Conflicts often arise from holding onto a single perspective and failing to listen with an open mind. Practicing mediation within the community can enhance mutual understanding and foster harmony. Mediation may involve both parties utilizing specific tools or methods for conflict resolution, or a third party providing impartial support to assist both parties in the conflict. Either way, mediation can help individuals experiencing miscommunication to unpack their thoughts, feelings, and fundamental needs in order to reconcile their differences.

A key insight in resolving conflict is that each of us perceives phenomena through our own unique, subjective lens—due to dependent origination. Simply recalling this truth can enhance our patience and confidence, allowing us to pursue a deeper understanding of others while reducing our attachment to our own viewpoints. (See Subjectivity #135).

If there is a disagreement or conflict, both parties may attempt to step back and consider each other’s perspectives. Even if only one party is able to loosen their rigid views, this can still lead to new understanding.

Many different practices exist for conflict resolution, such as Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication.

No two people share the same perspective, and thus no one can be considered truly right or wrong. Striving to understand others by listening and employing mediation and conflict resolution techniques fosters harmony.

Reflect on the experience of miscommunication, and on how one misunderstanding often leads to another and another—a vicious cycle that can be very hard to escape without a reliable method.

• Thinking of a past unresolved conflict, can you see what factors may have prevented resolution?
• What might be the cause of the misperception that led to miscommunication?
• What does it take to de-escalate a conflict?
• What does it take for you to forgive?

Analyze the role of dependent origination and subjective perception in creating miscommunication and conflict; evaluate various conflict resolution techniques through the lens of Buddhist principles; and implement mediation practices that help others recognize multiple perspectives while fostering mutual understanding and harmony.