Â鶹Éç

Available for over a year

Good morning. On Sunday, a dear friend gave me a surprise gift; a commemorative coin with an inscription inspired by his spiritual teacher. The words read: Respect – Generosity – Tenderness. Whilst contemplating those three qualities, I heard the report about Norwegian prisons covered this week in the PM programme. It is now twenty years since Norway radically revamped its prison system to focus on rehabilitation rather than just punishment or revenge – even for murderers and rapists. The system is built on the coin’s first word: respect; respect for the individual as a human being – albeit one who has committed terrible crime. Whilst, the offence must be punished by loss of freedom, incarceration is designed to re-introduce criminals back into society as future good neighbours. In Hinduism, the Sanskrit word paap, is generally translated as ‘sin’ or ‘bad action’ – but at a deeper level, this word relates to having ingested dirty water. That doesn’t absolve anyone for their actions, but it indicates that, having fallen prey to crime, a person may need a period of care and restitution to function productively and harmlessly in society. This requires the second word on the coin: generosity - in both money and spirit. The Norwegian system is expensive; high staffing levels and plentiful educational and recreational amenities. However, the reoffending rate is a fraction of ours in the UK – so probably more cost-effective overall. Many people criticise that it is too cushy; criminals aren’t being suitably punished. The system, though, takes the long view; society is becoming safer. More dangerous criminals have realised the dreadful harm they caused and have put their life back on track. That is partly down to the third element of that inscription: tenderness. Half of the staff in Halden are female. Families can stay with dad in prison within private chalets within the grounds. Hindu theology explains that evil hurtful actions produce a type of mental conditioning that affects our future behaviour. This psychological conditioning is very powerful; but, it is not absolute. Hinduism distinguishes the thing we call ‘mind’ from the conscious self. It is the conscious self that observes the mind’s thoughts and emotions. And the self that is also the source of free will. Intentionally applying that free will that enables us to over-ride the compulsions, drives and addictions arising from within our wayward minds. At Halden, all officers interact liberally with the inmates as role models and mentors. Hindu texts explain that we each need positive guidance and encouragement from others to develop the determined resolve to overcome the conditioning of our background, experiences and actions. And, why just for prisons? Perhaps, sharing Respect, Generosity and Tenderness might turn all of us into better neighbours.