Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion in England’s jails, with the number of followers rising eightfold over the past decade. Although adherents to the Eastern faith believe in peace and the sanctity of life, almost all of the Buddhists behind bars in this country are serving lengthy sentences for serious crimes such as violence and sex offences.
Some jails and secure hospitals including Broadmoor have opened shrines known as Buddha Groves in their grounds, and there is a nationwide network of chaplains to cater for the growing population. It is claimed that most of the Buddhists in jail converted after their conviction, and chose it over other religions because its emphasis on meditation helps them cope with being locked up. Supporters of Buddhist criminals say they also believe the spiritual development they gain in prison will help them once they are released, and prevent them from re-offending.
Telegraph (Thanks Kirsty)
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As acceptance of suffering ( a core tenet of buddhism) is a necessary stage in effective behavioural change – then this is possibly a positive development.
Isn’t buddha about the nothing . or was that zen .. hahaha … I would want to say that then buddhism is an excellent choice for jail but nah … the joke wont work.
Criminals keep escaping from reality then huh? I’d prefer them to take up some studies or such. For when they get out of there. That would make their time a bit more usefull (if they can come out of jail eventually, that is, but even if that would not be the case .. it still might be not such a bad way of spending your time. In modern jail that can be done, but def. not everywhere).
A mental get out of jail free card? If an inn-mate converted to something else, they would likely get reminded why they were incarcerated fairly often, rather than be left alone to meditate (think about whatever they like). For those that take it seriously it must surely have a positive effect on their mindsets.
Well I think it can do no harm – meditation is a good thing for them and should change their energy in the long run.
If I had to choose a religion, it’d definitely be Buddhism. Few rules (ethics) to follow, no fear of a God striking you down, and practicing principles of kindness.
No matter what your religion, (or not), meditation is really good for calming the mind and emotions. Buddhism is about Karma and what you give out you’ll get back so of all the religions this’d be the most beneficial for those who’d taking a wrong turning to follow and practice. Stripping it down to the basics chilling out and being kind to others sounds alright to me.
x
inneresting…i believe here in the U.S., it’s islam.
Wow, these comments have a lot of misinformation about meditation and Buddhism! I’ve had the opportunity to help out our local Buddhist chaplain at HMP Walton (who’s a friend of mine) and am a practising Buddhist, so perhaps I can shed some light?
Most of the Buddhists in prison are immigrant Chinese… they’re “Buddhist” in the sense that the vast majority of other prisoners are “Christian” – i.e. “not very”, or at least, “not by the way they behave”! There is work, however, to make Buddhist practices available within prisons (not quite the same as proselytising) as there are some clear benefits for inmates and society alike.
Buddhism doesn’t have ethics?!! Nonsense, Buddhism is essentially an ethical system. It’s at the heart of Buddhism.
Aaargh, the character…
…limit was fast approaching…!
Finally, meditation certainly isn’t about “escape”, even in a psychological sense. When you meditate, you’re brought face-to-face with yourself, warts and all. Meditation isn’t ‘easy’ or ‘comfortable’ or ‘nice’, it can be tough, gruelling both physically and psychologically, and certainly isn’t about “thinking whatever they like”!