ABSTRACT

            This Thematic Paper was written with the following objectives, namely to: 1) study the Buddhist Ways associated to communication in Buddhism; 2) study the problems and ways to eliminate conflicts pertaining to communication in debt collection; and 3) to apply the Buddhist Ways in minimizing conflicts pertaining to communication in debt collection.

            This qualitative research utilizes the Descriptive Analysis method.

            The research revealed that the principles of the Buddhist Ways in communication are utilizing the principle of “Right Speech” in debt collection. The person performing such duty must observe the “Kindly Speech” practice; i.e., abstinence from instigation, profanity, as well as blathering. Communication according to the “Buddhist Peaceful Means” aims at nurturing friendly relations among parties to achieve common objectives. Buddhism discourages unnecessary communication, especially, for example, those that entail negative or adverse aspects.

            Nowadays, conflicts arising from debt collection have grown in both numbers and magnitude. These conflicts are particularly caused by improper communication which can potentially lead up to confrontation. Examples of those are use of threats, disclosure of information to a third party, use of false statements or manipulation, non-observance of prevailing policies, and unauthorized delegation of the debt collection duty, etc. These improper acts are contributing factors in instigating conflicts and consequently plague the society as a whole.

        Applying the Buddhist Way in communications for debt collection requires control of one’s consciousness and assuming the role of a noble acquaintance. Both parties must willingly agree on terms or jointly consider ways on how to apply the Buddhist principles such as the “Bramaviharā”, namely having Mettā (loving-kindness), Karunā (compassion), Muditā (sympathetic joy) and Upekkhā (equanimity). Having compassion brings about good speech and thoughtfulness. To put into context, a collector having compassion may choose to omit a collection from a debtor who has recently lost a loved one and is still in grief, or such collector may help his or her debtor in finding ways to pay off the debt and relieve him or her of their trouble, etc.

Download