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True Power: Cultivating the Five Limitless Energies
In Buddhism we cultivate five unlimited sources of power that never harm and only serve to transform suffering and offer happiness:
- Faith (seeing and trusting the path to liberation)
- Diligence (preventing unwholesome “seeds” from manifesting and inviting wholesome ones to grow)
- Mindfulness (being aware of both nourishing elements and afflictions in ourselves and others)
- Concentration (focusing on impermanence, non-self, and interbeing)
- Insight (wisdom arising from that concentration, guiding us to right action)
Unlike political, monetary, or military power—which can be abused and create fear—these five powers nourish peace, freedom, compassion, and understanding. Historical examples include Buddha’s simple joy after awakening, King Ashoka’s use of royal authority to spread compassion, and modern leaders like Bill Ford seeking spiritual calm. By training in these powers ourselves and teaching them to children, parents, and teachers, we help individuals—and even business or political leaders—channel their outer authority with wisdom and love.
