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Developing sustainability through meditation

Samantha

Abstract
Focusing on the Indian prison system, this research article presents 

two case studies to support the thesis that vipassanā meditation practiced by 

individuals can lead to sustainable outcomes at societal and global levels. The 

related literature was examined to glean confirmed benefits of vipassanā med-

itation. Two case studies clearly identify that the benefits of meditation can be 

manifested at societal and global levels. The research also refers to Burman 

(2009) to corroborate the benefits referred to in the literature, and to provide 

another example to indicate how the benefits can manifest at global levels.

Keywords: vipassana, prison, prison system, sustainability, Tihar Prison, Nakkhu  

           Prison, Wat Rampoeng.

Introduction
This research paper topic is within the broad context of innovation 

and sustainability. It posits that meditation as practiced by the individual, can 

lead to sustainability at the societal and wider levels, focusing in particular on 

several case studies within the prison system in India to exemplify how the ben-

efits of individual meditation can lead to sustainability at societal, national and 

global levels.

First, some definitions are provided. 



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Innovation 

is described by the Cambridge dictionary as “A new idea or method, 

or the use of new ideas or methods. While meditation itself is not new, this re-

search examines meditation as a relatively new innovative approach to dealing 

with societal problems, and specifically, within prison systems.

Sustainability
This research adopts the most widely accepted definition of sus-

tainability provided by the Brundtland Commission in 1987:  “Sustainable 

development is development that meets the needs of the present without 

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  In this 

regard, improving the prison systems is a massive step forward in dealing with 

one of society’s significant problems, truly leading to more sustainable societ-

ies. ‘Development’ in terms of meditation, is thus a process in which a person grows and 

becomes more advanced in their meditation. The case studies presented below exemplify 

the positive implications at societal, national and global levels.

Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and 

redirect the thoughts that arise. It is a technique that increases awareness and 

promotes calmness and relaxation. The focus is generally on the the breath, as 

is the case with vipassanā meditation, or can be a mantra (Transcendental Med-

itation (TM) or a bodily sensation.

Vipassanā
The Vipassanā Research Institute website, (https://www.dhamma.

org/en/) states that vipassanā, as taught by S.N. Goenka (in the tradition of his 

teacher,  Sayagyi U Ba Khin), means ‘to see things as they really are’. It is one of 

India’s most ancient techniques of meditation, taught in India more than 2500 

years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, in what is described by the 

institute as an ‘Art of Living’.



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To delve a little deeper into this term, the Vipassanā Research In-

stitute refers to vipassanā as a meditative practice that involves observing the 

nature of reality through direct experience. It is about understanding the imper-

manent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of all phenomena. It focuses on the 

three characteristics of existence: impermanence (Pali: anicca), suffering (Pali: 

dukkha), and non-self (Pali: anatta). If there is such a thing as ‘a goal’ of medita-

tion, a meditator seeks to purify the mind and eliminate defilements. If such a 

path is followed, it would lead to wisdom and liberation from suffering.

Benefits of Vipasana Meditation
The benefits of meditation are well documented, see, for example, 

Pandey, (2022), whose research in Nakkhu Prison, Lalitpur, Nepal confirm that 

vipassanā meditation helps to develop positive and optimistic attitudes, reduce 

anger, irritation and anxiety; make self-correction of behaviour, improve physical 

and mental health and purify their mind and character. Pandey used a paired 

t-test (where the same subjects are measured twice, under different conditions 

or at different times) to compare the differences in means before and after vipas-

sanā meditation of the prisoners, and the results showed a significant difference 

of mean in the seven areas.

Individual sustainability through meditation
What is interesting as far as this research is concerned, is the individual 

focus of meditation, which leads to personal sustainability. First of all, meditation 

involves focusing on the present, reducing scattered thinking and promoting 

more thoughtful actions. The mind becomes calmer, so stress and anxiety is 

reduced. Personal choices become more conscious and less wasteful. This in 

turn leads to increased self-awareness; an increased understanding of personal 

habits and values which help to make sustainable lifestyle chances. According 

to Google Gemini, meditation also leads to a deeper appreciation for nature, 



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develops compassion and empathy, and builds resilience and adaptability. All 

of these qualities can be described as fostering more sustainable lifestyles for 

individuals.

