:: the other side ::

:: Peace and Punishment
I've written a number of times before about the Vipassana meditation programs for prisons (see Oct 18th for the most recent). From Ian's group, I learned today that there are Transcendental Meditation (TM) programs in several prisons as well. Here is an article about such a program being conducted in Missouri

I'm not familiar with the details of the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-based Education and World Peace, but with plans to underwrite university classes in TM and provide startup funds to elementary schools looking to establish programs, my hope is for a balanced approach. I just hope the politicians don't make mince meat out of it!

Labels: meditation

:: Vipassana Program in Federal Prison
Long time readers may be aware of my interest in vipassana meditation. I was so pleased to get the following email in the mail today. Contribution to silence always serve to lift the world.

Dhamma Kuñja Update - October 18, 2005
Special announcement: Vipassana Course in Federal Prison

The first ten-day Vipassana course to be held in a US Federal prison will begin this week in Ayer, MA. This is the first prison course to be held in the US in nearly three years, since the closing of the North Rehabilitation Facility in Seattle in 2002.

Much interest was generated during the three initial orientations. Twenty-one men signed up for the course and 19 have been accepted. This course is in a minimum camp just outside the fortified main facility. If this course is successful, authorities are interested in bringing the program into the main prison. There is also the possibility that this could be an on-going program.

The expenses for the course (approximately $1,000) will come from the Vipassana Prison Trust (www.prison.dhamma.org). These initial expenses are higher because the Trust had to purchase sitting cushions. Those people who are interested in supporting the expenses for this course, and prison outreach in general, may send tax deductible donations to:

Vipassana Prison Trust
c/o Kathy Henry, Treasurer
7047 21st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98115

Please note that the Prison Trust can accept donations from anyone interested in supporting these courses, not just Vipassana students.

Kind regards,
Vipassana Prison Trust

Labels: meditation

:: zanshin - beginner's mind - being complete
zanshin:

When body, breath, speech and mind are broken from each other and scattered in concept and strategy, then no true action can reveal itself.

There is only hesitation, or trying to push oneself past hesitation. This is the mind of hope and fear, which arises because one is trying to live in some other moment, instead of in the moment that arises now.

One is comparing, planning, or trying to maintain an illusion of control in the midst of a reality which is completely beyond control.

Labels: attitude, meditation