The Buddha’s Pedagogical Communication

Abstract

This article aims to examine the Buddha’s process of communicating the Dhamma through four principles: sandassanā (clarification), samādapanā (persuasion toward practice), samuttejanā (encouragement toward courage and resolve), and sampahaṃsanā (inspiration and joyful uplift). Drawing on evidence from the Tipiṭaka, the study finds that this approach reflects a teaching model encompassing the dimensions of cognition, volition, emotion, and ethical transformation. The Buddha employed methods of communication that were flexible and responsive to the spiritual capacities of his audience, grounded in compassion and wisdom. These four processes thus constitute a prototype of Buddhist communication that guides listeners from understanding to practical application and to the steadfast embodiment of the Dhamma. Moreover, this model can be effectively applied in the contexts of Buddhist education and spiritual leadership in contemporary society.