In Burman S (2009), the research was carried out between 2004 and 

2007 at Wat Rampoeng, an international vipassanā centre in northern Thailand, 

where the researcher was, and continues to be, a volunteer.  Two meditation 

teachers, three meditation instructors, and 80 meditation students were each 

observed over 8 day-long sessions. Meditation teachers,  meditation instructors 

and meditation students were also interviewed, both formally  (using a pre-writ-

ten questionnaire) and informally; and observations made of reporting sessions 

between foreign meditation students and their meditation teachers. She also 

observed herself as a participant self- observing retreatant at Wat Rampoeng. 

During the period between 2004 and 2007, she was also constantly in close con-

tact with different vipassanā retreatants, and was thus able to identify significant 

subjective personal benefits they reported, which were corroborated by her own 

experiences as a participant observer on retreat.

What is interesting about this research is the ‘global spread’ of Vipas-

ana - taking the benefits of individual Vipasana meditation to all corners of the 

globe with around 100 foreign retreatants per month. This is a clear example of 

how the benefits of individual meditation can quickly take on global proportions, 

taking with it massive steps to increased sustainability. 

The benefits of meditation at the individual level are widely docu-

mented, and at the societal and global level the Tihar Prison case study demon-

strates the wider benefits. The first case study of this research is based on an 

independent documentary film produced by Eilona Ariel in 1997 at Tihar Prison, 

a high security complex of 4 prison in New Delhi, India, which is one of the largest 

prisons in the world with 10,000 prisoners (1000 prisoners, 9000 awaiting trial in 

1993).At this time, Kiran Bedi, the renowned Indian police officer, took charge of 

Tihar prison. She is credited with initiating signifiant prison reforms, of which the 

Vipassana program has provided a key part.



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She invited the renowned vipassanā meditation teacher S.N. Goenka 

to teach the vipassanā meditation program at Tihar Prison. Under his guidance, 

the first vipassanā centre within a prison was established, and the first ten day 

course for 100 prisoners and staff took place in November 1993.

Eilona Ariel explains in the documentary that the idea of vipassanā 

meditation is to go inside the mind, and when you are quiet you can feel your 

sensations. Continuous awareness of physical sensations within without reacting 

is the core of the vipassanā practice. Every sound, vision, taste, smell - everything 

that contacts the body instantly produces some sensation. The technique focus-

es on natural physical sensations as the crucial link between the mind and body. 

This, he explains, is the link between mind and body - the key to understanding 

human behaviour. Through vipassanā, one realises that one’s own attitudes and 

addictions, suffering and happiness are not caused by the outside world. It is the 

reaction to pleasant or unpleasant sensations the world evokes within the body 

that dictates one’s actions and conditions the mind. By day four of the retreat, 

meditators observe all sensations snd watch emotions come and go - pain, plea-

sure, and understand that nothing is permanent, whether hatred and greed or 

passion are not abstract any more. By watching the physical sensations accom-

panying these emotions, and by understanding their impermanent nature, one 

can actually start changing the habit of blind reaction through mere observation. 

A further five courses were held at  Tihar for 1000 prisoners and staff, and as a result of 

its success they established a vipassanā centre with courses held twice a month.

So this is the massively key point and directly relates to improved sus-

tainability at all levels:  Vipassanā was used in a prison system with the ambitious 

aim to potentially reform large numbers of people. And if this showed results at 

the individual level then it could reform the whole prison system in the entire 

planet (quoted from the documentary).

Returning to the main thesis of this paper, the case study clearly 

demonstrates the benefits of meditation. Similar vipassanā centres were set 

up throughout the Indian prison system, and worldwide, leading to anecdotal 



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evidence and reports of positive transformation among prisoners. The film and 

the concept of using meditation for rehabilitation inspired a great deal of aca-

demic research. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of 

vipassanā in reducing recidivism (re-offending) rates and improving the overall 

wellbeing of prisoners (Rathi, 2021). 

Many similar programs and initiatives that focus on mindfulness, medi-

tation and rehabilitation within prisons were subsequently set up, with countries 

in Asia, Europe, and the Americas reporting positive outcomes. Such programs 

often draw inspiration from the success of vanā at Tihar prison.

The Tihar case study clearly demonstrates the strong link between 

individual meditation practice and how it can lead to positive changes at societal 

and even global levels. The film’s legacy continues to influence prison reform 

and rehabilitation efforts globally.

The documentary film reported on the overall success of the program 

in a prison environment, and as a result vipassanā has been implemented in 

many correction facilities throughout the world.

