Alabama uses Vipassana to pacify prisoners

[Schadenfroh]

Huffington Post

A Department of Corrections study of about 100 inmates who completed the program and were still in custody in late 2007 found they had 20 percent fewer disciplinary actions after the course, Cavanaugh said.
...
"It works. We see a difference in the men and in the prison. It's calmer," he said of the course that about 10 percent of the prison's inmates have completed.

Results look promising, a trust pays the expenses of the volunteers that travel to the prisons to orchestrate the efforts, so it looks like all the state has to provide is space and effort to manage the prisoners during the events. Would be interesting to see the results of a large scale study on the matter, less violence in prisons would mean prisons that are cheaper to run. However, they likely could not make such a program mandatory.

 

[Lanyap]

Bessemer is a few miles down the road from me. Maybe I'll go check it out.

 

[wuliheron]

It's not really surprising since the AMA already recommends meditation as a healthy practice and fMRI studies have shown that Buddhist monks are happier then normal.

 

[dainthomas]

Seems like a great way to numb the mind.

 

[BoberFett]

Religion? Meditation doesn't necessarily indicate religion.

 

[punjabiplaya]

since when is meditation religion? meditation is a technique of the mind, not a system of religious beliefs

 

[CallMeJoe]

since when is meditation religion? meditation is a technique of the mind, not a system of religious beliefs

In defense of the OP, the article does mention that religious meditation (Vipassana) is being taught in the prison.

 

[punjabiplaya]

the technique is still not teaching a religion

 

[jackschmittusa]

OP title is a lie.

The practice is totally secular. No prayers, no religious ceremonies, no holy books, nothing of the sort.

The fact that the practice can be traced to an ancient religious leader does not mean it is a religious practice. Many religious leaders in the past advocated eating a healthful diet because they believed it benefited the mind, body, and spirit. Who would claim that eating good foods is a religious practice?

 

[CrazyHelloDeli]

 

[wuliheron]

It's ironic that until modern times China didn't use solitary confinement as a punishment. So many people knew how to meditate it was considered a luxury.

 

[manimal]

when this works they will move on to the pax....then come the reavers....