In today’s interconnected world, WhatsApp groups have become vibrant hubs for sharing ideas, knowledge, and opinions. However, these platforms, while convenient, come with significant pitfalls that can derail meaningful conversations and lead to misunderstandings, unnecessary conflicts, and intellectual deadlocks. To effectively navigate these challenges, one must cultivate clarity, consciousness, and a heightened awareness of the dynamics of online group discussions.

Imaginary WhatsApp Group Discussion

Group Name: Global Thinkers

Members:

• Ravi: Historian, interested in India’s cultural heritage

• Amit: Technologist, often skeptical of cultural narratives

• Meera: Educator, believes in balanced perspectives

• Priya: Entrepreneur, occasionally blunt in her responses

Ravi: “Did you know that many ancient Indian astronomical concepts influenced Western knowledge? There’s evidence suggesting that ideas from texts like the Surya Siddhanta traveled to the Arab world and later to Europe.”

Amit: “Let’s not overstate things, Ravi. There’s always this tendency to make it seem like India invented everything. Western civilizations had their own advancements in astronomy—don’t forget about Copernicus and Galileo.”

Ravi: “Amit, I didn’t say India invented everything. I was pointing out specific historical exchanges of knowledge. It’s not about taking credit for everything, but acknowledging contributions.”

Priya: “Ravi, honestly, this sounds like another attempt to glorify India unnecessarily. We should stop romanticizing the past and focus on the present. The West has always been miles ahead in terms of technology.”

Meera: “Priya, I think Ravi is just suggesting we shouldn’t dismiss Indian contributions outright. It’s not about glorification; it’s about exploring historical nuances.”

Amit: “Nuances? Really? This feels like cherry-picking to me. If we were so advanced, why didn’t we dominate the world like the West did?”

Ravi: “Facepalm. Amit, domination was never the goal of Indian civilization. But it seems like people can’t value anything Indian unless it’s validated by the West. This is the colonized mindset in action!”

Priya: “Ravi, this colonized mindset argument is tiring. Not everything critical about India is a result of colonial brainwashing.”

Amit: “Exactly. And let’s not rewrite history to suit nationalist agendas. Why do we always need to prove we were better?”

Ravi: “I’m not proving anything! This isn’t about superiority. It’s about giving credit where it’s due. If we’re so dismissive, we’ll never even investigate the possibility.”

Priya: “And if we keep clinging to the past, we’ll never move forward.”

Meera: “Okay, everyone, let’s pause. I think the issue here is the medium—text can make all of us sound more extreme than we are. Ravi’s not saying India invented everything, and Priya and Amit aren’t entirely dismissing Indian achievements either.”

Amit: “Maybe. But Ravi’s phrasing made it sound like that. It’s frustrating when people make these sweeping statements.”

Ravi: “Amit, you assumed the worst of what I said without asking for clarification. This pendulum of extremes is exhausting!”

Priya: “And Ravi, you jumped in assuming we’re all dismissive. This tone of yours—‘colonized minds’—is provocative.”

Meera: “Guys, we’re going in circles. Maybe next time we try to clarify intent before reacting?”

Analysis of Problems Illustrated in the Conversation:

1. Assumptions Driving Conflict: Ravi’s initial point was about historical exchanges, but Amit assumed it was an exaggerated claim of India’s superiority, which triggered defensive responses.

2. Tone Amplification: Ravi’s frustration with being misunderstood led him to use phrases like “colonized mindset,” escalating the conversation.

3. Pendulum Effect: The discussion swung between extremes—either glorifying or dismissing India’s contributions—without settling in the nuanced middle ground.

4. Medium Limitations: Without tone or context, everyone’s statements were misinterpreted, making it harder to address the real issue.

5. Unstructured Dialogue: The lack of a shared goal or framework turned the discussion into a reactive exchange, rather than a constructive exploration of ideas.

This example highlights how WhatsApp’s limitations can derail discussions, emphasizing the need for tools and approaches to foster clarity, respect, and meaningful engagement.

