DEVELOPING QUALITY OF LIFE BASED ON BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES OF PRISONERS

Abstract

Regarding the use of Buddhist principles to improve the quality of life of prisoners, life development based on Buddhist principles starts from the principle of education because bhavana (prayer) or development is truly the same as education or virtue. The study or development is divided into three areas: behavior, mind, and wisdom, called Trisikha (Threefold training), consisting of precepts, which is the control of the body, speech, which is important, and concentration, which is the mind with emotion united with emptiness without desire. The results of the meditation practice can be found from a worldly level, such as concentration on work, study, having a stable mind, and not being obsessed with disobedience. Intelligence development is the most importance because wisdom guides and controls all behaviors; how a person behaves depends on the directions from one’s wisdom. Wisdom is also the release or the way out of the mind. For example, when the mind is stuck with problems, wisdom can help set the mind free. Even the offenders can be entitled to a certain degree of welfare in accordance with the basic state rights or according to human rights principles, such as protection of prisoners, the right to communicate and have visitors from outside, the right of religion, the right of food, and clothing which are necessary for their livelihoods.