The Solution for Solving Juvenile Delinquency Using Buddhist Practice: A Case Study of Juvenile in Petchaburi Province

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the causes of juvenile criminal offenses; 2) to explore the guidelines for practices based on legal measures and the Buddhist teachings on precepts, the Five Precepts, Samādhi (concentration), and Paññā (wisdom), which are all used as the measure to solve problems of juvenile criminal offenses; and 3) to use the outcomes from applying the Buddhist practices on precepts, the Five Precepts, Samādhi and Paññā to solve problems of juvenile criminal offenses. The study used a qualitative research approach, in which data from in-depth interviews were analyzed and presented in the form of a description.

            From the study, the following findings are found: 1) Family and parent are the most common causes of juvenile criminal offenses, followed by drug addiction, friends, and technology advancement; 2) The guidelines for practices based on legal measures can only solve small juvenile offenses but not major juvenile criminal offenses. The Buddhist teachings on precepts, the Five Precepts, Samādhi and Paññā are one of the guidelines to change behavior. The serious and actual use of such practices, along with legal measures can transform a person into a good person who will not commit any further offenses; 3) The Buddhist teachings on the Five Precepts, Samādhi and Paññā can be taught to juvenile who commits offenses to practice so they will not hurt or harm others, will have loving-kindness and compassion for others, and lastly, will have moral dread. All of this will keep them from committing further offenses.