Adherence to Truth, control of the senses, equanimity (Shanti), forbearance and compassion are like five life-breaths for man. If these five life-sustaining qualities are to sanctify man’s life, it is essential to maintain purity in thought, word and deed (Trikaransuddhi). In addition, one aspiring to be a leader has to possess three types of knowledge: First; self-knowledge (that is, knowledge of his strengths and weaknesses). Two; knowledge relating to his field of work. Three; knowledge of the social environment. A good leader has to possess what may be called individual (or personal) character and national character. Only such persons can become ideal leaders. Giving up selfish interests, eschewing totally ideas of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’, the true leader should be dedicated to the welfare of all and uphold the reputation of his country. On all occasions he should march in front rather than issue orders from the rear. He should set the example by his actions. The world needs today leaders who will be guides in action.
Only the person who practises Satya,Dharma,Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa (Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-Violence), experiences joy there from and shares that joy with others, can be called a leader. In addition to these qualities, a good leader should be selfless and be imbued with the spirit of sacrifice (Tyaga). He should have only the people’s welfare at heart and seek to win their approbation by his service. He must be prepared even to make the supreme sacrifice for the sake of the people. A leader is one who gives up all ideas of possessiveness, strives only for the well-being of society and holds himself forth as an ideal human being. (SBML, p. Foreword)
A Leader is one with a national as well as an individual character. Character is constituted by the three P’s – Purity, Patience and Perseverance. (M, p. 237)
You may go to villages, serve the needy and undertake various rural development programmes. By doing so, you are not doing any great service. In fact, all this is your duty. You are born to serve. So, spend your life in serving others. Do not crave for power and position. One who is not a Sevaka (humble worker) cannot become a Nayaka (leader). In fact, a true Sevaka alone is a true Nayaka. (DD on 21.11.1999, p. 4)
I want you to be leaders to protect the world. Leaders like lions - self-reliant, courageous majestic and just. Lion is the King of animals and I want you to be king among men. (SAY, November 1999, p. 3)
When the leaders are good and competent, the whole world will run smoothly. Unfortunately, today, the world has come to this sad state due to lack of proper leadership. There should be good leaders in all fields – Education, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, etc. But, nowadays you rarely find good leaders in any field. Wherever you see, every human endeavour is polluted with the craze for money. Everything is business. However, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation have no such problems. Everything is free in our organisations. Education from 1st standard to the Ph.D. level is totally free. Same is the case with our Hospitals. Our General Hospitals and Super Speciality Hospitals are providing medical services totally free of cost. The hospitals outside charge three to four lakhs of rupees for performing a heart operation. How can the poor people mobilise such a huge amount? It is beyond their means. The medical services including the specialist services are totally free in our hospitals. The poor people come to our Hospitals for treatment, having not even a rupee in their pockets and return to their places completely cured of their diseases. We should render all services free of cost. I wish that all our Seva dal and college students should render free service. Then only they will be able to attain Swami’s grace. A word of caution - you may forget anything, but you should never forget chanting the divine name. ( DD on 09-08-2006, pp. 6-7)
You should all become great leaders. Today the country is passing through critical situation. People are very much concerned as to who should become their leaders. Therefore, you should become good leaders, go to the masses, provide necessary encouragement to them and set right the society. You are all aware that many evils have crept into our society. Many educationists have been saying that they will work for the welfare of society, but none of them has done anything. Society can be set right only by those who faith in God. Sacred teachings should imparted to the students and they should be encouraged to take part in the service of society. Only then can there be peace in the world. It is not enough if you merely pray, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all beings of all the worlds ne happy!) You should serve the world. Serve all. Bangaru (nuggets of Gold)! Considering yourself as the servant of all, you should develop the spirit of selfless service.
The present day leaders come and go. Once they become leaders, they forget their duties. These leaders may become MLAs today, MLCs tomorrow and ministers thereafter. But they all come and go. None of them is stable in his position. You should not become like that. Only those who have self-confidence can become real leaders. Therefore, you should develop self-confidence and serve society. You should develop compassion towards the poor people and try to protect them. Offer food and clothes to them to show them the right path. You need not do what is beyond your capacity. Whatever little you can afford to do, do it in such a way that it gives Maximum results. (SSS Vol.42, pp. 38-39)