[Ten Royal Qualities]               [Economic teachings of the Buddha]

[Buddhist Theories on Governance] (Sinhala)

The Ten Royal Qualities (Dasa Raja Dharma) - By Mithra Wettimuny

First, let me explain to you why the term 'royal' has been used to denote these qualities. There are two reasons for it. First and foremost it is to emphasise the exalted nature, or the greatness of the qualities. Secondly, it is because these qualities are most relevant and necessary for the exercise of leadership.

Proximate and Root causes
Now in our process of learning through numerous educational institutions, professional institutions and through on-the-job training process we come to acquire certain perceptions and certain skills about leadership and the attainment of objectives. Such learning has its relevance, but it also has its limitation. Being learned is a necessary condition for the fulfilment of objectives for a leader. However, learning is only a proximate cause for the realisation of those objectives. Often we find, in spite of much learning, much training and much effort that results don't match our anticipation. Sometimes the results end up in disaster. This is because whilst great effort and concentration has gone towards the fulfilment of those necessary proximate causes, insufficient attention has been paid to the fulfilment of certain essential root causes.

Learning is a necessary cause, a necessary condition. However, there are certain other essential conditions at root level which must be established, developed and made much of, for the realisation of wholesome aspirations, of wholesome objectives. A leader must acquire, develop and make much of such root conditions. These ten royal qualities of leadership, go to make up, those root conditions. It is the foundation on which he builds up his path. If the foundation is weak, needless to say the results, will not be in accordance with one's anticipations. If however, the foundation is strong, the root causes are well established, those necessary proximate causes also will fall into place with effortless ease and most of all the results of one's effort will be in accordance with one's anticipations. Through that process one can be content that not only has one achieved one's own objectives but it has also been for one's own welfare and most of all for the welfare of others too, because welfare of others must always be foremost in the mind of a leader.

Now I'll briefly outline to you what these ten royal qualities are and thereafter show you how they get developed. There are ten such qualities.

The way to develop the ten Royal Qualities

The Hall marks of a great Leader