user218: In Nikaya, it is said that wheel turning king runs the country without using stick or sword, since that term is quite abstract, what does it mean?
Some of my interpretations:
1/ Without waging war, since stick and sword are the symbol of weapon. But then what is the role of military, or how can he protect his people when needed?
2/ Runs the country without punishment. I don't see this as an realistic option, as even the sangha has offenses for monks, and managing the world without punishment is impossible.
3/ Without violent punishment. For example, jail is not violent but torture, beating or cutting hand of robber are violence. I see this as the most realistic interpretation, but I am not sure.
So what does it mean? Reference in Nikaya is appreciated.

user43: I believe "wheel" refers to tradition (in the broadest sense) and "turning" refers to establishing and/or continuing the tradition.
The wheel turning king (or, in modern terms, leader) rules by setting up a way of doing things that (most of) people find compelling enough to follow, without being forced to -- this is what I feel is referred to as "without stick or sword".

218: <p>In Nikaya, it is said that wheel turning king runs the country without using stick or sword, since that term is quite abstract, what does it mean?</p>

<p>Some of my interpretations:</p>

<p>1/ Without waging war, since stick and sword are the symbol of weapon. But then what is the role of military, or how can he protect his people when needed?</p>

<p>2/ Runs the country without punishment. I don't see this as an realistic option, as even the sangha has offenses for monks, and managing the world without punishment is impossible.</p>

<p>3/ Without violent punishment. For example, jail is not violent but torture, beating or cutting hand of robber are violence. I see this as the most realistic interpretation, but I am not sure.</p>

<p>So what does it mean? Reference in Nikaya is appreciated.</p>
 43: <p>I believe "wheel" refers to <em>tradition</em> (in the broadest sense) and "turning" refers to establishing and/or continuing the tradition.</p>

<p>The wheel turning king (or, in modern terms, <em>leader</em>) rules by setting up a way of doing things that (most of) people find compelling enough to follow, without being forced to -- this is what I feel is referred to as "without stick or sword".</p>
