Transcendental Meditation® in prison:
freedom behind bars
Breaking the cycle of crime
A significant proportion of crime is committed by offenders who have multiple problems. Evidence shows that drug dependency, mental illness, stress, frustration, and poor education fuel criminal behaviour.
- Over 70% of the prison population suffer from two or more mental disorders
- 43% of offenders are reconvicted within a year
- Re-offending costs the economy £11bn a year. The cost for keeping someone in prison is £45,000 a year. Studies show that the combined cost of conviction and imprisonment for a year at £165,000
Combating re-offending through holistic rehabilitation
Over the past 35 years, the Transcendental Meditation has been taught with significant benefit to inmates and guards in some of the toughest prisons in the USA, including San Quentin, Folsom, and Walpole. Key results include:
- Deep relaxation and relief from stress, anxiety, and depression
- Increased spiritual well-being, optimism and purposefulness
- Fewer rule infractions as well as reduced reconviction rates
View the complete research bibliography
How Transcendental Meditation works
Through providing a profound state of rest and relaxation, Transcendental Meditation allows inmates to relieve symptoms of deeply rooted stresses that can form the basis of criminal behaviour. As stresses are reduced, inmates are able to naturally experience an inner calmness, develop a greater self esteem and improve relationships. An easy-to-learn and non-religious programme, Transcendental Mediation has been warmly received by both prison guards and inmates.
Help create systemic change
Help the David Lynch Foundation UK support rehabilitation of offenders by reducing the underlying stress that can lead to crime and undermine existing rehabilitation programmes.
