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The
Buddha’s Guide to Peace and Happiness
6.
Qualities for Success Qualities
of successful individuals Wise
and virtuous, Energetic
and not lazy, Approachable
and friendly, ------------------------------ Qualities regarding the
character of an individual come first and morality is the foundation on
which everything else rests upon. Thus
one has to be wise and virtuous to have true and long-lasting success. This means that one must not only be able to distinguish
right from wrong, but to actually do what is right and avoid what is
wrong. One should also be
gentle and not harsh, not hurt others with words, and be humble and
agreeable. Next, come the essential
qualities required for a successful working life.
In earning a living or in business, no other quality can replace
the readiness for hard work. Remaining
steadfast despite trouble or problems, and maintaining one's integrity in times
of difficulties are also vital elements.
Being polite and well-mannered and
keen to improve by learning new skills or methods are the other
necessary qualities for success in business or at work. Finally, the individual
should be open and friendly, and not aloof or proud.
He or she should speak kindly, lead by good example, and be willing
to share knowledge and experience with others.
To lead others along the same path of accomplishment will bring
complete and absolute success to any individual. ------------------------------ Qualities
of successful leaders Generosity,
pleasant speech, These
four winning ways hold the world together, The
wise reflect rightly on these four winning ways. ------------------------------ For any society to be
successful, it needs to have leaders with positive qualities.
These leaders, whether in government or business, should be generous
by nature and free from excessive greed.
If not, they may succumb to corruption, embezzle the community’s
resources and steal from the public or from their own companies.
Corruption, if unchecked, will definitely lead to the downward
spiral of any society and eventually result in great hardship for the
entire community. Good leaders must be
unselfish, compassionate and willing to use the community’s wealth and
resources to help the needy and assist the underprivileged to improve
themselves. In this way,
society will develop and progress to higher levels. Leaders must be skilful
in their use of speech and certainly not demean or humiliate anyone as
this will breed hatred, resentment and disharmony.
Leaders must never abuse their positions, and must observe the rule
of law in all circumstances. Finally,
they must emphasize fairness and equality for all, regardless of wealth,
religion, race or status. In short, leaders in
society should be generous, pleasant, helpful and impartial, with a desire
to see everyone enjoy happiness and prosperity.
These qualities hold society together, without which, it will
deteriorate and decline. If
they do not have any of these qualities, society’s leaders will not have
the respect of the younger generation. Leaders who realize the
importance of these qualities and practice them, will thus attain
greatness, fame and praise, for they lead their society to stability,
prosperity and success.
An Approach to
Buddhist Social Philosophy
– Ven. P. Gnanarama
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