An analysis of the health communication characteristics of Buddhist Teaching

Abstract

Many Sri Lankans oppress by chronic illnesses and other acute illnesses. It is indicated by the National Survey on Self-reported Health in Sri Lanka 2014 report presented by the Department of Census and Statistics. A society suffering from diseases cannot be transformed into a developed society and a sick society is a hindrance to the development of a country. However, the community must empower to prevent this society from falling victim to diseases. It should be investigated through Buddhist teaching can be used for this social empowerment. This is because Sri Lankan society has created culture, art and crafts as well as ideas based on Buddhism. But to empower the community, it is necessary to find out there are health communication characteristics in the teachings of Buddhism. Accordingly, the problem of this research is whether are there health communication features in Buddhism? Can Buddhism be used to empower society in terms of health? This is a content analysis research and only the Vinaya pitaka is used from the Tripitaka, which contains the basic teaching of Buddhism. The Buddha has laid down various disciplinary rules for the healthy survival of monks and nuns. Unhealthy behaviour in the monk society itself has caused disciplinary rules to be imposed. And the Buddha defined in Dhammapada health excels all gains. Also, the definition of "Health" made by the World Health Organization is used to identify health issues. But here focus to physical health characteristics in Buddhist teaching. Social leaning theory, Reasoned action theory, and Convergence theory are used to analyse health communication characteristics. These theories are employed in health communication to influence and modify human behaviours. This is qualitative research. Accordingly, there are health communication features in Buddhist teaching, and society can be empowered in terms of health by using health communication theories.