Vipassana Meditation As Taught By S. N. Goenka
in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin

The North American Vipassana Prison Project offers 10-day programs in Vipassana meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin at correctional facilities in North America.

Vipassana is one of the most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e. an Art of Living.

For inmates, Vipassana provides a tool that helps reduce negative mental states such as anger and aggression, and gradually leads to inner peace. For corrections officers, the program can over time help make the prison environment less violent and easier to manage as more and more inmates incorporate meditation into their daily lives.

Since 1997, the North American Vipassana Prison Project has brought over thirty 10-day residential courses to more than 250 participants at five correctional facilities in North America. The non-sectarian approach welcomes participants from any background regardless of religion or creed. Preliminary research studies on the effects of Vipassana meditation on inmate recidivism, substance abuse, and behavior have shown promising results.

The Vipassana Prison Project offers corrections professionals a unique and effective approach that complements existing programs for inmates.