Saṅgaha Sutta and Mindful Buddhist Leadership: Examining the Role of Interpersonal Communication

Abstract

Mindful Buddhist leadership emphasizes the leader's ability to develop self-awareness, wisdom, compassion, and harmonious interpersonal relationships. In Buddhism, the Saṅgaha Sutta (Aṅguttara Nikāya 4.32) outlines four principles of maintaining social relationships (saṅgahavatthu), namely dāna (generosity), peyyavajja (loving speech), atthacariyā (helpful action), and samānattatā (equal and non-discriminatory attitudes). These principles provide an ethical foundation for understanding the importance of interpersonal communication in Buddhist leadership practice. This study aims to analyze the influence of interpersonal communication on conscious Buddhist leadership and interpret the relevance of these relationships through the perspective of the Saṅgaha Sutta. The study used a quantitative approach with a survey method of 39 temple leaders in East Lampung Regency which was determined through saturated sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The results of the reported analysis showed that interpersonal communication had a positive and significant effect on conscious Buddhist leadership. Openness, empathy, supportive attitudes, positive attitudes, and equality in communication are aspects relevant to the development of harmonious leadership relationships. Conceptually, the findings are in line with the values of the Saṅgaha Sutta, especially loving communication, concern for the well-being of others, and non-discriminatory treatment. This study contributes to the development of the study of Buddhist leadership by linking empirical evidence of interpersonal communication and Buddhist ethical perspectives. The implications of the research emphasize the importance of strengthening interpersonal communication competencies in the development of Buddhist leadership that is conscious, inclusive, and service-oriented.