Retorika Dalam Agama Buddha: Telaah Etis dan Implikasinya

Abstract

This article discusses the significant role of rhetoric in Buddhism, with a focus on its ethical dimensions and practical implications in daily life, including social interactions, religious contexts, and digital communication. In an era of rapid information spread and digital communication, the application of ethical rhetoric has become increasingly relevant, particularly in addressing the challenges of misinformation (hoaxes) and hate speech. This study aims to analyze the concept of rhetoric in Buddhist teachings, highlighting communication principles based on Buddhist values, and identifying the ethical values underlying Buddhist rhetoric. The method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with library research, exploring Buddhist texts related to right speech (samma vaca) and communication ethics. The findings indicate that rhetoric in Buddhism is not merely a speaking skill but also an instrument for conveying moral and spiritual teachings, with the primary goal of maintaining social harmony and religious life. Additionally, the principle of right speech forms the foundation for rhetorical practices rooted in wise, truthful, and compassionate speech. The practical implications of ethical Buddhist rhetoric in the digital era are increasingly relevant to face the challenges posed by the rapid spread of information, including hoaxes and hate speech. Therefore, applying mindfulness principles and critical thinking (yoniso manasikara) in digital communication is essential to fostering harmonious interactions and minimizing negative impacts in society. This study contributes to understanding and applying ethical Buddhist rhetoric in various modern communication contexts