The Nature of the Medium: A Breeding Ground for Assumptions

Text-based communication lacks the nuances of tone, body language, and context, leading participants to unconsciously fill in the gaps with their assumptions. Often, these assumptions lean toward extreme interpretations. For instance, in a heated discussion, a balanced statement might be perceived as polarizing or dismissive simply because it does not align with the assumed context.

Take, for example, a conversation about the origins of knowledge systems. If one mentions that Indian astronomical knowledge influenced Western traditions, the intent might be to highlight the need for an open-minded exploration of historical exchanges. However, without the nuance of voice or facial expression, others may interpret the statement as a wholesale denial of Western achievements, triggering defensive or dismissive responses.

This pendulum effect—where discussions swing to extremes—often prevents the conversation from settling into the middle ground, where balanced and productive dialogue can occur. The issue is not the lack of intellectual capability—WhatsApp groups often include highly accomplished individuals—but the medium itself, which inherently strips away essential communicative cues.

The Pitfall of Colonized Thinking

Another layer of complexity arises from deeply ingrained mental frameworks, such as the “colonized mind” phenomenon. Centuries of colonial dominance conditioned many to devalue their own traditional knowledge unless validated by Western authorities. This predisposition can manifest in group discussions where ideas rooted in Indian traditions are dismissed without investigation.

The antidote to this, as articulated in the principles of ancient Indian debate traditions like the Vada Parampara, is the practice of approaching discussions with intellectual curiosity and humility. Vada Parampara emphasized constructive debate aimed at the pursuit of truth, rather than the dominance of one perspective over another. This tradition teaches us to investigate claims thoroughly and engage with ideas respectfully, avoiding the trap of automatic dismissal or blind acceptance.

The Swinging Pendulum of Miscommunication

The cyclical nature of misunderstandings on WhatsApp groups often resembles a swinging pendulum:

        1.      Assumptions Amplify Misinterpretation: Without visual or tonal cues, participants often assume the worst or most extreme version of a statement.

        2.      Reaction Escalates the Swing: Responses to these assumptions escalate the discussion, leading to further polarizations.

        3.      Middle Ground is Elusive: The conversation oscillates between extremes, rarely achieving balance or resolution.

For instance, someone discussing the historical flow of knowledge from East to West might find their nuanced point overshadowed by accusations of bias or overgeneralization. These reactions then provoke defensive counterpoints, pulling the conversation further away from constructive discourse.

A Path Forward: Clarity and Awareness

To avoid such pitfalls, participants in group discussions must adopt a few key principles:

        1.      Pause Before Responding: Take a moment to re-read and reflect on a message before crafting a reply. This pause can prevent knee-jerk reactions based on assumptions.

        2.      Seek Clarification: When in doubt, ask questions instead of assuming intent. A simple “Could you clarify what you mean by this?” can prevent major misunderstandings.

        3.      Communicate Intent: When making a statement, explicitly state the intent behind it to minimize the risk of misinterpretation.

        4.      Cultivate Intellectual Humility: Approach discussions with a willingness to learn rather than a need to dominate or “win” the argument.

        5.      Revisit Ancient Traditions of Discourse: The Vada Parampara offers a valuable blueprint for respectful and constructive dialogue. Embracing its principles can transform the nature of group discussions into opportunities for collective growth.

        6.      Be Conscious of Biases: Both colonized thinking and its counterpart—overcompensation in defense of tradition—can cloud judgment. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential for meaningful dialogue.

Reclaiming the Spirit of Inquiry

WhatsApp groups, despite their limitations, can become powerful platforms for intellectual exchange if approached with the right mindset. By fostering clarity, awareness, and a spirit of inquiry, participants can transcend the pitfalls of assumption-driven arguments and engage in conversations that rise in knowledge, echoing the wisdom of India’s Vada Parampara.

In essence, meaningful dialogue requires a conscious effort to overcome the medium’s limitations and embrace a balanced, respectful, and inquisitive approach to discourse. Let us aim to transform our discussions from swinging pendulums into steady platforms for shared understanding and growth.

Reimagining WhatsApp: A Vision for Thoughtful Communication and Constructive Discourse

To address the challenges of miscommunication, polarization, and lack of structure in WhatsApp group discussions, I envision an enhanced platform (see below) that integrates innovative features for thoughtful and productive interactions. Alongside tools to address misinterpretation and promote constructive dialogue, the app could include De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, an AI moderator named YODA, and additional features like audio alerts and a discussion timer to create a truly transformative experience.

