Buddhist Attitudes on the Ethical Values in Linguistic Communication.

Abstract

Language is one of the most valuable tools ever produced by humans for the communication of thoughts through verbal medium to have a good comprehension about its ethical background. The piece of knowledge conveyed through the communication depends on the ethical value of the expression. This study investigates the Buddha‟s attitude towards the language and meritorious value of the usage of the language. The language expertise of the Buddha is depicted in Pāli canon. Similarly, his skills of usage of language are analyzed in Brahma in eight stages. Preserving the quality of the language and the need of a successful communicative process is prominent. The statement given to the first sixty Arhant can be shown as a unique instance where the ethical value of verbal communication is mentioned. The meritorious skill of the communication has been exposed by giving prominence to the sentiment of sound and sentiment of sense. Moreover, as depicted, the quality depends on the truthfulness of the meaning. Eight factors regarding verbal communication are given in the Abhayarājakumārasutta of the Majjhimanikāya. It mentions that it is important to use words that are truthful and not to make any affliction to others. Truth and meaning are more important than the quality of sound. This study is conducted on selected studies in the Aṅguttaranikṅāya and some verses of the Dammapada, while providing relevance commentary, sub commentary and critical attention on the modern scholastic ideas on the subject.