciple can
subdue the mind. Even if he rebels, one just has to sit in meditation.
Eventually, meditation itself generates the desire for more meditation. A
focused, controlled and balanced mind helps us in becoming a better
manager, professional and human being.

At the end of the day, there is no substitute for plain vanilla practice.
Practice, when done with discipline and dedication, eventually leads to
mastery in any endeavor. The only difference is that in a worldly endeavor,
practice leads to perfection. But in meditation, practice is the means to
realize the perfection that already exists in us our soul, a drop of the
Perfect One. And when we give Him one hundred percent of our effort from
the bottom of our hearts, then his loving grace makes our practice perfect.