[1] Initiation: Power tends to be needed to manage matters, for the good of oneself and others.
[2] Accumulation: Power tends to be accumulated increasingly for increasing efficiency. Power is easy to attach to and hard to let go of.
[3] Consolidation: Power tends to be consolidated with others’ for more power. Concentration of worldly power has to be balanced with its diffusion.
[4] Temptation: Power tends to be tempted for abuse by oneself.
[5] Manipulation: Power tends to be manipulated by others for their advantage.
[6] Corruption: Power tends to corrupt, unless mindful of how to wield it. Power can thus seem to liberate while it actually traps.
[7] Completion: Power tends to corrupt absolutely, unless very mindful of how to wield it completely.
[8] Exoneration: Power tends to be excused when abused, by those in power.
[9] Revolution: Power tends to be checked, by those with greater power, individually or collectively.
[10] Transformation: The true power is not to crave worldly power, while spiritually empowering ourselves with compassion, wisdom and immeasurable skilful means to guide one and all to Buddhahood. May we rule ourselves and inspire others with these virtues.
