[Master's Teachings]When we wish to do something for the greater good, we will need to bring together many people. Works of such a kind require the efforts of many; one person's strength is very limited. To be a leader who can bring everyone together and lead them in accomplishing the goal, we will need to have a vast heart and a pure mind.
Having a vast heart means to have a very open heart that can embrace all kinds of people. This is essential because every person has his or her flaws, shortcomings, and imperfections. The key lies in learning to look at the good in people. If we can do that, we will find ourselves naturally capable of broad-heartedness and understanding.
At the same time, we also need to have a mind of purity. When our minds are pure, our hearts will be loving. Toward those who share our cause and help us to fulfill it, we will feel sincere gratitude. A leader cannot be lacking in gratitude; otherwise, who would be willing to work for us and help us achieve our goals?
A vast heart and a mind of purity—these are the essentials for a leader.
Teachings from Dharma Master Cheng Yen
Compiled into English by Shih De Lin*
* Shih De Lin is a monastic disciple of Dharma Master Cheng Yen who attends Dharma Master Cheng Yen's daily meetings (conducted in Chinese and Taiwanese) and writes and compiles in English the teachings heard firsthand.
