The Intrapersonal Communication: a Path to Liberation in Theravāda Buddhism Integrating Wilbur Schramm’s Communication Theory

Abstract

This academic article examines the process of intrapersonal communication for liberation in Theravāda Buddhism, integrating it with Wilbur Schramm’s communication theory. The study employs a documentary research methodology by analyzing data from the Tipiṭaka, commentarial texts, the Visuddhimagga, and academic literature in communication studies. The data were analyzed through content analysis in conjunction with hermeneutic interpretation, and the credibility of the findings was verified through data triangulation. The findings reveal that intrapersonal communication for liberation in Theravāda Buddhism “is a process of mental transformation.” The mind functions as both the “sender and receiver.” Contact (phassa) functions as the “stimulus,” while meditation objects (kammaṭṭhāna) function as the “message.” The six sense bases (āyatana) serve as the “communication channels.” Mindfulness and clear comprehension (sati-sampajañña) function as the “decoding” mechanism, while mental formations (saṅkhāra) function as the “encoding” mechanism. The five hindrances (pañca nīvaraṇa) function as “noise,” and wise attention (yoniso manasikāra) functions as “feedback.” Accumulated perceptions and mental formations (saññā-saṅkhāra) constitute the “experiential foundation.” However, Wilbur Schramm’s communication model does not fully encompass the spiritual dimension, particularly the process of knowing oneself through inward examination of the mind and attaining the highest wisdom as the ultimate goal in Buddhism. When integrated with the development of mental cultivation (citta-bhāvanā) based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) namely, contemplation of the body (kāyānupassanā), contemplation of feelings (vedanānupassanā), contemplation of the mind (cittānupassanā), and contemplation of phenomena (dhammānupassanā) a new body of knowledge emerges in the form of a conceptual framework called the “Intrapersonal Communication Process for Mental Transformation,” or the “Buddhist Intrapersonal Communication Cycle.” This framework represents a process of intrapersonal communication that is not limited to self-understanding but is oriented toward the cessation of suffering, the cultivation of wisdom, and genuine liberation. It can be applied to the development of mental well-being, education, and therapeutic counseling, thereby contributing to the development of Buddhist approaches to intrapersonal communication.