Features for Elevating WhatsApp Group Conversations

        1.      Voice-to-Text with Contextual Attachments

Communication thrives on tone and nuance, which text often lacks. An integrated voice-to-text feature would allow users to speak their thoughts effortlessly, converting speech into text while attaching the original voice note. This way, readers can choose to engage with the text or listen for tonal and emotional context, minimizing misinterpretations.

        2.      Cognitive Moderation: Extreme Stance Detection

The app could include an intelligent feature to detect extreme language or polarized views. It would gently warn users when their tone or stance leans towards unproductive extremes, encouraging them to reconsider and rephrase for balance and constructive engagement.

        3.      Learning from Indian Nyaya Shastra

Drawing from the profound wisdom of Nyaya Shastra—India’s ancient system of logic—the app could be equipped with AI-driven training modules. These modules would guide users in structured reasoning, argumentation, and respectful debate, gradually transforming the discourse into a collaborative quest for truth.

        4.      Dynamic Visual Debate Layout

To maintain focus, the app could feature a dynamic visual interface. The central screen would display the core topic or idea, keeping it “sticky” and front and center. Arguments for and against the topic could be visualized on either side of a vertical line, providing clarity and an overview of the conversation’s trajectory.

        5.      Periodic AI Summaries for Clarity

Every few minutes, the app could generate real-time summaries of the discussion. These summaries would help participants quickly understand the current state of the dialogue, reducing confusion and preventing repetitive arguments.

        6.      Live Fact-Checking and Community Notes

By connecting to online databases and integrating fact-checking tools, the app could provide real-time verification of claims. Community-driven annotations would allow for collaborative validation, fostering informed discussions.

        7.      Discussion Summaries and Action Items

At the end of every conversation, the app could generate a concise summary, highlighting key points, areas of agreement, and unresolved issues. It could also suggest natural action items, ensuring the group moves forward with purpose and clarity.

8.        De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats Framework

The app could integrate Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to structure discussions by perspective. Users could select a “hat” while contributing, and the app would visually organize responses based on the selected hat:

             •    White Hat (Neutral): Focuses on facts and information.

             •    Red Hat (Emotional): Brings emotions and intuition to the forefront.

             •    Black Hat (Cautious): Highlights risks and potential problems.

             •    Yellow Hat (Optimistic): Explores benefits and positive outcomes.

             •    Green Hat (Creative): Encourages brainstorming and innovative ideas.

             •    Blue Hat (Organizational): Manages the flow and focus of the discussion.

A color-coded visual interface would group contributions under each hat, offering a comprehensive map of the discussion and promoting diverse viewpoints.

            9.   AI Agent YODA: The Wise Moderator

The platform would feature an AI agent named YODA, a virtual elderly statesman embodying the Blue Hat. YODA’s role would include:

             •    Moderating discussions with calm, balanced interventions.

             •    Providing reminders to stay on topic.

             •    Highlighting points of convergence and divergence.

             •    Ensuring respectful discourse and adherence to time limits.

10.     Audio Alerts for Key Events

Customizable audio alerts would notify users of significant discussion updates, such as new summaries, emerging consensus, or when someone joins with an important contribution. These alerts would enhance engagement without overwhelming participants.

11.     Discussion Timer

To maintain focus, the app could include a timer feature that sets a predefined duration for discussions. YODA could gently notify participants as time progresses, ensuring the conversation remains productive and time-efficient.

A Platform for Constructive Growth

These features represent just the beginning of what such a platform could offer. Imagine discussions transformed into opportunities for learning, where misunderstandings give way to nuanced understanding, and disagreements evolve into collaborative exploration.

This envisioned app would not only address the limitations of text-based communication but also inspire a culture of thoughtful engagement, deeply rooted in both modern technology and ancient philosophical traditions like India’s Vada Parampara. Maybe we can call it “Vadsapp” after that! 

