I Found Love and Forgiveness

South Africa’s very first Prison SMART Part 2 Course

“My heart was scared with pain, loneliness, anger and unworthiness. I made a decision to go for the prison smart program. That was the best thing I have done in my life. I then decided to go for the advanced smart program. That’s when I did something I wanted to do for a long time – I forgave. Yes, I forgave the man I hated with all my heart .” shares Earl Brophy, a prisoner from the Krugersdorp Correctional Services, Gauteng, South Africa. Read more experiences

Earl was one of the 68 prisoners participating in South Africa’s very first Prison SMART Part 2 Course. Held in May 2010, the programs specialized guided meditations, techniques and silence had a profound effect on the inmates.

Commended by the Department of Correctional Services, the program empowers prisoners to rehabilitate from destructive addictions and behavioural problems and lead a more serene and peaceful life within the prison and have a positive outlook to life, out of the prison.

This course was the first step towards giving prisoners a real chance to living a life coming to terms with their past, free from guilt, anger, hatred and a host of negative emotions they are often plagued with.

“During the sessions, it was so amazing to observe the depth of silence that could be achieved just with a few rounds meditation. The prisoners expressed so much of gratitude for the attention they were being given as a result of the program. There were many curious questions about Sri Sri, how they can become teachers, as well as continuing with this when they were on the outside. “ Shared Shobha Maharaj, a volunteer on the course.

The Prison SMART program has been taught at Krugersdorp Correctional Services since March 2009 with 350 prisoners successfully completing the Prison Smart Part 1 course.

Testimonials

M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”

Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”

Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”

Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”

M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”