Digital Communication Anguttara Nikaya 10.176

Cunda Kammaraputta Sutta

Transforming Divisive Speech into Unifying Communication

Modern Challenge

How can we heal political polarization and online toxicity? What transforms divisive communication into speech that brings people together rather than driving them apart?

Divisive vs. Unifying Speech

Buddha distinguishes between speech that breaks people apart and speech that creates concord, offering a roadmap for healing polarized communities.

Divisive Speech Creates Separation Us vs Them Blame & Attack Absolute Positions Fear Mongering Echo Chambers Character Attacks Results in: Polarization • Conflict • Isolation Broken Relationships • Tribal Warfare Transform with Wisdom Unifying Speech Creates Connection Shared Humanity Understanding & Empathy Nuanced Views Hope & Solutions Bridge Building Common Ground Results in: Understanding • Cooperation • Healing Stronger Communities • Collective Wisdom

Recognizing Divisive Speech

  • Creates "us vs them" mentality
  • Uses absolute language ("always," "never," "all")
  • Focuses on differences rather than similarities
  • Promotes fear, anger, or contempt
  • Attacks character rather than addressing issues
  • Amplifies extreme voices
Digital Examples:

Inflammatory memes, cancel culture, political tribalism, echo chamber content

Cultivating Unifying Speech

  • Acknowledges shared human experiences
  • Uses nuanced, thoughtful language
  • Finds common ground and values
  • Offers hope and constructive solutions
  • Addresses issues with empathy
  • Bridges different perspectives
Digital Examples:

Thoughtful discussions, solution-focused content, empathetic responses, bridge-building posts

Speech Transformation Tool

Practice transforming divisive statements into unifying communication. Enter divisive text and receive suggestions for more skillful expression.

Enter Divisive Text

The Original Teaching

Cunda's Question About Speech

Cunda Kammaraputta, the Buddha's attendant, asks about the types of speech that either create division or promote harmony within communities. This question arose from observing conflicts within the sangha (monastic community) and the broader society.

Buddha responds by describing speech that "breaks people apart" versus speech that "reconciles those who have broken apart or cements those who are united." He emphasizes that the intention behind speech - whether to divide or unite - determines its ultimate impact on community wellbeing.

The teaching provides detailed characteristics of both types of speech, offering practical guidance for anyone seeking to heal rather than harm relationships through their words.

Digital Age Applications

  • Social Media Polarization: Algorithms often amplify divisive content because it generates more engagement, creating artificial tribal conflicts.
  • Political Discourse: Modern political communication often deliberately uses divisive speech to mobilize supporters through fear and anger.
  • Cancel Culture: Public shaming and character attacks represent exactly the divisive speech patterns Buddha warned against.
  • Echo Chambers: Divisive speech thrives in environments where opposing views are absent or demonized.

Practice Exercises

Daily Speech Audit

Review your social media posts and comments for one week. Categorize each as divisive, neutral, or unifying.

Bridge-Building Practice

When you encounter divisive content, practice finding one point of common ground with the opposing view.

Unifying Response Challenge

For one month, commit to only posting content that seeks to understand rather than prove others wrong.

Related Teachings

Abhaya Sutta

Learn the six criteria for ethical speech before speaking

Madhupiṇḍika Sutta

Understand how mental proliferation leads to divisive conflicts

Sigalovada Sutta

Explore reciprocal relationships that strengthen communities