Meditation in Myanmar Prisons

“Myanmar could take this homegrown [meditation] method and implement it in their own prisons, which also gives them a sense of pride that's different, compared to if some UN agency comes and gives them a method for rehabilitation.”

Liv Gaborit, a Danish social scientist with a background in psychology, conducted a groundbreaking study on the practice of intensive Vipassana meditation retreats in the tradition of S.N. Goenka offered at Insein prison outside of Yangon. Her study focused on the experience of hearing voices in solitary confinement versus during a meditation retreat, and how the presence of mettā, or loving-kindness, can cushion this experience and promote positive outcomes.

In the above quote, Gaborit shares her perspective on the importance of using local methods for rehabilitation in Myanmar's prison system rather than relying on foreign experts or agencies to provide solutions. She describes how practices like Vipassana, which has deep roots in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Myanmar, can provide many people a sense of familiarity and understanding in ways that outside practices may not. This is important because foreign experts sometimes come in without a full understand the cultural and societal context of the country they are working in, and their methods may not be appropriate or effective in that particular setting.

Overall, Gaborit's study highlights the benefits of offering intensive Vipassana meditation retreats to prisoners, particularly in Myanmar's overcrowded and notorious prison system. By promoting mettā and creating an environment that is conducive to deepening meditation practice, many develop the ability to attain a sense of inner peace and balance even in those difficult circumstances.

While Gaborit's study focused on a particular group of political prisoners in Insein prison several years ago, her findings have broader and generalizable implications. As Myanmar faces continued political turmoil and the unjust imprisonment of activists and dissidents, one can only hope that they are finding their own ways to maintain their mental and emotional well-being.