Towards a New Era of Dialogue

As we continue to reimagine the future of communication, this vision offers a path toward a more balanced, conscious, and enlightened mode of digital interaction. By embracing innovation and integrating timeless principles, we can turn group discussions into powerful catalysts for shared wisdom and collective progress.

The possibilities are endless—this is just the start. What other features would you envision for such a platform? Let’s keep the conversation alive and evolving!

WhatsApp, are you listening? @WhatsApp

The post From “WhatsApp” to “VadsApp” – Transforming digital Group Discussions into Collegial Dialogue first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.

Many modern communication experts say communication is impossible – that it is always an open loop. It would be really tragic if this were true. If you think about it, our whole life is essentially a struggle to communicate – to understand others and to ensure that others understand us. To understand our lives and circumstances and to communicate that understanding to others in the form of books, poems, stories, movies, plays, dance-dramas etc or…a simple conversation over a cup of coffee! In animals, communication is much simpler and more direct, but in humans it takes a myriad forms. And still, there is a feeling that we have not made enough progress in our ability to truly communicate. Let us now dig deeper into this subject and see what we can learn.

Grammarly’s 2024 State of Business Communication report highlights the staggering $1.2 trillion cost of workplace miscommunication in 2022, with its impact worsening as remote and hybrid work expands. While written communication increased by 18% in 2023, its effectiveness declined, and the reliance on digital tools blurred work-life boundaries, leading to burnout for 60% of workers. Miscommunication is rampant, with 66% of leaders encountering it daily, and nearly half experiencing it multiple times a day. The repercussions are profound: diminished trust in leadership (40%), impaired collaboration (42%), strained colleague relationships (29%), and significant impacts on job satisfaction (50%) and stress (42%). Alarmingly, miscommunication has prompted 15% of workers to consider changing teams and 22% to think about leaving their jobs. In 2024, the advent of AI has prompted businesses to prioritize better communication over more communication, tackling these critical challenges.

What are the barriers to effective communication?

– Mental chatter

– emotional disturbance

– mental models

– past samskaras and vasanas that blur your vision

– an unhealthy preoccupation with the self

– A lack of genuine interest in the other person

– being extremely judgmental of the other person

– an inability to appreciate nuances of a topic

– lack of intellectual depth

– Lack of clarity of thought

– an inability to effectively put thought into words

– a weak and dysfunctional Vishuddhi chakra

– lack of self-awareness

The list is endless. It therefore makes sense to look at what are the characteristics of effective communication and some methods to achieve it. For this we dive into both western and eastern approaches.

Communication from an Aristotelian perspective:

The most consistent feedback for leaders is the need to improve communication skills. Rarely does anyone critique a leader for communicating too much or too well. Effective communication, as Aristotle outlined thousands of years ago, hinges on three key elements: ethos, pathos, and logos.

1. Ethos (Credibility): A communicator’s credibility is built through technical expertise, integrity, and character. Leaders gain trust when they demonstrate knowledge in their domain and uphold ethical behavior.

2. Pathos (Emotional Connection): Emotional bonds are essential for effective leadership. Leaders achieve this by showing genuine interest in their teams, giving undivided attention, and being enthusiastic about the organization’s mission. Pathos often has the strongest impact on how followers perceive their leader’s communication.

3. Logos (Logical Reasoning): Clear reasoning and logical structure are vital for leaders to articulate ideas persuasively. Data, strategic thinking, and analytical clarity are tools leaders use to communicate decisions effectively. However, presenting facts in a way that connects data, analysis, and conclusions is critical, as facts alone don’t influence outcomes.

These three elements work together, reinforcing one another. For example, relying on logic (logos) can build credibility (ethos), while emotional connection (pathos) enhances the receptivity of both. Mastering all three leads to exceptional communication and stronger leadership. This is also expressed in terms of Facts, Emotions and Metaphor.

Integration with Mehrabian’s Rule

Albert Mehrabian’s “7-38-55 Rule” highlights the significant role of tone (38%) and body language (55%) over words (7%) in communication, especially when verbal and nonverbal cues conflict. While nonverbal communication is vital, Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos emphasize that leaders must align their words, tone, and body language to communicate effectively.

