Krugersdorp Prison Experience

I GLOW and smile as I walk through the doors of Krugersdorp Correctional Services prison on August 2, 2012, in Krugersdorp.

Inmates doing their duties, as the big door opens for me to enter. Everyone greeting you with a smile. Gosh, I think, I walked through about five heavy doors to get to the hall, 25 inmates experienced the Prison Smart eight day course brought to you by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), International Art of Living Foundation.

As the inmates walked in their orange prison uniforms, a smile and stare straight into my eyes with a constant smile from every inmate who experienced the Sudarshan Kriya for eight days with Senior Prison Smart Teacher Chintz Bhana from Claudius, Pretoria.

Sudarshan Kriya is specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions. This unique breathing technique eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed.

My best friend said, “please do not come out of the prison with lice.” Apparently someone she knows came out of prison with lice.

But as I walked in, I was amazed by the cleanliness of the inmates. Not a smell or even a touch of dirt on the floor of prison.

We use a yoga mat, cushion and blanket, when we experience Part 1 course,which is our own, but do you think in prison you get that? No you don't, the inmates use their small mattress, cushion and blanket with a correctional service thin cover to cover that mattress and cushion.

As I introduced myself, the inmates sat silently hearing what a journalist has to say, and they smiled and grinned as I said, that Chintz is not just a teacher but also a father, a friend and mentor in my life and I love working with Chintz.

We blame a person who has committed a crime because they have harmed or injured or killed a loved one. But we do not realise as H.H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, 'Inside every culprit, there is a victim crying out for help.'

And just looking deep into their eyes, I, saw the innocence of a child come out of the prisoners.

While playing the game river - bank, wow, they were listening and aware of themselves.

A few shared their experiences before they were given certificates of completing the course.

I sat silently, as I heard a few saying that the course has made them feel good.

One of the inmates said, “I would not talk to anyone and I would be moody all time before the course.

“I am able to talk to everyone and smile.”

While another one said that he is able to wake up early, eat properly and not over eat.

And a shocking experience was when most of them said that they are able to live stress free life and do not need to have sleepless night stressing about their families.

An experience like this is an experience of a lifetime as I experienced a lot joy, bliss, happiness and smiles from inmates who we call criminals.

Guess what, they are not that, they are innocent souls crying out for help during the darkest hours of their lives.

Yes, everyone has a different experience and we should give them all the love they deserve.