Leadership Development through the Practice of Dana Parami

Abstract

          This research article aims to: 1) explore the concept of Dana Parami (Perfection of Giving) within the context of Theravada Buddhist philosophy; 2) examine the relationship between Dana Parami and the characteristics of ethical leadership; and 3) investigate practical approaches to applying Dana Parami in developing leadership at the individual, community, and organizational levels. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, grounded in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and ethical leadership theories as its conceptual framework. Data were analyzed through content analysis and presented using descriptive narration. The findings reveal that: 1) Dana Parami is a core virtue emphasizing ego reduction, cultivation of loving-kindness, and spiritual development, clearly illustrated in the Pali Canon, such as in the Vessantara Jataka; 2) Dana Parami is directly associated with the attributes of ethical leadership, including selflessness, compassion, responsibility, and the commitment to promote the common good; and 3) the application of Dana Parami can enhance leadership at the personal level (through inner moral cultivation), the community level (through volunteerism), and the organizational level (through socially responsible policies). The significant contribution of this research is the “D-A-N-A Leadership Model,” a novel conceptual framework for developing leadership from within, grounded in the principles of Dana Parami. This model holds practical relevance for leadership training across various levels with a strong emphasis on ethical integrity.