The Political Leader in Democratic System According to Buddhism

Abstract

             The purpose of this research were: 1) to Analyze the general conditions of political leaders in a democratic regime according to Buddhist principles, 2) to analyze factors that help in promoting political leaders in a democracy according to Buddhist principles, and 3) to create a body of knowledge about political leaders in a democratic system following Buddhist principles. This research is qualitative research by collecting document data In-depth interviews with 25 persons and a group discussion stage from 10 persons. Research tools include interview and from data analysis using descriptive methods.
             The research results found that:
             1. The general condition of political leaders in a democratic regime according to Buddhism should have the following characteristics: 1) Self-management, namely physical, verbal, and mental (thought) such as having good human relations, being patient, alert, active, sacrificing, calm, not arrogant, not abusing one's power, using constructive speech, being fair, honest, free from bias, being loyal to the organization, and having a broad vision. 2) People management, namely allocating people appropriately to their knowledge and abilities through the process of recruiting and selecting personnel, assigning personnel to work, maintaining personnel, developing personnel, and evaluating work performance. 3) Work administration, managing efficiency through work performance with speed, accuracy, knowledge, experience, and creativity.
             2. Factors that help promote political leaders in a democracy According to the Buddhist guidelines, 1) Papanikkadhamma principles (self-management), including having vision, having skills in work and having communication skills. 2) The 4 principles of Sangha Vatthu (managing people), including sacrifice for the public, use of speech in a creative way, sincerely volunteering to help others and neutrality 3) The 4 principles of Iddhipada (Administration) including love for work, perseverance determination, concentration focus and responsibility and having wisdom and reason.
             3. The knowledge gained from the research is called the SPA Model, which consists of S (Self Management), P (People Management), and A (Administration).