Watch The Dhamma Brothers

The Dhamma Brothers is a powerful documentary film that explores the transformative power of meditation and its impact on prisoners in a maximum-security prison. The film tells the inspiring story of four inmates at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama who participate in a 10-day silent Viana meditation retreat. The film starts by establishing the context of the prison, which is infamous for its violence and overcrowding. The four prisoners, Grady Bankhead, Ron Cavanaugh, Jonathan Crowley, and Charles Shaw, are introduced as they explain their various offenses and how they landed in prison.

The documentary then follows the inmates as they begin their meditation retreat, which is led by two Buddhist teachers and held in a gymnasium within the prison walls. The prisoners are not allowed to communicate with each other or the outside world for the duration of the retreat, and are instructed to focus on their breath and physical sensations.

As the days go by, the inmates share their experiences with mediation and how it is helping them to cope with their past traumas and emotions. They talk about the profound sense of peace and clarity they are experiencing, and how it is helping them to live in the present moment.

The film also interviews prison officials and staff, who are initially skeptical of the meditation program. However, as they see the positive changes in the inmates’ behavior and attitudes, they become strong advocates of the program themselves.

The documentary is not only a moving portrayal of how meditation can transform lives, but also highlights the harsh realities of the American prison system. It questions the effectiveness of the current approach towards rehabilitation, and stresses the importance of incorporating more holistic practices like meditation and mindfulness into the prison system.

The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking shots of the surrounding nature and landscape of Alabama. The music score is also beautifully composed, adding to the overall emotional impact of the film.

Overall, The Dhamma Brothers is a moving and powerful documentary that showcases the transformative power of meditation and its potential to bring healing and transformation to even the most hardened individuals. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and social justice, and the potential for inner transformation as a means of social change.