From Compliance to Internalization: Buddhist Chanting and Character Formation through Kelman's Theory and the Abhidhamma
Mimbar Agama Budaya July 5, 2026 Edi Priyono, Euis Dewi Yuliana, I Putu Sarjana et al.
Chanting practice among students at the Institut Nalanda Jakarta dormitory fosters character development through three sequential processes: compliance with institutional norms, identification through shared social bonds, and internalization of values as personally meaningful. Using a qualitative phenomenological design with six purposively selected students, the study integrates Kelman's theory of attitude change with the Abhidhamma perspective, interpreting transformation through the concepts of citta and cetasika, which underpin mindfulness, self-control, and ethical conduct. The authors propose an Attitude Change Pyramid modelling the movement from external practice to internalized character, offering a transferable lens for religiously grounded character education.