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Buddhist Concept of Communication

10 comments
Theory Summary
In the Aristotelian [Western] notion of communication the idea of manipulation is central. In the Buddhist model, however, the notions of sharing and mutuality are important. The differences between the two models can be schematically represented as follows:

Aristotelian Model

1. Emphasis on communicator
2. Influence a key notion
3. Focus on control
4. Emphasis on outward process
5. Relationship between communicator and receiver asymmetrical.
6. Stress on intellect

Buddhist Model

1. Emphasis on receiver
2. Understanding a key notion
3. Focus on choice
4. Emphasis on both outward and inward processes
5. Relationship between communication and receiver symmetrical
6. Stress on empathy
Source

Communications Systems for Planning Change - from the Chapter entitled - "A Buddhist Approach to Development - A Sri Lankan Endeavour' pp 48/49.

Comments

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/13/2008 - 11:05 Permalink

buddhist communication

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/30/1999 - 00:00 Permalink

it is good but what is the concept of communication skill please discuss extensively and if possible e- mail mkmazadu@yahoo.com

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/14/2004 - 13:30 Permalink

emphasis on both outward and inward processes

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/27/2005 - 13:29 Permalink

This had no infoormation whatsoever. i am very disatisfied.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/27/2005 - 13:30 Permalink

This page did not help me at all.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/16/2005 - 11:12 Permalink

I found this comparison very useful. I wonder how close the Buddhist Model is to Marshal Rosenbergs Non Violent Communication. I would like to find the original source material. Can anyone help ?viramitra@tiscali.co.uk

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/11/2005 - 06:33 Permalink

Europe starts to be more receptive to approaches like this...

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/13/2005 - 13:28 Permalink

There is an interesting idea lurking, but this presentation is simplistic and unconvincing. lde June 2005

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/15/2007 - 01:10 Permalink

A key understanding to Buddhist/Western approaches to communication and teaching

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2011 - 23:28 Permalink

Well, I did not find this article particularly enlightening, if you will pardon the pun.

When you say a Buddhist Communication, are you talking about communication dynamics between two lay people (not monks) who practice Buddhism? Or are you talking about the communication dynamics between a Buddhist monk giving a Dharma sermon (or even a Buddhist blessing) to a lay person?

Being a Buddhist woman from Thailand, there is as much emphasis on the person who is speaking as there is on the person who is listening. I think that if you are to read though a collection of Buddhism articles on this page at http://www.thebuddhagarden.com/buddhism-articles.htm then you will see many Dharma sermons by Thai Buddhist monks where the dynamics are NOT like the way you have them listed.