The Dhamma Brothers

This documentary looks at a group of men, incarcerated for serious crimes including murder. They are not educated guys, not even necessarily articulate guys. They are in a horrible prison that amazingly allows volunteers for an in-house Vipassanna intensive. The film shows the work to set up the space, away from normal prison life and skillfully cuts to various people involved, including the warden and mostly the prisoners. Giving themselves to the rigors of the silent retreat, spending long hours in focused mindfulness, these guys come to a clarity about themselves and about life that is simply astounding. Their followup efforts to maintain their practice and what that practice does for their behaviors and choices constitutes the rest of the film. These guys gain a wisdom and clarity and acceptance of personal responsibility that moved me to tears. So powerful. One of the most memorable films I have ever seen. Surely, anyone could benefit from this but especially, if we have any hope of rehabilitating those who end up in prison, this program should be in every prison.