Guidelines for Application of the Four PatฺIsambhidã for the Buddhism Propagation Through Thailand Radio Broadcating Media of Thong-Buddho Program

Abstract

In this research, three objectives were purposely made: (1) to study the problematic state of information communication in propagation of Buddhism through radio broadcasting of Buddha's recitation program (Tong Buddho channel), (2) to study the principles of four Patฺisambhidã according to Theravada Buddhism, and  (3) to present the guidelines for communicating information according to the four Patฺisambhidãs for the propagation of Buddhism through radio broadcasting in Thailand of Buddha's recitation program  called Thong Buddho Program. This research employed a qualitative research methodology done by studying documents and in-depth interviews with 10 interviewees, consisting of 2 ordained monks and 8 laypeople. The results of the research showed the problematic states of communicating information in the propagation of Buddhism through radio broadcasting were divided into 4 aspects: 1) the problems are caused by a sender of messages, that is, a sender has no proper knowledge on Buddhism resulting in berefting of neutrality, 2) the problems are caused by messages, that are, its contents are difficult and  far-fetched with other hidden objectives, 3) the problems are caused by channel, that is, there are few Dhamma programs, limited time, and no sponsors. Therefore, it was ignored because it did not meet the business needs, and 4) the problems are caused by receiver of messages, that are, the listeners have no knowledge and thereby demanding high expectations giving rise to the indistinguishability between faith and superstition.

As far as four principles of Patฺisambhidã in Theravada Buddhism are concerned,  they are of the followings: 1) Attha- Patฺisambhidã, 2) Dhamma- Patฺisambhidã, 3) Nirutti- Patฺisambhidã, and 4) Patฺibhãnฺa- Patฺisambhidã from the academic point of view, the concepts for application are as follows: 1) Attha- Patฺisambhidã (true knowledge content), 2) Dhamma- Patฺisambhidã (comprehending the point), 3) Nirutti- Patฺisambhidã (rhetoric), 4. Patฺibhãnฺa- Patฺisambhidã (Have a flair for presenting and answering questions). When it comes to guidelines for communicating information according to the concept of interaction four Patฺisambhidã for the propagation of Buddhism through radio broadcasting in Thailand, they are of: 1) the guideline for communicating information according to the four Patฺisambhidã principles, i.e. studying information to understand its contents, capture issues, rhetorically communicate in the language, and create new knowledge in accordance with the situation, 2) the presenter's practice is to study and gain knowledge where they should not distort information in order to know the target audience, conveying  the correct teachings according to the Scriptures with references, and 3) the recommendation is to create a new generation to join as a moderator of supplementary programs where editing guest videos, posting them on online platforms, and arranging Dharma activities to maintain the audience bases are carried out.