Copied from earlier writings elsewhere
Originally published 4 Apr 2005
The following is from a book by Walpola Rahula called What the Buddha Taught
(New York: Grove Press, 1959, p. 84). In the actual passage, this text
is cited from what is known as the Jataka text and describes the
teaching of the Buddha (6th c. BC) on proper governance by rulers.
It
is a hopeful sign that one ruler in history, Asoka, Buddhist emperor of
India in the 3rd c. BC, applied this teaching during his reign after
publicly repenting at least one of his early conquests (Kalinga) and
then renouncing war itself for the remainder of his reign, which
apparently continued in peace and prosperity for many years, as did
neighboring kingdoms.
The Ten Duties of The King:
- "The first of the 'Ten Duties of the King' is liberality, generosity, charity.
The ruler should not have craving and attachment to wealth and
property, but should give it away for the welfare of the people.
- "Second: A high moral character.
He should never destroy life, cheat, steal and exploit others, commit
adultery, utter falsehood, and take intoxicating drinks...
- "Third: Sacrificing everything for the good of the people, he must be prepared to give up all personal comfort, name and fame, and even his life, in the interest of the people.
- "Fourth: Honesty and integrity.
He must be free from fear of favor in the discharge of his duties, must
be sincere in his intentions, and must not deceive the public.
- "Fifth: Kindness and gentleness. He must possess a genial temperament.
- "Sixth: Austerity in habits. He must lead a simple life, and should not indulge in a life of luxury. He must have self-control.
- "Seventh: Freedom from hatred, ill-will, enmity. He should bear no grudge against anybody.
- "Eighth: Non-violence,
which means not only that he should harm nobody, but also that he
should try to promote peace by avoiding and preventing war, and
everything which involves violence and destruction of life.
- "Ninth: Patience, forbearance, tolerance, understanding. He must be able to bear hardships, difficulties, and insults without losing his temper.
- "Tenth: Non-opposition, non-obstruction, that is to say that he should not oppose the will of the people, should not obstruct any measures that are conducive to the welfare of the people. In other words, he should rule in harmony with his people."
* * * *
These are wonderfully profound descriptions of the real nobility of a ruler. Clearly, such a monarch is truly the servant of his people. Jesus' exhortation that the first shall be last says this as well. Leadership of this kind would be ennobling of even the most base among us.
Sadly, I can't think of a politician in my lifetime that qualifies on even one or two of these duties to the people.
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