Challenge
Inmates stuck in a cycle
of violence
Strategy
Transforming inmates with proven techniques to reduceanger, stress & violence
Transformed
Inmates & Staff worldwide
Global presence
Countries
Overview
The Art of Living Prison Program transforms the lives of people working in or incarcerated ithin the criminal justice system. This program teaches skills that reduce stress, heal trauma, and provides practical knowledge of how to handle negative emotions.
The program helps prisoners and people with a history of violence to break out of the regressive cycle of crime. We aim to ensure that every person who has to resort to crime is given an opportunity to change and start living a meaningful life. Working with various prison authorities and armed forces, we have conducted programs for over 800,000 inmates so far.Many inmates whose lives we touched have now become teachers of The Art of Living programs and working alongside us to bring a positive change in society.
It was heartening to get to know the Prison program, as it offered just what was necessary – the removal of stress, relaxation of the mind and emotions, and bringing the best of an individual’s potential to the fore. The same prison which once was cursed by prisoners is now blessed! Some detainees even remarked that everyone should go to prison once, to be able to experience the positive effects of the program!"
- Dr. Kiran Bedi
Challenge
Years of confinement results in greater loss of self-worth, a growing sense of anger, anxiety, and despair. Most inmates develop a firm belief that they will never be able to get out of the regressive cycle of crime. Upon their release, their integration in mainstream society a challenge as society fails to accept them. Many prisoners also return to crime after their release.
It is difficult for prison staff to change attitudes of inmates as they themselves are overworked and stressed due to constant work in challenging conditions.
Difficult to integrate into mainstream society:
Cycle of violence
Prison rehabilitation in Bangalore Central Jail
Strategy
Our approach towards prisoner rehabilitation works at three levels:
Healing inmates emotionally: Breathing techniques of the Prison program help inmates to break out of the cycle of negative emotions like trauma, guilt, and anger. We conduct regular programs to help inmates overcome these emotions. When prisoners get rid of anger and stress, they are more likely to contribute to society than return to crime upon their release.
Providing livelihood: We conduct vocational training for inmates so that they can go back to earning a living through dignified means.
De-stressing prison staff: We conduct specially-designed programs for prison staff and others in the law enforcement agencies to help them de-stress and enable them to become more efficient.
Our three-step approach:
Healing inmates emotionally
with Prison program techniques
Providing livelihood
Vocational training for inmates
De-stressing prison staff
De-stressing prison staff
More than 800,000+ across the world have tapped into the power of breath with The Art of Living's Prison program.
Impact
800,000+
experienced the transformation
350,000 inmates
In 100 prisons in India reformed
60,000 convicts
In Tihar Jail benefited
7,000+ armed insurgents
Reformed
17 skill development centers
In prisons across India
65 Countries
Global presence
Prison authorities and inmates share
I found The Art of Living Course very easy to
practice on a regular basis and very effective.
Inmates and officers have derived immense
benefit by way of physical, mental, spiritual and
social well- being.
I became more confident after the Art of living
course and I want this knowledge to blossom
in society because today’s society requires
transformation.
“The breathing techniques that I learned, particularly the [Sudarshan] Kriya. I found very calming and very relaxing and something I hope to incorporate into my daily life.”
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Contact Us
coordinator.ps@karmayoga.artofliving.org+91-8951950247