Great communicators balance Mehrabian’s insights on nonverbal influence with Aristotle’s framework. Leaders can use ethos to project credibility, pathos to emotionally connect through tone and gestures, and logos to convey logical clarity. Combining these approaches ensures communication resonates across all channels—verbal and nonverbal—leading to trust, engagement, and clarity.

Different levels of communication at different levels of consciousness: a chakra perspective

The above are often the symptoms or conditions that reflect lower levels of consciousness associated with the lower chakras of Muladhara, Swadhisthana and Manipura chakra – essentially animal consciousness. It is only when the consciousness enters the Anahata chakra that the human consciousness flowers. Anahata chakra is considered the seat of unconditional love – a higher state of oneness with others and all creation. This is also a state of joy that is not to be found in lower levels of consciousness. As the consciousness rises to the higher chakras beyond the Anahata into the Vishuddhi and beyond, the divine consciousness starts to flower. In any case, we are interested in developing the ability to enter witness consciousness where one’s mind is naturally calm and stable, and one is able to listen without the incessant chatter of the mind (or at least totally ignore it) and take a genuine interest in what the other person has to say. The seven chakras are: Muladhara (Root), Swadhisthana (Sacral), Manipura (navel), Anahata (Heart), Vishuddhi (Throat), Ajna (Third eye) and Sahastrara (Crown).

The four degrees of human speech per Indian Knowledge Traditions

According to ancient Indian knowledge, there are four degrees of human speech—Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti, and Para—represent progressively subtler levels of perception and expression, each embodying a unique reality and shakti (energy):

1. Vaikhari (Audible Speech): Ordinary verbal speech powered by kriya shakti (action). It operates in the waking state (jagrat) and focuses on past deeds, present activities, and future exploits, manifesting as outward, physical communication.
2. Madhyama (Mental Speech): Internal, unspoken verbalization driven by jnana shakti (knowledge). This is the realm of rational thought and emotional intention, used by the subconscious mind during the dream state (svapna).
3. Pashyanti (Perceptive Speech): Subtle, undifferentiated speech governed by iccha shakti (desire). It bridges intention and verbalization, representing the unconscious mind in dreamless sleep (sushupti). Here, subject and object merge, reflecting clarity of intent.
4. Paravani (Supreme Speech): Pure, cosmic intention powered by ambika shakti (the supreme Mother Goddess). Para transcends all dualities and objects, existing in motionless, equipoised subtlety. It is accessible through the superconscious state (turiya) and reflects the will of ultimate reality.

Each level aligns with specific states of consciousness, progressing from the gross (Vaikhari) to the subtle (Para). Uniting these levels harmoniously can lead to transcendent states of awareness and connection with higher realities leading to progressively more powerful levels of communication.

Communication Through Silence: Silence as a Medium of Truth

Sri Ramana Maharshi emphasized silence (mauna) as the highest form of teaching. For him, truth cannot be fully articulated through words because words are limited by the mind’s dualities and concepts. Silence, on the other hand, directly conveys the essence of truth without distortion. In silence, the seeker is drawn inward, bypassing intellectual debate, to directly experience the Self (Atman).

Ramana Maharshi’s speech primarily resonates with the Para (Supreme Speech) level. His teachings often emerge from a state of pure intention, unadulterated by personal preference, duality, or ego. Para speech is the expression of ultimate reality and cosmic will, characterized by profound silence, equipoise, and universality—qualities that embody Ramana Maharshi’s communication.

For Ramana Maharshi, even his silence is considered the highest form of teaching, reflecting the nature of Para, where words are unnecessary because truth is directly experienced beyond dualities. When he did speak, his words were minimal, yet deeply impactful, bridging the higher states of consciousness with accessible guidance. This unique quality aligns his spoken words with Pashyanti, as they carried clarity of intention and transcended ordinary verbalization, while his inner state clearly resided in Para.

Inner Resonance Over External Expression

Silence operates at a level where the teacher and seeker connect through shraddha (faith), bhava (feeling), and consciousness. This creates a field of shared understanding, where communication occurs beyond the intellect, in the realm of intuition and inner realization.

Transcending Duality

Words inherently create divisions—speaker and listener, subject and object. Silence dissolves these dualities, fostering unity. In the silent presence of a realized master, the seeker often experiences profound peace and clarity, which cannot be fully explained but only felt.