The second case study, referred to above, is that of Nakkhu Prison, 

in Lalitpur, Nepal (Pandey, 2022).  In January 2022, the Nepalese government 

enabled  the Nepalese Vipassanā Centre to hold vipassanā courses in a number 

of prisons. In 2022 Pandey reported that ‘Seeing the positive effects of vipassanā 

in prisoners, the ten day vipassanā course was adopted in other Indian prisons, 

including two permanent centres in Tihar, New Delhi, and Nasik, Maharashtra 

which continue vipassanā courses today.” Pandey further reports that the vipas-

sanā course was similarly introduced in 15 other countries. 

Both case studies highlight the transformative potential of mindful-

ness and meditation in a prison environment. Several studies have indicated a 

correlation between vipassanā practice and lower recidivism rates (Rathi, 2021). 

This suggests that Vipasana programs can effectively help inmates reintegrate 

into society.



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On an important note, vipassanā has been shown to reduce stress, 

anxiety, and depression among prisoners. It provides tools for emotional reg-

ulation and coping with challenging environments. It also fosters enhanced 

rehabilitation into society, through encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and 

discipline, which are essential for personal growth and rehabilitation. 

Challenges and Future Directions
As an aside, while the impact is undeniable, it is necessary to mention 

the fact that there are still various challenges to overcome.  These include set-

ting up a vipassanā centre in overcrowding situations; the need for highly effec-

tive staff training in both vipassanā and management of vipassanā retreatants. 

There is also a need for long term commitment and support, and community 

integration programs. (Google Gemini, accessed 16 August 2024)

Despite these challenges, the future of mindfulness and meditation in 

prisons is promising. As research continues to support its efficacy, it is likely that 

more correctional facilities will adopt similar programs.

Suggestions for Future Research
The two case studies show overwhelming support for the thesis that 

vipassanā is a viable solution for some of the prison challenges, but in particular, 

can lead to sustainable outcomes at societal and global levels.  Future research 

could pay closer attention to the incredibly complex issue of recidivism to help 

make vipassanā programs more streamlined to this goal. Other meditation 

techniques could be explored - especially mindfulness-based programs. Finally, 

there is insufficient research on meta-analysis - reviewing multiple studies on 

mindfulness and meditation in prisons and other correction facilities (especially 

juvenile detention centres) might provide a broader picture of potential benefits.



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Conclusion
This paper has explored and confirmed the thesis that Vipassana 

meditation practiced by individuals can lead to sustainable outcomes at societal 

and global levels. So what are the next steps? Those next steps are now already 

being taken in prison systems throughout the world. But prison systems are just 

one area that is benefitting by vipassanā programs. The next BIG steps clearly 

need to be that similar types of programs radiate to other areas of society. In 

recent years there has been a massive increase in interest in all kinds of medi-

tation programs at the individual level, these programs could be introduced in 

just about any aspect of society and this is where the push for better and more 

sustainable societies should begin.

References
Malvika Rathi, Student Gargo College University of Delhi, India. Vol 09 No. 4 (2021)  

Exploring Vipassanā Meditation in Prisons: A Ray of Hope for a Better 

Future https://ijip.co.in/index.php/ijip/article/view/1139 accessed 12 August 

2024

‘Doing Time Doing Vipassanā’ (1997). An independent documentary film pro-

duced by Eilona Ariel. The film was created by two Israeli filmakers, 

Ayelet Menahem and Eilona Ariel. 

https://palitextsociety.org/a-dictionary-of-pali-online/

Brundtland, G.H. (1987) Our Common Future Report of the World Commission 

on Environment and Development.

The Vipassanā Research Institute website: https://www.vridhamma.org and 

https://www.dhamma.org/en 

Mukti Prasad Pandey. (2022). Applying Vipassanā Meditation as a Jail Reform 

Technique: 7. A  Case of Nakkhu Prison, Lalitpur, Nepal. International 

Journal of Law and Society, 5(3), 242-250. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.

ijls.20220503.11 and http://www.economicsj.org/article/10.11648/j.



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ijls.20220503.11
Burman S (2009), Designing a Curriculum Framework in English for Meditation Instructors, 

Papap University Press

Geneva, UN-Dokument A/42/427.  Report of the World Commission on Environment and 

Development : - United Nations Digital Library System. digitallibrary.un.org

Mukti Prasad Pandey. (2022). Applying Vipassanā Meditation as a Jail Reform Technique: A 

Case of Nakkhu Prison, Lalitpur, Nepal. International Journal of Law and Society, 

5(3), 242-250.   http://www.economicsj.org/article/10.11648/j.ijls.20220503.11

Google Gemini


