Bridging ancient wisdom and modern practice: applying subhāṣitāni for ethical decision-making in action learning frameworks

Ethical decision-making in contemporary professional environments necessitates an integrative approach that reconciles traditional wisdom with modern experiential methodologies. Among traditional sources, Subhāṣitāni, a corpus of Sanskrit aphorisms, encapsulates foundational ethical principles including integrity, duty (dharma), accountability, and humility. This study proposes the critical integration of Subhāṣitāni into Action Learning frameworks, thereby advancing ethical reasoning, reflexivity, and collaborative problem-solving across domains such as corporate governance, education, leadership, and scientific inquiry. Building on Reg Revans’ model of Action Learning as a praxis of reflection and action, this paper argues that Subhāṣitāni provides a culturally grounded yet universally resonant foundation for values-oriented decision-making. At the same time, the inquiry addresses inherent challenges, including contextual adaptation, ethical relativism in group deliberations, and potential risks of semantic misinterpretation. It contends that effective facilitation remains indispensable for preserving ethical coherence within Action Learning practices. Ultimately, this research contributes to the evolving literature on ethical leadership and interdisciplinary education by demonstrating how critically adapted ancient wisdom can substantively enrich ethical pluralism, foster intercultural dialogue, and promote sustainable, principled leadership.