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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 51

to “agree to disagree”. The aim of dialogue The rich exchange of ideas at this Buddhist
after all, is to enable conflict avoidance and Media Conclave outlined how much and
maintenance of harmony. where journalistic responsibility can have
an impact on society. It is very much a value
Dr Kalinga Seneviratne, the prime mover which is side stepped in contemporary
behind the mindful journalism movement journalism schools, particularly in courses
in Asia, opines that mindfulness can be used offered by western universities.
as a communication approach to reduce Should western institutions decide that
conflict. As “Right Mindfulness” is part of mindful journalism does not fit their view of
the Noble Eight-Fold Path, the approach what is to them a curriculum that is already
requires training for deep listening as part of perfect, then perhaps reputable academic
an engagement process for communicative institutions from the east can champion this
dialogue. important but ignored value.

Together with the five precepts (training As part of the Noble Eight-Fold Path, Right
rules on abstention from killing, stealing, Mindfulness when practiced correctly is said
sexual misconduct, false speech and mental to lead to the cessation of suffering. Cultivated
intoxication – all factors of corruption as a professional value, a mindful journalist
are listed there), he believes that having has the power to be more circumspective
exposure to these Buddhist teachings will of the cause and effects of their writings,
provide the necessary tools for journalists and to practice “Right Speech” as means to
to equip themselves to be mindful of all the encourage harmonious exchanges between
circumstances and elements influencing their peoples.
judgements and views when pursuing a story.
In this era of short tweets and instantaneous
Famed Plum Village teacher Shantum Seth social media postings, a careless and
believes the teaching of mindfulness to thoughtless message can cause the launch of
journalism students will not be effective a mob attack or even a nuclear war. The time
if meditation practice is not part of the has come for the training of responsible story
curriculum. After all, there is no such thing as tellers, who aims not just to get the word
a balanced story coming from an unbalanced out, but to dare make a difference on how
mind. words used with a responsible conscience can
motivate the arising of peaceful thoughts and
Former advisor to Bhutan’s royal family actions in the mind and hearts of readers and
Dorji Wangchuk in his paper on “Middle Path listeners.
Journalism” proposes that media should
have the wisdom of “knowing enough”. This The time for mindful journalism has come.
includes minimizing the selling of desire and Story writers can do better. EH
dissatisfaction, balancing individual rights
with considerations of impact on community Source: The Buddhist Channel, www.
through the release or withholding of a story, buddhistchannel.tv, Sept 11, 2018
and compassion when covering stories that
might have a “villain” or a “hero,” to neither
over-vilify nor over-glorify either.