An analytical study of Buddhist principles in organizing activities to develop the minds of inmates at Chiang Mai Central Prison

Abstract

The research entitled “Appropriate Dhamma Doctrine Analysis for Mind Evolution Activity for Prisoner in Chiang Mai Central Prison” consists of two objectives: 1) to study the conception and Buddha-dhamma for mind development, 2) to study various activities for mind development of prisoners in Chiangmai Central Prison, and 3) to analyze the appropriate Buddha-dhamma in activity functioning there. This is a qualitative research by searching for and collecting many kinds of data. The result of the research can be clearly shown:

The conception for mind development of human is a necessary and very important thing in society. Human is one of society factors. In case he or she getting correctly trained or practiced, could do a good way for society worldwide. The Buddha-dhamma, the Buddha’s teachings, i.e. Kammaṭṭhāna (The place of work), Tisikkhā (Threefold Training), Garāvāsadhamma (Virtues for a good household life) and Cattāri Ariyasaccāni (Four Noble Truths), is undoubtedly accepted for human mind development.

For mind development of prisoners in Chiangmai Central Prison, all of prisoners can get moral training, Dhamma listening, or another religions teaching, Dhammasueksa-study and Morning-Evening Chanting. The management is taken by ways of theory and practice section, which is functioned by themselves authorities. Especially, the higher administrators of the prison put the real importance for mind development.

The Buddha-dhammas appropriate for providing activities of the prisoners mind development in Chiangmai Central Prison are: Satipaṭṭhāna (The establishment or foundations of mindfulness), Tisikkhā (Threefold Training), Cattāri Ariyasaccāni (Four Noble Truths). Three teachings could be used for Grouping Activity, Mind-curing Activity and Behavior-change Activity etc. It can be said that attitude or feeling of prisoners towards the Buddha-dhamma for mind development can be functioned and shown through sincere interviews. Most of the prisoners agreed with taking the Buddha-dhamma as mentioned above for mind development.

From the close interviews of the prisoners, we can say that, Tisikkhā (Threefold Training), Cattāri Ariyasaccāni (Four Noble Truths) can lead the prisoners to be good and glad persons; having good behaviors, cooperating with working there and being stick with rules and regulations distinctly. In case the prisoners passing the mind development training, will not be the burden of society certainly.