CHARACTER OF LEADERSHIP IN BUDDHISM AND ROMAN CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY

Abstract

Buddhism is of the view that the character of leadership is the leader who can enable others to move or act in the direction which the leader has set its goal, consisting of two characteristics: 1) internal characteristic: virtue, ethics, system of thought and capability of using wisdom for problem-solution or using wisdom to develop and create the good thing for oneself and society, 2) external characteristic: the perfected character that would be able to influence other, for example, good looking, well speech, good voice, good presenting etc., one who has the character of leadership adhering in dhamma for ruling is called ‘the Righteous King,’ and the leader who is appreciated to be the leader is called  ‘the Divine King.’ Dhamma of the leader has been divided into five groups: 1) dhamma for self-governing, i.e., mindfulness and apprehension, five precepts and five ennobling virtues, qualities of a good man, moral shame, and moral dread, 2) dhamma for governing other, i.e., four sublime states of mind, principles of service and social integration, six intrinsic natures, three prejudices, and 3) dhama for governing work, i.e., critical reflection, Paths of Accomplishment, and tenfold virtues of the ruler.

            Roman Catholic Christianity is the religion of love; it is of the view that the character of leadership means the leader who was appointed by receiving blessing or anointing from God, and also means one who wishes to govern and take care of the needy as the one who serves others, who has the character suitable for being man of God in order to do duties for taking care of the home of God by having Jesus Christ as the center of life, who has the spiritual service, and who has the character in accordance with the will of God. The principle of the leadership has been divided into three groups: 1) principle for self-governing, i.e., trinity, Communion, ten commandments, abandoning of evil, kingdom of God, 2) principle for governing other, i.e., love, and helping others, and 3) principle for governing work, i.e., balance, deliberation, justice, courage, and bearing with anger.