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3.2 Basic Principles of Leadership from the Buddha’s teaching

Most people spend their lives happily and freely without any rules and

principles which can guide them to walk on the right path. That is why, only a few
people can become skillful people, great men and admired leaders, because only a few

people set themselves under the guidance with good principles that senior leaders

research theoretically and practically. Five precepts are the source or the rules of
conduct for Buddhist lay people to practice in an ethical way to be good followers. 227

rules of monk in vinaya is the clothes, uniform, and the life of a monk to keep observed
not only to attain enlightenment but also to be a good leader of society and religion.

Because, the king is the leader of the country, parents are leaders of the family and

monk (sangha) is the leader of the Buddhist followers. Therefore, no matter if one is a
leader of a mini or large society, must practice or comply with the rules of leadership

morally. Even if one is living alone, he is the leader of himself.

3.2.1 Saṅgaha Vatthu: The Four principles of social integration

Beside the tenfold virtues of the ruler, there are four principles of social

integration which persuade and organize people proficiently and successfully. If anyone

complies with these four principles effectively in home or family, group and community
one will become successful. Most people ignore the important principle which

surrounds them and easy to practice. There are so many problems in our home and
organization when there is no peace and happiness in their mind, because no matter

how the economy grows in that home and country. Therefore, for the benefit of social
peace and happiness, people should cultivate more the essential moral tools which are

already dormant in their mind unconsciously. The Four principles of social integration

are as follow: 103

1) Dāna is meant for charity, giving, distribution which is the same as the

first law of tenfold virtue of the ruler. There is some misunderstanding about Dāna in
our culture, because most general Buddhist lay people believe that the only way to do

Dāna is by giving or offering something to the sangha such as food. In this matter, they

103 A. II. 32; Sayadaw U Dhammpiya, Buddhist Ethics in Daily Life, (Kuala
Lumpur: Selangor Buddhist Vipassanā Meditation Society, 1999), p. 71.