AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES IN RESOLVING NARCOTIC PROBLEM OF THE JUVENILES IN NONGKHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research included: 1) To study the Buddhist principles and narcotics; 2) To study the resolution of narcotic problem of the juveniles in Nongkhai province; 3) To study and analyze the Buddhist principles in resolving narcotic problem in Nongkhai province. This research was qualitative research. The researcher searched and studied documents including Buddhist scriptures (Tipitaka), Narcotic Act, related laws documents concerning narcotics and interviewed the individuals concerned with narcotic problem resolution in Nongkhai province. The researcher analyzed the document by inductive methodology. The results of research were found as follows: Narcotics in Buddhism was considered intoxicants as coded in the five precepts. It causes the carelessness and unwholesome deeds. It was the cause of suffering and the root cause of various crimes. Buddhist principles for resolving the narcotic problem emphasized on mind development of the juveniles to be conscious and to cultivate intellect that led to the right practice in resolving narcotics problem. The Buddhist principles included the four noble truths and the law of dependent origination. Buddhist principles for preventing juveniles from narcotics consisted of six vicious behaviors, six directions or pairs of social relationship, consideration of true friends and false friends, moral shame and moral dread, and critical reflection. When applying Buddhist principles to resolve the narcotic problem with juveniles, it led them to know the factors and causes of narcotic problem.  Buddhist principles helped the juveniles to be aware of sensual contacts and kept them in distance from the narcotics. The juveniles were also cultivated with good value and behavior that helped them be shameful with good consideration and be far away from narcotics.