The graded recitation led to more conversation and reflection on leadership

'Quamplurimi et quam aptissimi" (As many as possible of the very best)

Yesterday, we had a graded recitation.  The list of articles to be read and discussed by the Leaders were previously sent and they were archived systematically for easy location.

Some of the important points that came out:

1.   On Heneral Luna:

    1. He could have done better were it not for the fact that he looked too harsh.  He could have been the great general who would have saved our country;  His inability to connect and engage with his people led to his untimely demise.  He could have balanced his use of power and empathy/compassion. Thus iron fist and velvet gloves approach.  Himas tadyak ika nga ng matatanda.

   2.  While he had character (discipline) and competence (scientist, writer, soldier, general) he forgot one aspect of power  -  legality, that of being with the blessing in the organization.   We should bear in mind that the President and his cabinet made sure they were in power (first with the rigged election) the elimination of adversary like Bonifacio

Both Socrates and Buddha, living thousand of miles (without texting) away both renounced pleasures in the attainment of....

'Quamplurimi et quam aptissimi" (As many as possible of the very best)

Ateneo Professional School
Makati City
November 4, 2015

From Ordinary Gentlemen

This subject is about Leadership, right?  Why are we then pursuing the thoughts of Siddharta Gautama ( Buddha ) and Socrates?  Were they not philosophers and therefore their thoughts/this discussion belongs to another subject/class?

Necessarily we are invited to discuss their thoughts because part and starting point of leadership is self awareness (and the authentic self)

Both agree on denial of the pleasures and satisfaction of the senses -  Socrates goal is spirituality - on rebirth after death (I would like to suspect that Socrates promotes suicide which brings one to a rebirth)  Letting of our bodily desires promote spiritual growth.    Buddha on the other hand promotes denial of pleasure for Enlightenment on this earth.

It is nice to discuss the 4 noble truths of Buddha.

1. First truth suffering or pain is inescapable, part or life
2.  There is pain because of our inability to permanently satisfy our cravings
3   Removal of craving removes pain
4.  Dharma

Comparing Buddha, Socrates and Descartes

Emptying your mind and desires from Joy of Yoga

The four noble truths

Dharma, the 8 fold path:

The purpose of inclusion of Buddhism and self awareness is not to understand and make a study of Buddhism nor of Socrates (we do not have the time nor the competence to investigate their thoughts,  but to use the concepts and process the way of Buddhism and Socratic philosophy  in self awareness.  The ability to control your pain your emotion is an important aspect of self awareness

Self Awareness Thoughts from Buddha

'Quamplurimi et quam aptissimi" (As many as possible of the very best)

Rizal Philippines
November 3, 2015

We have to expand our horizon on self awareness.   It involves philosophical, psychological and practical analysis of self -  our thoughts, emotions

Now we can go towards East and understand more how does one become more self aware.  From Slideshare:

Self Awareness from kumar mahi


The four noble truths

Dharma, the 8 fold path:

The purpose of inclusion of Buddhism and self awareness is not to understand and make a study of Buddhism but to use the concepts and process the way of Buddhism in self awareness.  The ability to control your pain your emotion is an important aspect of self awareness