Handling Power Skillfully

When something upsets you, you are tempted to use the little power that is available to you as a parent, teacher, or leader to change the situation. This is exactly the moment to stop and contemplate. Practicing mindfulness and looking deeply into the nature of the situation helps us respond with wisdom and compassion.

If you cultivate the five powers mentioned earlier—faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, and insight—you naturally acquire another source of power: the power of leadership. True leadership is rooted in three essential virtues: the virtue of cutting off, the virtue of loving, and the virtue of insight.

The Virtue of Cutting Off

Cutting off means letting go of anger, craving, and ignorance. Without self-mastery, power can lead to suffering. A true leader practices self-awareness and restraint.

The Virtue of Loving

Leadership is not about control; it is about care. A compassionate leader gains respect not through authority but through kindness and understanding.

The Virtue of Insight

Knowledge alone is not enough. Insight, born from mindfulness and deep reflection, allows a leader to see the true nature of things and guide others with wisdom.

Spiritual vs. Material Power

Political and financial power are often sought after, but they alone do not bring happiness. The Buddha himself renounced material power in pursuit of spiritual strength, realizing that true power lies in faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, and insight.

Using Power Wisely

Money and fame are not inherently bad; it is how we use them that matters. With wisdom and mindfulness, we can turn them into tools for good, reducing suffering and increasing happiness.

Audio Version

Take a moment to reflect on these ideas and practice mindfulness in your daily leadership. True power comes from within.

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