Emotional Intelligence (EI) is critical to effective public administration, where decisions often have far-reaching societal impacts. EI involves self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation—qualities essential for fostering trust, cooperation, and ethical governance. Buddhist teachings, rooted in mindfulness, emotional balance, and ethical living, align seamlessly with the principles of EI, offering public administrators a profound framework to navigate complex societal challenges with wisdom and compassion.

1. Emotional Intelligence in Public Administration

i. Significance of EI in Governance

• Public administration requires empathy to connect with diverse groups and address their concerns effectively.
• EI enhances communication, builds public trust, and promotes equitable decision-making.

ii. Key Components of EI for Administrators

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing personal emotional triggers to minimize biases in decision-making.
• Empathy: Understanding and addressing citizens’ concerns with fairness and sensitivity.
• Emotional Regulation: Maintaining composure in stressful or high-pressure situations.

iii. Role of EI in Democratic Leadership

• Facilitates shared values and inclusivity, essential for a diverse society.
• Helps in conflict mediation and fosters cooperation among stakeholders.

2. Buddhist Philosophy on Emotional Intelligence

i. Understanding the Mind

• Buddhism delves into the origins and effects of emotions, offering tools for emotional regulation.
• The Abhidharma Samuccaya categorizes emotions as virtuous (kusala) or non-virtuous (akusala), guiding individuals toward positive emotional states.

ii. Roots of Mental Afflictions

• Six root afflictions (klesa): attachment, anger, pride, ignorance, doubt, and distorted views disrupt mental balance and impair rational decisions.

iii. Counteracting Negative Emotions

• Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions to respond rather than react.
• Compassion and Wisdom: Emphasizing altruism and clear judgment in decision-making.

3. Buddhist Practices for EI in Public Administration

i. Developing Equanimity

• Addressing the eight worldly concerns (gain and loss, fame and disrespect, pleasure and pain, praise and disparagement) fosters emotional stability.
• Balanced emotions prevent bias and self-serving behavior.

ii. Practical Applications

• Limiting Desires: Contentment with minimal resources promotes ethical decisions.
• Introspection: Regular reflection on actions cultivates gratitude and humility.
• Embracing Change: Accepting outcomes with a balanced perspective ensures rational governance.

4. Relevance of Buddhist Teachings to Public Administration

i. Mindful Decision-Making

• Encourages administrators to prioritize long-term societal welfare over short-term personal or political gains.

ii. Conflict Resolution

• Compassion-driven approaches foster understanding and effective dispute resolution.

iii. Sustainable Leadership

• Builds resilience and adaptability, enabling administrators to address modern governance challenges with poise.

Conclusion
Blending emotional intelligence with Buddhist principles creates a holistic framework for ethical and effective public administration. Mindfulness, compassion, and equanimity empower administrators to navigate societal complexities while ensuring personal well-being. By promoting self-regulation and ethical living, the Buddhist approach ensures that public administrators remain balanced, empathetic, and capable of addressing the multifaceted demands of governance.