An enhancement of universally applicable human communication from the buddhist perspective
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Date
2017-03-31
Authors
Ven. Wanarathana, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
With reference to the Cambridge English Dictionary: Communication means to share information with others by speaking, writing, moving, your body or using signals. Are humans the only creatures on earth who communicate? What purpose does communication serve in our lives? Answer to these historical, and social-science questions provide part of the diversity of knowledge that makes up the field of communication studies. Communication as a subject, is divided into many parts: Interpersonal communication, Group communication, Public communication, mass communication etc. We all know that humans are communicative being by the birth. Therefore, the history of communication is as old as humanity. It is impossible to talk about progress of the human society without communication. In the present world the subject of communication has become a vast and highly developed topic. The purpose of this paper is to point out the applicability of Buddhist teachings to wholesome ways of communication. The Kītāgirisutta Sutta of the Majjhima Nikāya depicts that right communication is conducive to decreasing unskillful qualities and to grow skillful qualities in human mind. According to the Sumańgalavilāsini, whoever engaging according to Buddhism, the adorned faith they are with enriched knowledge. It contains deep meaning, it is pleasant to the ear, it comes from the bottom of the heart, it doesn’t despise others, it helps to discipline listener, it makes the listener to be inquisitive, it is beneficial all round. That is what is said by commentators. In the Aggivaccagotta Sutta, it is said that the communication which doesn’t lead to acquiring real knowledge is not appreciated. On many occasions the Buddha firmly advised to refrain from improper ways of communicating e.g. (The story of Lāludāi thera). Accordingly, Buddhist teachings are really useful to enhance human communication.
Description
Keywords
Communication , Buddhist teaching , Knowledge
Citation
Proceedings of the Annual Research Congress of the PGIHS, 2017, University of Peradeniya, p.49