HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT OF INMATES IN THE PRISON BASED ON THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

              The objectives of this qualitative research were as follows; 1. to study human nature according to Buddhism, 2. to study the process of human development in Theravada Buddhism, and 3. to build a human resource development model in Theravada Buddhism. The data were collected from 8 key-informants through in-depth interview form and other instrument and then analyzed by content analysis.
             The results of the study found that; Human beings in Buddhism consist of 4 main elements and 5 aggregates with different potentials but share the similar desire; food, clothing, lodging, and medicine. Furthermore human beings also require security, love, respect, and potential development. The process of human resource development of inmates in Bang Khwang Central Prison based on Theravada Buddhist philosophy is “The 5-Step Policy”; 1) to control and suppress drugs, mobile phone and prohibited objects, 20 to implement discipline, order and tidiness, 3) to discipline the inmates, 4) to heal and develop their mind by Saggasa Meditation Course, and 5) to build recognition from society based on the principles of Threefold Training in Theravada Buddhist philosophy. A human resource development model in Theravada Buddhism of Bang Khwang Central Prison indicated that this prison has security in a high level. The burden and duty of the prison are to train, tame and develop the inmates physically and mentally. There are sports-ground and drug treatment and therapy center in the prison. The inmates who prefer sports can join a group of sports they like and there is an inter-mural sport annually. The mental development is conducted through Saggasa Meditation Course and Master of Ceremony Course. There are other activities for the inmates such as giving alms, listening to a sermon, chanting sutras, family re-union activity, and national day activities. These activities can improve the inmates’ emotion and feeling effectively.