“Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality. As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create the fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good Karma. This is how I shall serve you as King.”
Coronation Speech, 7 Nov 2008, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
How does one lead as a servant? There is no easier example to cite here in Bhutan than the kings of Bhutan. Each of the past 4 kings have served the kingdom with distinction. The quote above by the current King exemplifies the spirit of servanthood of the previous kings. (For a very nice story on how the present King of Bhutan conducts his “Meet the People” session, please refer to this post on Facebook.)
Nobility from Service
Before we address servanthood, let us examine how the kings of Bhutan approach the issue of nobility. Nobility can come from one’s position. But nobility can also be demonstrated through service. More accurately, one becomes noble through service. When we let go of any nobility arising from one’s position, we will have no qualms about performing acts of service, especially the menial ones often associated with servants.
Serving with no Expectations of Entitlement
Once we disentangle ourselves from positional nobility, unrealistic expectations concerning entitlement become a non-issue. Leaders who serve others do not need to enforce entitlements based on their office. Such leaders would much rather reject entitlements that get in the way of service. In fact, one cannot claim to serve others and yet at the same time demand entitlement for their service. Such ‘service’ is mercenary, no more than a material transaction. It cannot be described as ‘public service’. Such service is also often not civil.
Here is an illustration from the 3rd King of Bhutan. In May 1968, during the Summer Session of the 28th National Assembly of Bhutan, “…keeping in view the heavy governmental expenditure on developmental activities, His Majesty graciously volunteered to accept a sum of Nu. 3,000/- per month (approx USD 40) only from the government towards his privy purse.”
Nobility is not a Right
In December 2005, the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced his intention to abdicate in his son’s favour by 2008. He then began the process of relinquishing absolute monarchy for a constitutional monarchy. As part of a nation-wide consult on the new Constitution, he inserted in Article 2 Section 20 of the Constitution of Bhutan a clause which subjects the monarchy to full accountability to the people, such that the king “…shall abdicate the Throne for wilful violations of this Constitution.” With this act, he cemented the relationship between the king and country as servants of the nation. Less noble rulers would have wanted to hold on to power. Enlightened nobility regard positional power not as a right, but as a stewardship of respect and accountability.
An Illustration from Marriage
I recently attended my god-daughter’s wedding in Boston. At the wedding, both bride and groom made a lifelong commitment to serve each other. It was the first wedding I’ve attended in which I saw both the groom and bride washed each other’s feet as a symbolic expression of that commitment.
In the old days in the Middle East, hospitality is shown to guests by having a basin for them to wash the dust off their feet. The more well-to-do families would have servants wash the feet of the guests. Typically, the lowest of the servants are assigned such tasks, for even amongst servants there is hierarchy.
When my god daughter and her groom chose this particular symbolic act, I think they knew exactly what they were conveying. They elected to put each other first, not considering their personal rights and comfort zones as something to hold on to. There were many tearful eyes in the hall that day. (At one point, the groom initially struggled to untie the sandals of his bride, and when the stubborn laces were finally undone, his silent hurrah was cheered by the appreciative crowd.)
HOW DOES ONE SERVE?
Ultimately, the manner in which one serves is a matter of one’s own choice. However, I’d offer three areas of reflection to help sharpen one’s service to others:
Perspective
One way to clarify one’s perspective towards service is to ask
- To whom do my gifts and talents belong to?
- To whom am I accountable for my actions?
- Where do I cast my eyes for any just rewards for my endeavours?
These questions address the heart of the servant. Without the right heart towards service, every act that comes forth will not be authentic service.
Place
Next, one can clarify what place one has been called to, and think of practical ways to make it better. Three simple questions to work through are
- What does a better version of this place look like?
- How can I make where I have been placed better?
- What should I plant in this place for someone else to harvest?
These questions help us clarify our vision for where we are placed. It helps declutter our heads to sort out the issues of enduring importance from the multiple daily demands of office.
Position
Finally, one ought to consider the positional influence one has, and put the influence to better use. Again, three things to ask could be
- How can I make the best use of my position to serve the greater good?
- How can I keep myself and my office untarnished?
- How can I groom someone else to take over my position?
These questions help us in keeping our hands clean and work at making our daily efforts more purposeful.
The Universal Nobility of Serving
There is a verse in the Bible which describes the attitude of servanthood and the rejection of entitlement which is worthy of emulation. In describing Jesus the Son of God, the Bible says in the book of Philippians 2:6-8:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
This is the attitude we ought to have towards nobility and entitlement. This attitude is also echoed in the words uttered by the present King of Bhutan during his Coronation. Though of different faiths, the attitude towards servanthood, nobility and entitlement is the same.
If God and kings find it fit to serve, should we do any less?
