The Ten Duties of the
King" (dasa-raja-dhamma):
The basic framework of Buddhist ethics
for rulers is set out in the "Ten Duties of the King" (dasa-raja-dhamma):
1. Dana --
liberality, generosity, charity. The
ruler should not have craving and attachment for wealth and property, but
should give it away for the welfare of the people.
2. Sila -- a high and moral character. He should never destroy life, cheat, steal
and exploit others, commit adultery, utter falsehood, or take intoxicating
drinks.
3. Pariccaga -- sacrificing everything for the good of
the people. He must be prepared to give up
all personal comfort, name and fame, and even his life, in the interest of the
people.
4. Ajjava -- honesty and integrity. He must be free from fear and favour in the discharge of his duties, must be sincere in
his intentions, and must not deceive the public.
5. Maddava -- kindness and gentleness. He must possess a genial temperament.
6. Tapa -- austerity of habits. He must lead a simple life, and should not
indulge in a life of luxury. He must
have self-control.
7. Akkodha --
freedom from envy, ill-will, enmity. He
should bear no grudge against anybody.
8. Avihimsa --
non-violence, which means not only that he should harm nobody, but that he
should try to promote peace by avoiding and preventing war, and everything
which involves violence and destruction of life.
9. Khanti -- patience, forbearance, tolerance,
understanding. He must be able to bear
hardships, difficulties and insults without losing his temper.
10. Avirodha -- non-opposition, non-obstruction, that is
to say that he should not oppose the will of the people, should not obstruct
any measures that are conducive to the welfare of the people. In other words he
should rule in harmony with his people[1].