Principles Underlying Communication Through Silence

Presence as the Message

The silent presence of a sage exudes an energy or vibration that speaks directly to the heart. This presence itself is the teaching, conveying peace, love, and the ultimate reality.

Often, Maharshi would remain silent while his devotees sat in his presence. They reported experiencing transformative insights or deep inner calm, which he attributed not to his words but to the silent awareness of truth.

Mauna (Silence) as Active Communication

Silence is not the absence of communication but a dynamic state of being. It invites seekers to turn inward, quiet their minds, and engage in self-inquiry.

Philosophical Foundation: Our ancient texts describe silence as a form of para vidya (higher knowledge), where words and thoughts fail, and the ultimate truth reveals itself.

Catalyst for Self-Realization

Silence creates an environment where the seeker can confront their inner noise and transcend it. This space of quietness encourages introspection and a deeper connection with one’s own consciousness.

Key Insights on Silent Communication

• Universal Accessibility: Silence is not bound by language, culture, or intellect. It is a universal medium through which wisdom can be transmitted without barriers.
• Mutual Transformation: The silence of the teacher is not a passive state but a shared experience that impacts both the teacher and the seeker. The teacher’s silence amplifies the seeker’s inner journey, creating a space for self-realization.
• Symbolism in Silence: Silence can be seen as the substratum of all sound and speech, just as the Self is the substratum of all existence. By practicing silence, a teacher like Sri Ramana Maharshi embodies this profound reality.

Contemporary Relevance

Non-Verbal Leadership

Leaders can communicate through presence, stillness, and calmness, inspiring trust and confidence without the need for excessive words. This aligns with the idea that silence often carries more weight than speech in moments of significance.

Meditative Practices

Silent retreats, meditation, and mindfulness practices draw inspiration from this principle, emphasizing the transformative power of quiet introspection.

Conflict Resolution

Silence, when practiced skillfully, can de-escalate conflicts by allowing space for reflection and cooling emotional reactions.

Practical Steps to Communicate Through Silence

Cultivate Inner Stillness: Practice meditation or mindfulness to develop a state of inner quietude.

Be Fully Present: Offer your complete, undistracted presence to others. Presence itself communicates volumes.

Create Space for Silence: In conversations or teaching, allow pauses and moments of silence to foster deeper reflection.

Rely on Intuition: Trust that what needs to be communicated will be felt, rather than explicitly said.

Communication through being, embodying the idea or concept

communication becomes superior when you are already resonating at the level of the thought and feeling you are trying to communicate through words.

It is said communication is most effective when thought, word and deed are aligned (manasi, vachasi, kaye).

We now add an important component – consciousness. For example, if you say, “Loka samastha sukhino bhavanti” – May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all, if there is someone or some people for whom you do not wish the above, there will be a certain dissonance in your communication.

Thus communication is not only about saying or putting thoughts into words, but about being what you are saying. If you are already resonating at the level of “Loka samastha sukhino bhavanti” you may not even need words to communicate that. And you may not need words from the other person to understand where he or she is coming from.

This is the profound truth about communication: it is most effective and transformative when it emerges from a deep alignment of thought (manas), word (vach), action (kaya), and consciousness (chitta). This principle underscores the essence of authentic expression and resonance in human interaction.

“Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying.” This quote is often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. This further conveys the idea of the importance of being the idea you wish to communicate.

When you say something as powerful as “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”, its impact depends not just on the words themselves, but on the state of being from which those words arise. If there is internal dissonance—if the intention or consciousness is not in harmony with the sentiment—then the communication loses its authenticity and power. True communication transcends the verbal plane when:

1. Resonance is Achieved: When you fully embody the thought and feeling you wish to communicate, words become secondary. The energy of your state naturally conveys the message, often more profoundly than speech can.
2. Being Reflects the Message: If your very existence resonates with “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu,” others intuitively feel it. Your actions, presence, and even silence radiate this truth, making your communication effortless and impactful.
3. Consciousness Aligns Communication: Consciousness acts as the foundation that unites thought, word, and deed. When your consciousness is rooted in universal love and harmony, even simple words or gestures carry extraordinary meaning. Conversely, when there is a gap in your consciousness—such as harbouring ill will toward someone—the dissonance diminishes the effectiveness of your words.

