How to Become a Powerful Person?

Bhikkhu Bodhi

It is not through armories stacked with lethal weapons Nor by battalions of lightning-swift troops That we can vanish the forces of darkness And open the gates to freedom for the world.

The source of true power lies not in domination By the brute force of armies or the bright lure of gold. The source lies hidden deep within ourselves, But to find it we must use the appropriate tools.

The first key to success is the Power of faith, Trust in a supreme wisdom that points us to the good. Faith settles the mind and inspires us with courage, Inciting us to deeds of joyful self-transcendence.

But the agents of evil lurk in the mind's dark shadows, Ready to spring their traps when our vigilance slackens. To stem their attacks and sustain our self-respect The Power of shame keeps our feet firmly on the path.

Contemplate deeply one's vast debt to others, Consider the value of esteem in other's eyes. Reflecting on the bitter fruits of thoughtless deeds, Let the power of moral dread hold us back from the abyss.

The path to liberation is not for the weak and lazy, Nor for those given to self-pity and despair. It is only by the invigorating power of energy That we become heroes, true masters of our minds.

Traveling by night, enveloped in dense mist, We have wandered pointlessly in the maze of birth and death. Now use the power of wisdom as the light To guide our steps to shore of final freedom.

Equipped with these five powers taught by the Great Sage We rise up as conquerors stronger than any foes. Masters of ourselves, examples for the world, We illuminate the nations like the blazing noontime sun.