Jenny Phillips (1) (1942–2018)

Can meditation help prisoners create transformation in their lives and prepare them for a productive and peaceful life? The Dhamma Brothers is evidence that it can. The notion that a maximum security prison in rural Alabama ever allowed Vipassana meditation to be taught within its walls, to some of its toughest offenders, is a miracle in itself. But the real miracles happened as twenty men embraced the opportunity to sit for ten days, silently, and practice meditation. Not 'blissing out', but facing long-buried emotions, learning to forgive others and themselves, and finding that peace inside and outside the walls begins with deep-seated peace within.

This book tells their stories: how their lives led to incarceration, how they felt about meditation before and after the program, and how they managed to continue practicing even after the program was banned because it wasn't Christian-based. Then, miraculously, how the men continued to practice individually, and eventually have the program reinstated. Mostly, the book shares the many letters they wrote to their Vipassana teachers, and the replies they received. These letters reveal deeply flawed and damaged humans capable of compassion and redemption.

The documentary of the same name is equally powerful. As a facilitator in the Prison Mindfulness Institute's Path of Freedom program, I can speak to how meditation can create opportunities for transformation for prisoners. The Dhamma Brothers film was one of the first stories I encountered when I began my training. Finally having an opportunity to read the book brings everything full circle for me. I'm grateful to Jenny Phillips for bringing the story of these men, herself, and her fellow Vipassana teachers to life for others to learn from and appreciate.… (mehr)