DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST METHODS TO PREVENT RECIDIVISM AMONG PRISON INMATES SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

The research article aims to 1) Develop a mechanism for preventing recidivism, 2) Integrate Buddhist Dhamma principles in the rehabilitation of inmates, and 3) Derive lessons learned from this integrative process. The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, utilizing interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory activities involving inmates, families, community members, and prison officers. The findings indicate that effective mechanisms for preventing recidivism require a comprehensive analysis of the inmates' contexts. Recidivism is often linked to psychological vulnerability, economic hardship, broken family structures, and a lack of inner strength-factors that collectively hinder reintegration into society. Therefore, rehabilitation must be viewed as a human-centered process that fosters sustainable opportunities for transformation and renewal. The mechanism developed in this study adopts a holistic model encompassing five dimensions: mental well-being, life skills, livelihood, family, and community. The integration of Buddhist principles with the rehabilitation process for inmates at Samut Sakhon Provincial Prison is a crucial element that genuinely helps create change from within the hearts of the inmates. At its core are key Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, Five Precepts, Four Brahmavihāras, Four Bases of Spiritual Power (Iddhipāda), and the Seven Qualities of a Noble Person (Sappurisa-dhamma). These principles serve to cultivate awareness, right understanding, and inner strength. The implementation included workshops, mindfulness and meditation training (Satipaṭṭhāna), reflective dialogue circles, and family–community engagement, all of which contributed to profound inner transformation among the inmates. Participants developed deeper self-awareness, reduced impulsive emotional reactions, and gained readiness to return to society with dignity. The lessons learned from the process were synthesized into the “Sacca-Paññā Model”-a Buddhist social innovation integrating truth (sacca) and wisdom (Paññā) as a sustainable mechanism for inmate rehabilitation. The model extends beyond the individual to empower families and communities, fostering self-realization, moral responsibility, and purposeful action-thereby reducing recidivism and creating new opportunities for life reintegration.