Prison Program Testimonials

Participant Testimonials:

"I think that The Art of Living classes were very productive not only for the human body, but for the mind. It helped me realize and find what was wrong with me and how to fix it. It also helped me find the centre of my being, how to calm myself using a few tricks. I also think this is a program that should be taken by everyone that will soon be released to the street so that they too find a way to cope with this world that have treated us so bad."

"In the room, were Sanya and I, three guards and about twenty prisoners. Later we learnt that their combined sentences totaled to around 300 years. Until then, every time during Sudarshan Kriya I would breathe, but then I decided... to watch."

- Tomislav Huha, Prison Smart teacher

Adult male, Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, CO

"This class should be mandatory for all inmates. This experience has helped me heal my inner-self and the relationship that I have with my creator, by getting rid of all the negative things I was holding on to. There are places in my heart that are still closed, but this class has helped me realize this and I am now able to work through some of the pain."

Adult male, Grafton Correctional Institution, Grafton, OH

"I enjoyed my time here and I would like to return. It allowed me to relax my mind, as well as clear it, and build confidence that was hidden deep within, that I didn't know about. My times aren't the best right now, but I will strive on to survive. At one point in time in my life I wanted it to end, but as I concentrated and looked deep inside myself, I found vital value. There is a lot for me to live for. There are responsibilities I have to take care of; there is a lot for me to change for. Thank you for all you've done."

17 year old juvenile male, Challenger Memorial Youth Center, Lancaster, California

"The Art of Living has been a healing experience for me. I can now look out from the inside and see the sense of strength, inner peace and new found wisdom of the breath. It is allowing me to trust and let other people be there for me. There is a feeling of power, a feeling of joy and excitement that comes from learning these new techniques. I like the woman I am finding in me."

Adult female, Northeast Pre-Release Center, Cleveland, OH

Testimonials

Veena Ravjee

The satisfaction that you get from seeing that you have changed a person’s life - brought them hope and happiness;a reason to make their life meaningful again - that satisfaction is priceless.

Ebrahim Jassat, PRISON S.M.A.R.T Trainer

A story from Serowe Prison in Botswana.The course was in a tent and during long Sudarshan Kriya it started raining. Water came through a hole in the tent and a group of prisoners were drenched through and through but they continued with Soo Hum without opening their eyes or moving to get out of the rain. Later on they said rain was a blessing in their country and they felt very blessed.

Dusko M (19, Turopolje, Juvenile)

I was looking for peace, for self control. I feel I’ve improved after the course. It’s good at the course! Two hours at the course make me relaxed throughout the day.

Jenthe, 16 years

Every day is beautiful. I have learned to find inner peace and to accept myself as I am.

Francisco, Inmate

Even through life’s challenges, a person can be elegant and purposeful, without guilt – that is my desire. Thanks for a way to achieve this.

Focus