By focusing on inner transformation, the ‘Inner Freedom for the Imprisoned’ yoga programs help inmates develop emotional and mental balance, responsibility, acceptance and communication skills they can use to improve the quality of life during incarceration and increase their chance of a successful return to society once they are released. Participants are given tools to go inward and help them examine the roots of their violent behavior and learn alternatives for coping with stress and anger.

After a pioneering program for life-term prisoners at the Coimbatore Central Prison, Isha Yoga programs were conducted in several central prisons of South India at the request of the Inspector General of Prisons. These especially tailored programs were also offered for the first time in two American correctional facilities in 2002: the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at Waymart and the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky. Prisoners experienced such an amazing transformation that some of the prison guards who were present wanted to participate in the programs. Both prisons requested that the programs continue at their site, and Pennsylvania officials asked Sadhguru to expand the program to all the twenty-seven Pennsylvania state prisons.

Targeting mainly prisoners who are serving life-term, this program, "Inner Transformation for the Imprisoned", has transformed hardcore criminals into sage-like beings. Once considered outcasts and burdens to society, many now pen beautiful poems to express their inner rebirth.

Prisoners Share

"Now I don’t experience this place as a prison, but as a place for reflecting on my life. This prison is not a mirage, it is a thirst quenching pond."- Coimbatore Central Inmate

"Thank you for giving me a new life." - Wilford Cates

"I came because I wanted a six-day escape from prison, but it’s changed a part of my life. I feel less anger." Adam Duran

"You might have to be inside the prison, but the prison doesn’t have to be inside of you." - Larry Lucas, Inmate, Luther Luckett Correctional Facility, LaGrange, USA

"Thank you for helping me get in touch with my inner self and finding a different way of thinking and looking at life." - Ryan Graham

"The unquenchable fire of regret and anger in my mind has died down. The practice of yoga has helped me to calm this mind and prevent me from getting perverted." - Coimbatore Central Inmate

"I came wanting to cope with stress and anger, and my stress level has gone way down. I live life each moment. A new life has begun. I recommend this course to anyone. It works." - Scott Sallee

"Yoga has transformed my attitude of vendetta and revenge." - Coimbatore Central Inmate

"You helped me to continue to believe in my worth, and be more responsible for my past actions. I am smiling more and I am a lot more relaxed inside and out. This is a wondrous experience and a great program for anyone who wants true inner peace." - Glen L. Beard

"I never knew what ‘feeling’ meant. This Yoga Program showed me how to feel and speak with true love." - Coimbatore Central Inmate

"I’m more calm now than before and have learned how to have complete control over myself. What I’ve learned will last a lifetime!" - James Mallory

"I feel a little lighter and little more loving and compassionate. Unlike a belief system and/or religion, it teaches one to look within and be in harmony with life." - Zachary Crawford

"Unfruitful is a life with the self-important ego within. Worse than lust and anger is the ego of the mind. The practices taught by Isha Yoga Center have destroyed my illusions and transformed me into a human being." - K. Mohan Raj

"I feel calmer and more relaxed. The yoga meditations and Sadhguru’s teachings are all vital. I am more relaxed and have a somewhat more positive and accepting outlook or mental state." - David Beer

"I would not have come here if I had known this truth, but if I had not come here – I would not have known this truth." Coimbatore Central Inmate

"All of my life I have been considered one who is rebellious, angry and non-conforming. This program has helped me better process my many different feelings and emotions. If this program can help me I am sure that it can help others who are similarly situated. Keep this program available." - Darryl Lyons

"I am more caring to myself and the world. I feel alive. This course is my path to freedom no matter where I am. You all have in a very short time given me so much. The exercises you taught me are already making a very positive difference in my life. So please know I will do my best to perfect the yoga you have shared with me. What you are doing is truly making this world a better place. I wish you all success and happiness. Thank you." - Mark Maum

Prison Poetry

Deathless
Branded a criminal am I
An outcaste amongst the refuse of society
An ultimate guest of the gallows am I

Heedless to the advice of the innumerable good
Imbibe I did the wisdom of this yogic science

To those I counted my foes before
My smile the only answer now
Forever in me, love in action and being

- V. Radhakrishnan, (Convict on Death row)
Block 8, Room no. 25
Central Prison, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Shining
Like the sun you illumined darkened hearts
Divine in meditation, my evils you uprooted
Seventy years of living would imbibe not
these seven days of wisdom
Yes, now unfolds a new meaning to my life.

- C. Kanakavel
No. 4579
Remand Section I, Block 4
Madurai Central Prison.

A flower in the garden of life
Reduced to a rotting leaf,

A journey into myself, a rebirth again
The death of a meaningless existence
Love is me... they say god is love
I became god... I became god!

The power of love has freed this soul
This flower has bloomed again
Flower to ashes, the rule of nature
But ashes to blossom, the miracle of Isha

- N. Magudeshwaran
Convict no.75659
Coimbatore Central Prison, Tamil Nadu, India.