Self-Discipline: The first person a leader must lead is themselves.
5 min read7 sectionsSituationLink to the law
Contents
The story of Huang Dafa, a Chinese village elder who spent 36 years building an irrigation canal to bring water to his remote village, is an inspiring example of the quality of self-discipline and the Law of Sacrifice.
A canal winds across contour lines around a mountain to golden houses – like Huang Dafa’s decades of work.
Because his village was cut off from the water supply, the Chinese farmer Huang Dafa simply built a supply canal himself, with the help of others. And he did it with his own hands, over a period of 36 years. And that was not his only great project. Today the man is considered a national hero.
There is a popular legend in China about an old man named Yu Gong. One day he decided to dig away, with his own hands, two mountain peaks that blocked the path from his home to the next village. Moved by his unshakeable will, the gods eventually moved the mountains for Yu Gong. Huang Dafa, who today is well over 80 years old, had to do without any divine assistance in his life's work, which makes his story only more incredible. For the men around Huang Dafa had an incredible will, but no knowledge whatsoever of irrigation engineering. The hoped-for water simply refuses to flow, and so only one option remains: bury the dream for now. But Huang Dafa is not willing to accept that. In 1989, the lone visionary finally begins three years of studying water engineering, in order to acquire the knowledge that had so far been missing. By this point he is already 53 years old. With his newly acquired knowledge, Huang Dafa finally manages to raise money from local politics for his project. In 1992 construction finally begins anew with 200 helpers. Even when his sister and his grandson die, Huang Dafa does not leave his post. But then, in 1995, 36 years after his dream first took shape, the moment finally arrives. Through a system nearly 10 kilometers long in total, water at last flows to Caowangba. In honor of its spiritual father, it is named the Dafa Canal.
01
Huang Dafa as the Embodiment of Self-Discipline
Situation
In 1959, Huang Dafa began building an irrigation canal through the mountains to bring water to his village of Caowangba in China's Guizhou province. The region was marked by extreme drought, and the lack of water threatened the villagers' lives. Despite setbacks and limited resources, Huang worked tirelessly on this project, which was finally completed 36 years later.
Link to self-discipline
Self-discipline is essential for achieving long-term goals. Huang Dafa's unshakeable determination and his willingness to work continuously for decades are a textbook example of self-discipline. He set aside his short-term needs to achieve a goal that was bigger than himself.
02
The Law of Sacrifice in Huang Dafa's Life
Situation
Huang Dafa gave up personal comforts, social advancement, and an easier life in order to improve the life of his village. He devoted himself to the canal project, often under difficult conditions, and put the community's welfare above his own interests.
Link to the Law of Sacrifice
True leadership often means making personal sacrifices in order to achieve bigger goals in the long run. Huang Dafa gave up personal advantages and lived a simple life in order to supply his village with water.
03
Vision as a Driving Force
Situation
Huang had the vision of changing his village's life by creating a lasting solution to the water problem. This vision drove him to keep going even in times of great challenge.
Link to self-discipline and sacrifice
Self-discipline and sacrifice come more easily when carried by a clear vision. Huang Dafa's long-term perspective allowed him to overcome the many obstacles that stood in his way.
04
Sustainability and Focus
Situation
Huang was known for his meticulous planning and his focus. He studied irrigation techniques, learned from experts, and motivated his fellow villagers to take part in the project.
Link to self-discipline
Leadership discipline means setting priorities and concentrating on what matters. Huang maintained his focus over decades and devoted himself to a single goal that sustainably improved his village's life.
05
Leading by Example
Situation
Huang did not merely plthe project but also led it through his own personal effort. He was often the first to pitch in, and through his actions he showed how important the project was to him.
Link to the Law of Sacrifice
Leadership means serving first. Huang sacrificed himself in order to be an example to others, and thereby won the support of his village.
06
The Domino Effect of His Actions
Situation
After the irrigation canal was completed, the village of Caowangba became a prosperous community. Agriculture became possible, and people's quality of life improved considerably.
Link to the Law of Sacrifice
A leader's sacrifices often lead to long-term benefit for many. Huang Dafa's sacrifice not only led to a better future for his village but also inspires others to commit themselves to their own communities.
07
The Value of Patience and Perseverance
Situation
Huang needed 36 years to complete the canal — an extraordinary demonstration of patience and perseverance.
Link to self-discipline
Leaders take a long-term view and do not let themselves be discouraged by setbacks. Huang showed that discipline and perseverance are crucial to overcoming great challenges.
Key takeaways
Key Lessons from Huang Dafa's Story in Relation to the Principles
01
Self-discipline enables long-term successHuang Dafa's perseverance and his ability to concentrate on his goal made his success possible.
02
Sacrifice brings lasting benefitsHuang gave up personal advantages for the good of the community, which improved the lives of many people in the long run.
03
Vision drives discipline and sacrificeHuang was motivated by the vision of changing his village's life, which helped him overcome the challenges.
04
Leading by example inspires othersHuang showed that leading by example can motivate others to get involved.
05
Patience and perseverance are key qualitiesGreat achievements often do not happen overnight but through years of dedication and discipline.
Summary
Huang Dafa's story is a powerful example of the quality of self-discipline and the Law of Sacrifice. His leadership qualities and his ability to make personal sacrifices have not only permanently changed his village but also inspire people around the world. His story shows that true leadership is often bound up with long-term goals, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice for others.
