Summary: | 碩士 === 佛光大學 === 佛教學系 === 98 === This paper examines the influence of Buddhism on the theory of anātman of altruistic variance. The first part investigates the theory of anātman and what it means in modern media. The paper proposes that Buddhism has many features consistent with either the stages of enlightenment or of reincarnation progression, and that it guides believers to develop spiritually. The second section of the paper examines the nature of Buddhist altruistic thinking based on a study of contemporary foundations. It proposes that Buddhist discourse assumes diverse categories of agency, distinguishable on the basis of the spiritual levels of the agent. Consequently, the altruistic language employed in different doctrines of the theory of anātman varies. This accounts for some of the difficulties in making comparisons between Indian culture and Chinese Mahayana types of Buddhist thought. The analysis is applied as a practical investigation of relative conditions on Buddhist-influenced individuals and societies, with respect to a range of altruistic indicators. In Eastern countries, for instance, people considered Buddhists to be compassionate saviours and Buddhism as an emblem of hope, whilst elsewhere this was not the case.
For as long as humans have written about and discussed altruism, representations of altruism have emphasised that one should love others whether they are Buddhist or adhere to another religion. Media Literacy also emphasises that community is the only way to achieve social harmony. In the sense that altruism and media literacy both are spiritual phenomena in their goal of common humanity, they are uniquely linked to modern technology and resources. In order to construct media literacy to emphasise these themes, first, one must encourage the spread of religion in media literacy. Secondly, efforts should be made to promote the teachings of religion to make community service and/ or welfare the core of television channels. Thereby, mainstream television stations should strengthen human and social relations, emphasising self-discipline and encouraging people to regulate themselves via their sense of responsibility to assist a harmonic society.
Modern values greatly affect the impact of television communications. For example, people no longer seem to have their own ideas, but to take them from television broadcasters, shows, and commercials. When television constantly tells you to enjoy material items, you find the mobile phone with an mp3 player is a necessity.
Television, as the most influential area of the mass media, has the responsibility and ability to actively promote the humanistic spirit and the values of progress. This research paper proposes, therefore, that media literacy may be used to aid the humanistic spirit, generally defined by its concern for others.
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