6

Leadership
Lessons

From
Buddh

The Buddha has often

been described as one of
the
greatest leaders of all
time.
But just what
characterizes
a good leader? What are
the
duties and qualities of
good
leadership? And what can
we
learn from the Buddha as
a leader that we can apply
to our chaotic world?

Lesson # 1 : The Leader as Visionary

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.

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 mission founded 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.

Lesson # 2 : The Leader as Role Model

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). He was 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.

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
suffer
from poverty and
hunger, and
we 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
emphasized

Lesson # 3 : The Leader as Mediator

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 previous birth) showed his ability to resolve problems
and arguments. As advisor to the King, he displayed wit and
intelligence in the protection of his people.

The Buddha displayed his skills at resolving conflicts between

opposing parties on several occasions. 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?"

Lesson # 4 : The Leader as Manager

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
followers in accordance with their abilities and temperament.
In addition, he showed his appreciation by conferring upon
them due respect and recognition.

Based on their dominant traits, the Buddha categorized people

into
six groups:
1. those
lustful and passionate

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

those
those
those
those
those

with
with
with
with
with

hatred and anger

delusion
faith and confidence
wisdom and intelligence
hesitation and doubt

Lesson # 5 : The Leader as Protector

Another aspect in which the Buddha exercised his
role as a protector is in teachings of 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.

It is necessary
not for Buddhas
personal
interests but to
protect
the
Buddhist
community from
corruptive
and
evil forces and to
ensure its longterm
survival.
The Buddha also
set out criteria
and
rules
and

Lesson # 6 : The Leader Shows the Way

During his 45 years of missionary work, many followers
became enlightened after listening to his teachings. 2500
years later, the Buddha continues to inspire millions of people
around the world to follow his path. This, above all else, is
the most important role of the Buddha as a leader one who
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 to you. All
component things in the
world are changeable. They
are not lasting. Work hard to
gain your own salvation.

Thank You Very Much