The Lotus Communication Network (LCN) is an informal network of like-minded Asian Buddhist media practitioners and scholars that is in the process of being developed into a regional non-governmental network.

The lotus is one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teachings. The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the self from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. By using the name LOTUS we hope that this network will also grow in that spirit helping to enlighten Buddhist communities across Asia through the exchange of knowledge and culture.

The rationale behind the formation of this network is to bring media practitioners and communication scholars within Asian Buddhist countries and communities together to promote better understanding and cooperation between Buddhist communities across Asia. Historically there have been much interaction within Asia through Buddhist scholars, missionaries and traders, but, today most Buddhist communities across Asia don’t interact directly with each other, and much of the information about each other is obtained via western media sources. Often these sources misrepresent Buddhist communities and their social, cultural and political systems and developments.

LCN will be a network favouring consultation, coordination, cooperation, exchange and promotion of capacity building among media practitioners in Asian Buddhist countries. It will be a regional non-governmental, non-profit and multi-ethnic organization devoted to promoting Buddhist ideas, attitudes and cultural exchanges between Buddhist nations of Asia through media and other communication channels.

LCN will be developing and furthering better understanding of the cultures, history, social and political life of the people of Buddhist communities in Asia by using the media to create links between the countries and their people. The main focus of activities will be in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Mongolia, China and Taiwan. LCN will also expand its activities into Buddhist communities in Asia who are minorities in their own countries such as in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Malaysia, especially to build media capacity within these communities.