Re: Dharma and Capital Punishment
Namaste all,
interesting discussion.
though my view on this has changed quite a bit as this form has existed, i see no value in the death penalty whatsoever. in fact, i see detriment to the entire society as a result.
there are no studies which conclusively show that death penalty states have fewer incidents of violent crime. if a being is motivated to take the life of another being no form of deterrent would stop this from happening, especially if this deterrent is dependent upon the perpetrator being apprehended. strangely, most criminals think that they will actually get away with their crime.
taking the life of one being does not restore the life of the other. the death penalty, in most cases, strikes me as nothing but revenge cloaked in the veneer of justice and, in some cases, religion.
taking the life of a sentient being has tremendous karmic consequences and there doesn't really seem to be anyway around it... well.. there is, but that isn't really germane to our discussion at this point.
so, to sum up, i would have to say that i find no value in such a punishment and frequenly find much wrong with it.
metta,
~v
Meditation brings Wisdom, lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back.
~Buddha Shakyamuni
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I have gained this from philosophy:
That i do, without being commanded, what others do only through fear of Law.
~Aristotle
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