For modern-day Buddhist Priests, social work in prisons is one of the most relevant tasks in their service. The writer of the essay has been engaged in prison programs since 2013, leading teams in teaching a “Body, Mind, and Spiritual Improvement Consultation” workshop within a drug rehabilitation center. Most team members are unfamiliar with service work in prison programs, and have limited knowledge on drug abuse issues and rehabilitation methods. Their only initiative is their passion in helping others, and devotion to volunteerism.
However, service in prison programs differs from regular Buddhist activities. While public policies are welcoming towards religious groups exerting their educational influence in prison programs, it would be even more informative towards modern prison correctional needs if the courses include more investigation into human behavior and humanitarian philosophies, as opposed to theological principles alone.
Therefore, this study was based on the writer’s field research experience of working as a counselor in a drug rehabilitation center, as well as the writer’s courses of counseling and accompanying the drug users. This study focuses on integrating Buddhist beliefs into counseling and rehabilitating people from addiction.
This study suggests that training for counseling substance abusers should be provided by specialized agencies, and social services also require more detailed supervision. This study aims to assist and engage more Buddhist Chaplains who are currently serving in the field of prison and rehabilitation centers, or chaplains who wishes to gain more insights and experiences in the same field.
