Doing Time, Doing Vipassana

[pink_trike]

Vipassana for prisoners...

[BlackBird]

I loved this documentary, it's great to see such forward thinking officials. I long for the day that they teach Vipassana here in NZ, where our prison problem is starting to par up with the States.

[Ben]

hi Jack
As far as I am aware, there is a prison program in NZ.
I've heard about the program but I don't know where the program is/was running and I haven't seen any studies on its effects.
If you're interested, contact Ross Reynolds, area teacher for NZ, at VMC Kaukapakapa:
http://www.medini.dhamma.org/
For your interest, here's a list of studies on vipassana in prisons:
http://www.vridhamma.org/Research-Index.aspx#Jails
Kind regards

Ben

[mikenz66]

I loved this documentary, it's great to see such forward thinking officials. I long for the day that they teach Vipassana here in NZ, where our prison problem is starting to par up with the States.

Various Buddhisst individuals, monastic and lay, do teach in various prisons. I know a few personally.

Metta
Mike

[BlackBird]

Hi Ben, Mike

That's great news
Thanks for the links

Metta
Jack

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Ajan Khemadhammo has been visiting prisoners for decades. He was awarded an OBE for his work in setting up the Angulimala Organisation, which now has a nationwide network of prison chaplains.

[Cittasanto]

Ajan Khemadhammo has been visiting prisoners for decades. He was awarded an OBE for his work in setting up the Angulimala Organisation, which now has a nationwide network of prison chaplains.

Hi Bhante,
this network is only in England at the moment propperly, although there is a Scottish "branch" starting up soon, if not already started.

[being5]

I first came to Vipassana -> practice -> Bhuddism when a long-time Goenka student gave a public showing of "Doing Time, Doing Vipassana". I am very, very grateful that she did. I was drawn to it like a magnet. As soon as the final credits rolled I scooted back to my computer and applied for my first 10 day course.

Two other films have been made since then which show Vipassana (in the traditon taught by S.N.Goenka) in US prisons.
"Changing from Inside"
"Dhamma Brothers"

If you are interested in getting copies try:
http://www.pariyatti.org/Bookstore/showproducts.cfm?FullCat=134


being5

[nomad]

Has anyone ever seen the Dhamma Brothers movie? I was thinking about buying the DVD, but I don’t know much about it besides what I saw in the trailer and read from a couple of professional critic reviews. Some critics panned it for cheesy reenactments, but praised it for its message. Any thoughts or suggestions?

~nomad

[Ben]

Hi Nomad
I haven't seen it yet, though plan to do so.
There's an interview with Jenny Philips, the director, on the Buddhism Geeks website.
The accompanying book by the same name, is available from Pariyatti.com and includes copies of letters written by the inmates where they recount their experiences and the effect of the ten-day vipassana course has had on their lives.
My advice is to take any review with a pinch of salt.
Cheers

Ben

[David N. Snyder]

Has anyone ever seen the Dhamma Brothers movie? I was thinking about buying the DVD, but I don’t know much about it besides what I saw in the trailer and read from a couple of professional critic reviews. Some critics panned it for cheesy reenactments, but praised it for its message. Any thoughts or suggestions?

See also this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2133

[nomad]

Has anyone ever seen the Dhamma Brothers movie? I was thinking about buying the DVD, but I don’t know much about it besides what I saw in the trailer and read from a couple of professional critic reviews. Some critics panned it for cheesy reenactments, but praised it for its message. Any thoughts or suggestions?

See also this thread:
http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2133

Cool. Thanks!

~nomad

[Just Dave]

Wonderful!

I had thought Youtube had removed Doing Time, Doing Vipassana due to some copyright issues.

Happy to have found this thread.

[Dhammakid]

Dhamma Brothers is a great doc. I didn't find it cheesy at all. I actually found it to be quite sincere.

I'll definitely watch this one as soon as I get the chance and let you know what I think. Thanks for posting the vids!

Anjali,
Dhammakid

[Rob427W]

So, what's the word on this?

Are the copyright laws okay on this?

I don't like the idea of watching a video that's on the web illegally.


Lots of love!

[Ben]

Hi rob

youould be able to acquire a copy of doing time doing vipassana from pariyatti.org at moderate cost.
I don't know whether Dhamma Brothers is available on DVD yet. If you find out, please let me know!
cheers

Ben

[Rob427W]

Thanks, Ben.


Also, Dhamma Brothers, it appears, is not yet out on video.



Metta

Rob

[Dhammakid]

Dhamma Brothers is indeed out on DVD. I have a copy. You can get it from the main site.

http://www.dhammabrothers.com/

It doesn't appear to be available on Amazon.com at this time.


Dhammakid

[being5]

passing on this notice for anyone in Sydney (Australia) who wants to see Dhamma Brothers:

There will be a free screening of the film Dhamma Brothers at the Chauvelle cinema, Paddington on Thursday 19th November at 7:15pm.

This highly acclaimed film was made in a high security United States prison in Alabama where inmates take a ten day Vipassana course. It covers the process of holding a course and keeping up meditation practice. Some inmates recount their stories and experiences after taking a ten day course.

Seating is limited so it is important that you let us know if you would like to attend by e-mailing ihphoto@bigpond.net.au to secure seats for yourself, family and friends. The evening will be a good opportunity to introduce friends and family to the benefits of Vipassana meditation.

To view a trailer of the film and to read reviews visit the Dhamma Brother website http://www.dhammabrothers.com/

being5

[Ben]

Thanks Being5!