This is why the highest forms of communication—such as the silent teachings of sages or non-verbal understanding in telepathic resonance—are deeply rooted in being rather than saying. Words are tools, but the state of consciousness from which they arise is the true medium of communication.

To extend this idea: When individuals or communities reach a shared state of consciousness—whether of love, understanding, or higher unity—communication transcends all barriers, even language. This is the essence of intuitive understanding and empathy, where we no longer “interpret” others but simply know them, and they, in turn, know us.

Communication as per the Indian Knowledge Traditions

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), including the Natyashastra, offer profound principles of communication that emphasize not just the transfer of information but also emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connection. These principles align with holistic and contextual approaches to effective communication.

Communication Principles from Indian Knowledge Systems

1. Sadharanikaran (Universalization)

Communication must transcend individual perspectives to resonate universally. It involves creating shared meaning by addressing common human emotions and contexts.  Thus, a story in a performance or conversation should appeal to the audience’s shared values and emotions to ensure engagement.

2. Rasa Theory (Emotional Resonance)

Communication should evoke rasa (emotions) to connect deeply with the audience. The Natyashastra outlines nine primary rasas:

1. Shringara (Love/Beauty/Romance)

2.Hasya (Laughter/Joy)

3.Karuna (Compassion/Pathos)

4.Raudra (Anger/Fury)

5.Veera (Courage/Heroism)

6.Bhayanaka (Fear/Terror)

7.Bibhatsa (Disgust/Aversion)

8.Adbhuta (Wonder/Amazement)

9.Shanta (Peace/Tranquility) that guide how messages should be crafted for emotional impact.

Example: A leader using stories or metaphors to inspire (veera) or empathize (karuna).

3. Vakrokti (Indirect Expression)

Artful communication often employs suggestive, layered, and indirect methods to engage the audience’s imagination. This principle highlights the importance of subtlety and nuance using poetry, allegory, or parables in public speaking or negotiation.

4. Satya and Dharmic Context

Communication must align with satya (truthfulness) and dharma (righteousness). Authenticity and ethical alignment ensure trust and clarity in interactions.

5. Samskara (Refinement and Clarity)

Clarity, refinement, and linguistic elegance are emphasized to enhance the aesthetic and intellectual appeal of communication. This includes well-structured arguments and polished expressions.  Using precise language and culturally resonant symbols in presentations is the key.

6. Anekantavada (Multiplicity of Perspectives)

This Jain philosophy emphasizes accommodating multiple viewpoints to foster understanding and consensus. Communication must acknowledge diversity and context.  For example, engaging in dialogue that values differing opinions and fosters collaboration.

7. Manas (Mental Preparation)

The communicator’s state of mind influences the effectiveness of their message. A calm, focused, and disciplined mind ensures clarity and impact.  Mindfulness before delivering a critical message or presentation.

8. Samvada (Dialogic Approach)

Indian traditions emphasize dialogic engagement rather than monologue. Samvada involves two-way communication where mutual respect and listening are key. Encouraging questions and discussions in teaching or decision-making.

9. Sandesha (Purposeful Messaging)

Communication must have a clear purpose, whether it is to inform, persuade, or inspire. This purpose aligns with the larger dharma or the intended action. Leaders clearly stating the intent of a speech or meeting.

10. Shruti and Smriti (Oral and Recorded Transmission)

Communication should balance the immediacy of spoken interaction (shruti) with the reliability of documentation (smriti), ensuring both connection and continuity. Following up verbal instructions with written clarity in organizational contexts, for instance.

Sadhana is the root practice that brings about the various changes discussed above

All said and done, it is through sadhana that one can begin to resonate at the level of the ideas that one wants to communicate. Sadhana in simple terms involves purification of the chitta (chitta Shuddhi) which stabilizes the manas and sharpens the buddhi with dharmic logic and weakens the ahamkara (sense of separateness) thus removing the factors that cause distortion between thought, word and deed!

The post An Exposition on The Art and Science of Human Communication first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.