Convicts get cultured in jail
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One of the maximum security prisons in Beijing plans to make the learning of Chinese classics including Analects of Confucius compulsory among its inmates this year.
A traditional culture education program will be "systematically and fully implemented" in the Beijing No 2 Prison from this year, with related books distributed to each inmate, said Luo Zhongqi, its vice-warden.
![Inmates at the city's No 2 prison perform a drama during an event organized by the prison. [China Daily]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100112/000802ab80120cb64e341d.jpg "Inmates at the city's No 2 prison perform a drama during an event organized by the prison. [China Daily]") |
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Inmates at the city's No 2 prison perform a drama during an event organized by the prison. [China Daily] |
Luo said the prison hopes the study will help the 1,200 inmates change their philosophies of life, while reflecting on their past crimes and learning how to get along with other people.
"Moreover, it can be conducive to maintaining the order of the prison and reducing recurring crimes after they return to the society," he said.
The inmates include 840 who are convicted of crimes including murder, rape or fraud, and sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty with a reprieve, according to the prison.
In 2007, some inmates began studying traditional Chinese culture. Now, there are 20 study groups that organize 300 inmates to study Analects of Confucius, ancient Chinese poetry, Disciples Regulation, and A Dream of Red Mansions and other Chinese philosophical or literary classics.
A Dream of Red Mansions, one of Chinese four classics and tai chi interest groups are the most typical ones.
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A tai chi competition at the prison. [China Daily] |
According to Liu Zhiyu, vice-head of a sub-supervision area in the prison, its A Dream of Red Mansions study group has 20 members, with correctional officers as teachers.
Inmates study the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) novel by themselves and will hold a discussion every week to exchange views.
Zhang Weiming, 48, a male inmate, is a member from A Dream of Red Mansions study group.
Zhang was convicted of fraud and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997. After serving 12 years, he has only four years left to be free, because he has been commutated to 16 years due to his good performance in the prison.
Zhang said the novel is so close to people's life, and has greatly improved his knowledge about literature.
"Through the analysis and discussions of the characters in the novel, I learned how to get along with others in harmony, be open-minded, and more tolerant."
According to Zhang, he also learns to be honest, which is the most essential element for human beings.
Zhang said since learning A Dream of Red Mansions, he has written five comments concerning honesty.
Two on Sanlu tainted milk powder scandal and an academic scandal in South Korea were published in the newspaper run by the municipal prison administration.
Wu Shujie, 33, was convicted of murder and sentenced to the death penalty with a reprieve of two years in 1998.
He has been commutated to 18 years for seven times since 2003 due to his consistent good performance in prison.
Wu has been learning tai chi for six years from police officers. He also reads books and watch DVDs when he is alone.
Wu said tai chi is a self-cultivation art, which helps him calm down. "I have changed my impulsive and irritable temper after exercising tai chi."
According to Wu, when he had a problem before, he would be prone to extreme action. "But now I consider issues with more patience."
On July 16, the prison held a tai chi competition with the participation of 700 inmates.
Zhang Chunhun, the vice-head of education department with the Beijing No 2 Prison said since 2003, they have been holding one tai chi competition each year.
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