The Pattern of Communication for Peace with Right Speech of “Talking With Monk” Activity, Wat Nyanavesakavan

                  This dissertation consists of three objectives: (1) to study the communication for peace with Right Speech; (2) to study the communication pattern of “Talking with Monk” activity; and (3) to present the pattern of communication for peace with Right Speech of “Talking with Monk” activity. This research is conducted with qualitative method. The data are gathered from documentary research, observations, in-depth interviews, and a focus group discussion.

                     The research findings show that communication for peace is used in a wide range of areas from bigger unit of among nations to smaller unit as interpersonal communication. Right Speech or Sammā Vācā is an alternative tool to apply in communication. It is not only about refraining from lying, harsh speech, abusive speech, and frivolous talk, but the speech should be constructed and delivered appropriately. The five elements of Well-Spoken Speech or  Subhāsitā Vācā may be applied for the speech to be proper in time, truthful, affectionate, beneficial, and constructed with loving-kindness. Secondly, the communication pattern of “Talking with Monk” activity consists of three stages: tuning in, identifying split, and realization. The talking process employs deep listening skill, verbal, and non-verbal languages to tune into the participant, to help the participant identify the cause of his problem, to distinguish his expectation and reality, and to come up with some possible solutions by himself. Lastly, the communication pattern of “Talking with Monk” activity is transactional having the monk and the participant as communicators rather than a specific role of speaker or listener. The deep listening and non-verbal language are employed to show attention, encourage the flow of the talk, and help grasp the underlying needs or feelings of the participant. The verbal language is in the form of questioning, paraphrasing, summarizing, and reflecting which allow the participant to examine himself. Right Speech is represented in Well-Spoken Speech which is expressed in the deep listening, verbal, and non-verbal messages in the three stages of this activity which follow the Four Noble Truths. Moreover, to construct and nurture Right Speech to be effectively delivered, a person should cultivate mindfulness (Sati) and the Four Divine Abidings (Bhrammavihāra) as his mental qualities as well as the understanding in the principles of the Four Noble Truths.

                  The activity “Talking with Monk” in this research is an example of how peace can be enhanced through communication. The communication pattern and some communicative skills of this activity can be an alternative style of communication to apply in daily life both personal and interpersonal to help reduce pressure, prevent further conflicts, and promote more understanding.