慈濟志業=Tzu Chi Foundation; 社會實踐=Practice in Social Activities; 改過遷善=Correct Mistakes; 更生人=Ex-Offender
摘要
1966年證嚴上人於臺灣花蓮以克己、克勤、克儉、克難的精神創立慈濟，迄今已逾五十餘年，慈濟志業由慈善進而擴及醫療、教育與人文；從花蓮偏鄉一隅，開展至全球五大洲，目前已有六十多個國家地區有慈濟志工，迄今援助一百一十一個國家地區，慈濟志業之社會實踐，不分宗教、種族與國度，給予苦難者最真誠無私地關懷。 「更生」係指獲釋出獄之受刑人重新融入社會活動，此類受刑人則稱為「更生人」。在宗教信仰牽引下，更生人有效反轉為社會良善典範，在參與慈濟志業活動後，見習培訓成為慈濟志工，不僅於服刑期間對於過去犯行檢討、悔悟，更以積極向善之態度，學習各種技能或進修，在出獄後能重新融入社會。 筆者參與慈濟志業活動過程中，發現對於監獄受刑人，證嚴上人以「你們不是壞人，只是不小心做錯事的人。」諄諄勸解，期待受刑人在服刑期間也能因慈濟志工的陪伴轉化心性、懺悔過往，進而發揮生命潛在良善本質，將來也能成為他人生命中的貴人。筆者透過親身參與更生人復歸社會，投注心力於慈善活動中，並記錄其返回昔日服刑之監獄所、校園、營區以及各公部門單位等，不間斷地進行防毒宣導，用自身經歷向收容人、學生等，做最到位的勸說，乃至收容人出獄後之長期陪伴與關懷。 基於前人研究基礎，筆者期望能藉此研究弘揚社會正面教化之意義，探析更生人積極向善、貢獻社會，反轉為社會良善典範之路徑。 With the spirit of self-discipline, diligence, frugality, and perseverance, Dharma Master Cheng Yen established the Tzu Chi Foundation in Hualien in 1966.Over time, Tzu Chi Foundation’s mission started with Charity and extended into Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture. From a remote east coast of Taiwan, there are Tzu Chi volunteers for over 60 countries. It provides aid to over 100 nations. Transcending the bounds of race, nationality, language, and religion, it volunteers selflessly contribute through a mindset of gratitude, expressing their sincerest care and support to each and every individual in need. Rebirth means that released inmates will fit into society. This kind of inmate is called an ex-offender. Under religious beliefs and guidelines, ex-offenders are more likely to become role-models of virtue. After taking part in Tzu Chi activities, they may not only decide to repent of their sins, while still inmates, but also become Tzu Chi members. With hearts devoted towards benefiting others, these ex-offenders do their best in cleansing their soul through mindfulness practices at Tzu Chi. Master Cheng Yen shed light on those inmates as individuals who made regretful mistakes by their impulsive mind blindsided by their wrong doings and not labeling them as evil hearted individuals. She sincerely believes them, under accompany of Tzu Chi members, to transform them to be a better individual. It will be even better if these ex-offenders can one day become those who can help others. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to join their anti-drug advocacy. How to get through the difficulties, they are able to share their experiences to those inmates and even lend them a helping and provide the much needed support. Researching with this ex-offenders reverse case, I wholeheartedly hope it will bring up positive aspects.
