66Leadership

Lessons

From From BuddhBuddh

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The Buddha has often been described as one of thegreatest leaders of all time. But just what characterizes a good leader? What are theduties and qualities of good

leadership? And what can welearn from the Buddha as a leader that we can apply

to our chaotic world?

Like the captain of a ship, a leader must have a definite goal; only then can he chart his course and steer his ship in the right direction. Having given up his royal rights, wealth and family, Prince Siddhartha had one goal - to find the cause of suffering and a way out of suffering. Despite much hardship and setback, he never veered from his course but persevered till he gained Enlightenment. 

Lesson # 1 : The Leader as Visionary

He made it his mission to lead all sentient beings out of the samsaric cycle of suffering.It is this vision which defined his forty-five years of teaching and shaped his role as

leader of an order (sangha) and a following that is still growing strong today.

Guided by this vision, the Buddha's mission was an all-embracing one. It is a missionfounded on compassion and love for all sentient beings, regardless of race, creed or

status quo. Addressing his first group of disciples, the Buddha instructed them to go forth and spread the teachings for the good and happiness of the many.

A leader must be an exemplary figure, someone we can respect and emulate. The Buddha,having purified himself through many lifetimes, embodied all the Perfections (paramita). Hewas extraordinary, virtuous and righteous in every thought, word and deed. He says as he does and does as he says. Such integrity and consistency won him the trust of his followers.

Lesson # 2 : The Leader as Role Model

As a leader, the Buddha led by example. His simple and humble lifestyle is a reflection

of his teachings. In his daily routine, the Buddha wasted no time on idleness and frivolity. For forty-five years, he devoted his time and effort for the good

of others, starting his day before dawn and working till midnight. 

Compare this with many world leaders who live in the laps of luxury while half of

the world's population sufferfrom poverty and hunger, andwe can understand why many

people lament the lack of good

leaders in our times. In his advice to the rulers of his

time, the Buddha emphasizedthe importance of leadership

according to the Dharma. 

As a leader, the Buddha demonstrated both skills in mediation and impartiality in judgment.In the Ummagga Jataka, as Prince Mahausadha, the Bodhisattva (the Buddha in a previousbirth) showed his ability to resolve problems and arguments. As advisor to the King, he displayed wit and intelligence in the protection of his people.

Lesson # 3 : The Leader as Mediator

The Buddha displayed his skills at resolving conflicts between opposing parties on severaloccasions. Once a dispute broke out between the Sakyans and the Koliyas. Unable to arrive

at an agreement over the distribution of the waters of the river Rohini, the two parties were on the verge of war. The Buddha settled the dispute by asking:"What do you

consider as more valuable - water or human lives?"

The Buddha was a great human resource manager. With an acute knowledge of human beings,he knew the strengths and weaknesses of those around him. He delegated duties to his followersin accordance with their abilities and temperament. In addition, he showed his appreciation byconferring upon them due respect and recognition.

Lesson # 4 : The Leader as Manager

1. those lustful and passionate2. those with hatred and anger3. those with delusion4. those with faith and confidence5. those with wisdom and intelligence6. those with hesitation and doubt

Based on their dominant traits, the Buddha categorized people into six groups:

Another aspect in which the Buddha exercised his role as a protector is in teachingsof the Buddha was open to all, in the Buddha's four-fold party of monks, nuns, lay men and lay women followers, admission was not so liberal.

Lesson # 5 : The Leader as Protector

It is necessary not for Buddha’s personal interests but to protect

the Buddhist community from corruptive and evil forces and to

ensure its long-term survival. The Buddha also set out criteria and rules and regulations, especially

the vinaya code, to protect the well-being and order of his community.

Lesson # 6 : The Leader Shows the WayDuring his 45 years of missionary work, many followers became enlightened after listening to histeachings. 2500 years later, the Buddha continues to inspire millions of people around the worldto follow his path. This, above all else, is the most important role of the Buddha as a leader – onewho is able to inspire others to develop their full potential and gain the ultimate goal of Nirvana.

“Behold, O monks, this is my last advice toyou. All component things in the world are

changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation.”

Thank You Very MuchThank You Very MuchSompong YusoontornSompong Yusoontorn