To become a leader through one's merit karma is not a big deal. One should become a leader through his virtues {innate qualities}.
This quote emphasizes the importance of genuine inner qualities over external achievements or accumulated merit karma when it comes to leadership. Society often emphasizes accomplishments—titles, awards, or recognition—as marks of a leader's worth. However, true leadership stems from innate virtues such as integrity, compassion, humility, and moral strength. When a leader is driven by virtues, their actions resonate authenticity and inspire others to follow, creating a stable and trustworthy environment. Merit karma might help one get opportunities, but virtues shape one's character and determine the manner in which responsibilities are handled. This distinction highlights that leadership rooted solely in external success may lack depth and sincerity. It also urges individuals aspiring to lead to focus on cultivating inner qualities that reflect goodness and moral excellence. Such virtues foster genuine respect and trust from followers, which are essential for sustainable leadership. Moreover, virtues serve as the moral compass guiding a leader’s decisions, especially in challenging situations. When leadership is based on virtues, it promotes fairness, empathy, and humility, which often lead to positive societal change. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that true leadership is an embodiment of the noble qualities inherent in a person, not just external accomplishments, making the pursuit of virtues a central goal for anyone aspiring to lead meaningfully.