BUDDHADHAMMA PRINCIPLES FOR TRAINING THE PRISONERS’ MIND

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the Buddhadhamma principles for training prisoners’ mind. The study employed mixed method research technique by reviewing the Tipitaka to identify the principles which are suitable for training the minds of prisoners in four different types of crime committed. Then the researcher used the survey study method by taking the principles from the qualitative study to make questionnaires, and had them prioritized the items of the principles by 15-purpursively-sected experts, including six Buddhist scholars, and nine chaplains of prison and correctional institutions. Data analysis is performed by calculating frequencies and percentages, and then prioritizing items based on their respective percentages.

Findings indicated that 1. The principles for the crime-related-to-sex prisoners include 1. Percept 3: refrain from harmful expressions of sexuality, 2. sexual restraint, 3. goodwill and compassion, 4. directions 6, 5. causes of ruin 6, and 6. right means of livelihood, respectively; 2. The principles for crime-related-to-life-and-body prisoners include 1. Percept 1: refrain from harming or taking the life of any being, 2. goodwill and compassion, 3. forbearance, 4. forgiveness, 5. causes of ruin 6, and 6. directions 6, respectively; 3. The principles for crime-related-to-property prisoners include 1. Percept 2: refrain from taking or misusing anything that does not belong to you or has not been clearly offered, 2. right means of livelihood, 3. contentment, 4. virtues conducive to benefits in the present 4, 5. house-life happiness 4, and 6. enjoyers of sense-pleasures 10, respectively; 4. The principles for crime-related-to-drug prisoners include 1. trades which should not be plied by a lay disciple, 2. right means of livelihood, 3. contentment, 4. virtues conducive to benefits in the present 4, 5. house-life happiness 4, and 6. enjoyers of sense-pleasures 10, respectively.