21/08/2025
The 8 Golden Rules of the Great Khmer King Jayavarman VII
— A path that modern leaders should follow;
1. The Water Carrier
A leader must be like a water carrier’s pole—balanced in the middle, not leaning to either side. Leadership requires fairness, integrity, and impartiality. If a leader is biased, it creates division and inevitably leads to disaster.
2. The Eagle’s Eyes
An eagle has sharp eyes that can see clearly in all directions. Likewise, a leader must have clear vision, be able to distinguish right from wrong, and recognize who is truly good, who only pretends, and who needs improvement. Without clarity, both the leader and the whole institution may suffer.
3. The Royal Lion
The lion is considered the king of beasts, commanding respect and fear. In the same way, a leader must conduct themselves with dignity, firmness, and discipline—avoiding excessive playfulness or frivolity.
4. The Speech of the Sage
A sage’s words are meaningful and powerful. A leader should not speak carelessly or joke pointlessly. Instead, their words must carry wisdom, respect, and inspiration, encouraging others to listen and follow.
5. The Patience of Indra
Indra, the king of the gods, rules over all three realms with compassion for living beings, yet he never complains. Similarly, a leader should not be overly grumbling or constantly dissatisfied. They must be calm, steady, and determined so progress can be achieved.
6. The Dream of Heaven
A great leader dares to dream big, with vision and confidence, guided by clear principles and plans. Small goals become stepping stones toward greater achievements, and true dedication ensures success.
7. The Rabbit’s Wisdom
A leader must be intelligent and capable of solving problems with wisdom and peace. They cannot act blindly, without reflection, or from a narrow perspective. Without wise consideration, danger is certain to arise.
8. The Joy of Ants
Ants are creatures known for teamwork, working together to achieve great results. In the same way, a leader must create a joyful and supportive environment, encourage teamwork, and inspire staff to work with strength and unity toward shared goals.