IPRC - 2016
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/157
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Item Application of Buddhist Middle Path for Mass Communication Process: A Phenomenological Approach(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Senarath, S.; Dissanayake, N.The Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) is the precious way to apply in solving every problem, including mass communication. According to the teaching of Lord Buddha, the Middle Path (majjhimā paṭipadā) is not a condition between two extremes like the Daoist yin and yang opposites or complements. It also different from the Aristotelian “The Golden Mean” and the “Confucian doctrine of the Mean”. The Middle Path is transcending both axes of extremes. The Buddhist middle path means the most effective way leading to the cessation of dukkha (un -satisfactoriness) that lies between the extremes of searching for happiness through the pleasures of the senses, and the other extreme searching for the same through self-mortification in different forms of asceticism. The West claims the credit for ‘inventing’ the social sciences, including communication, as disciplines (Gunaratne, 2015). Most of the research in communication studies show an Anglo- American bias. In this regards, this field needs revision with complementary research incorporating the Eastern phenomenological perspective (Gunaratne, 2015, Senarath, 2015, 2016). The time is ripe for the emergence of [a new] genre [of communication studies] based primarily on Buddhist principles (Gunaratne, 2015). Buddhist phenomenological approach could be one of the best way to uncover the universal problems which western based scientific method alone cannot explore (Gunaratne, 2015, Senarath, 2015, 2016).Item Pluralistic Teachings on Polity in Buddhism and The Manusmṛuti with Special Reference to The Yassaṃdisaṃ-Sutta of The Aṅguttara-Nikāya(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumara, V.Though the Pali canonical literature stands for tolerance towards the Brahmanism, pluralistic teachings are infrequent. However, the Yassaṃdisaṃ-sutta of the Aṅguttara-Nikāya (AN) describes five basic qualifications that a great King should possess. They are brief; well-born on both parental sides, wealthy, powerful by fourfold army, possesses a wise chaplain and glory. Particularly, the first qualification among them is atypical to Buddhism because it contradicts the teachings of the Vaseṭṭha-sutta (MN), which teaches that a being does not become a Brahmin or a pariah by birth. Nevertheless, the Yassaṃdisaṃ-sutta of the AN reveals that the King should gain his first qualification by birth. The point to be addressed here is why this Sutta admitted this first qualification while Buddhism heavily criticized the caste system introduced by Brahmanas. Though the Manusmṛuti does not prescribe the all the qualities spelled out in the the Yassamdisam-sutta in the same place, the five qualities found in the aforementioned Sutta throughout the 7th chapter of the text can be found in the Manusmṛuti as well. In this regard, my hypothesis is that Buddhist teachings on polity is pluralistic, like Brahmanism, since the polity is more of a worldly practice than a spiritual practice. The Buddha may have referred to the practicability of polity in Indian social-culture. This paper examines the reason for enclosing pluralistic Brahmanic teachings in the Pali Sutta and the significance of the political theories presented in the Manusmṛuti. The comparative method will be employed throughout the research.Item Exploring the Meaning of Life: A Buddhist Approach(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wickremathilaka, T.The question of whether there exists a meaning or a purpose to the existence of human life has been a much debated topic though the ages. Since the early Greek and Roman civilizations, many great thinkers within philosophical, theological, scientific and metaphysical contexts have tried to provide an adequate answer to this dilemma. With the emergence of science in the later centuries, people have turned more and more away from the philosophical and religious pursuits in life, and have been drawn to materialistic lifestyles. However, in order to be fully aware of the potential of our lives, it is crucial that we explore the nature of life and understand the purpose of our existence. Even though most of the religions in the world fail at this aspect of providing scientifically compatible, sensible and accurate answers to this question, Buddhism gives clear cut, comprehensive facts and advice about the reality of human life. Over 2500 years ago, Lord Buddha had successfully offered an answer to this existential crisis people face in the modern era. Unlike the scientific approach to examining the purpose of human existence, where the external parameters are observed for the experimental processes, the Buddhist approach involves gaining understanding and insight into one’s own mind through introspection and meditation to find the answers to this problem. Buddhism also gives explanation about the continuous existence of beings in the samsara, and most importantly it provides us knowledge of the reality of existence, human or otherwise. In a manner none of the other approaches have used, Buddhism gives us the opportunity to see the true nature by ourselves and take necessary steps to reach our maximum potential as humans by our own will. In this paper, the perspective portrayed by Buddhism on the question of the purpose of human existence will be discussed, presenting the suttas and other literary sources from the Pali canon. It is the purpose of this paper to provide an all-inclusive answer to this dilemma and methods to alleviate the existential crisis experienced by people, within the Buddhist context.Item The Impact of Mahayana Buddhism on Indian Music (1st AD -3rd AD)(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumara, C.The basis of this project is to identify how Mahayana Buddhism has been impacted in a positive way to develop Indian music. Many researchers have generally examined the combination of Hinduism and Indian music from Vedic to Modern Period. However, they do not pursue fundamental ideologies about Buddhist evidences on the Indian music of the ancient period. Apparently, Buddhist literature- JATAKA stories in particular, Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions provide evidence supporting the impact of Buddhism on Indian music. This particular concept is contradictory to the Theravada Buddhist concept since it did not encourage the adherents to engage in music i.e. ‘geeta- vaadita’ which were considered derogatory and were forbidden by the precepts. It is the Mahayana Buddhism that changed the prevailing attitude and as a result the ceremonies with singing and playing instruments connected with Buddhism became popular. Therefore, the present study focuses on identifying the various aspects and factors of Mahayana Buddhism that stimulated the Indian music during the ancient period (1st AD-3rd AD). The study involves a survey of literature and examination of archaeological evidence.