Dhamma in Prisons

Around the world there are various programs that introduce mindful meditation to inmates in prison. In 1991 Vipassana Hawai'i was invited by Roshi Robert Aiken to partner with the Diamond Sangha to develop the Oahu Prison Dhamma Program. After a year of monthly meetings with much enthusiasm among an interested group of nearly 20 from both sanghas, the program began at the Women's Community Correctional Center in Kailua with several VH sangha members involved. The men's program began about a year later at Halawa Correctional Facility. Over the years the program has grown and shrunk through various influences of interest and availability. However, today the men's program continues with four volunteers, and five volunteers recently started serving the newly-opened second women's unit at the Federal Detention Center near the Airport.

Contact us for more information if you are interested in participating in the program.