What does Buddhism say about how criminals should be treated?
Buddhism teaches that all people should demonstrate loving-kindness and compassionUnderstanding and appreciation of the pain and suffering of others. but accept that some do wrong, misuse their free will and cause dukkhaSuffering, illness, dissatisfaction or imperfection. An unavoidable fact of existence according to the first Noble Truth of Buddhism. to others.
The Five PreceptsFive moral principles that are observed by Buddhists. are guidelines for Buddhists to live their lives. Many Buddhists try to avoid a number of things including taking life, taking what is not given, and sexual misconduct.
The Eightfold PathThe teachings of the Buddha that can lead to the end of suffering: 1 - Right Views; 2 - Right Thinking; 3 - Right Speech; 4 - Right Action; 5 - Right Livelihood; 6 - Right Effort; 7 - Right Mindfulness; 8 - Right Meditation. teaches Buddhists how to live their lives in the right way to reach enlightenmentThe realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth.. If Buddhists go against these teachings or guidelines to commit crime, they would be going against their religious beliefs. karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. or 'intentional action' is a Buddhist belief. Performing negative actions will build up bad meritA beneficial influence built up through wholesome and skillful actions (karma), capable of affecting a person's future experience in this life and the next..
Belief in samsaraIn Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, this is the cycle of life, death and rebirth. means that Buddhists hope to be reborn as something greater in each life and, ultimately, reach enlightenment. This means that many Buddhists will not commit crime and believe it is their duty to protect the weak in society.
Many Buddhists believe that criminals should be punished for their actions, but they have strong views about punishment in this world:
- inhumane treatment of an offender does not solve their behaviour or those of humanity in general - the best approach is to reformTo make changes to something or someone, for improvement. them
- punishment should only be enough for the offender to make amends, and his rehabilitateTo restore someone to health or a normal life. into society should be a priority
- punishing an offender with excessive cruelty is damaging to both the criminal and the person administering the punishment
- it is impossible to administer severe punishment with compassionUnderstanding and appreciation of the pain and suffering of others., and Buddhists should be compassionate
- a serious crime may see a person banished from the community or country in order to protect the rest of society
How do Buddhists respond to crime in society and those who commit crime?
Many Buddhists are concerned about the welfareThe good health, prosperity and happiness of a person. of prisoners. They may campaign for prison reform, visit prisoners, or vote for a political party that reflects their views on justice and treating people equally.
Buddhists are also taught to show compassion and forgiveness to others, and they will aim to demonstrate loving-kindness to all human beings, including those who have committed a crime.
