Interpersonal Communication as the Husband and the Wife according to the Buddhist Principles.

Abstract

This research paper is a documentary study using a method of content analysis of the Pali Canon, its Commentaries and other related documents. Its two objectives are (1) to study a concept of interpersonal communication process according to Buddhism and (2) to study a concept of interpersonal communication process between a husband and wife according to Buddhism.
Findings shows that, according to Buddhism, the interpersonal communication process comprises two parts. The first part is related to the sender. It consists of (1) sender (Rūpa and Nãma, or the Five Khandhas); (2) contents or messages (Citta or Cai); (3) media or channels (the Three Dvãras or Kamma-dvãras); (4) communication methods (Kamma); (5) message forms (the Six External Āyatanas). The second part is related to the receiver. It consists of (6) reception channels (the Six Dvãras or Internal Āyatanas); (7) message reception (Phassa or Viňňãņa); (8) message decoding or interpretation (Vedanã, Saňňã and Sańkhãra); and (9) the receiver (Rūpa and Nãma, or the Five Khandhas).
According to Buddhism, the interpersonal communication process between husband and wife should promote love, bonding and happiness in family. This is classified as a Kusala (wholesome) act of communication. Meanwhile, a husband and wife should avoid akusala (unwholesome) acts of communication. This is based on the interpersonal communication process according to Buddhism, which consists of two parts and nine components.