Brainwashed
By Dan Milllstein

A prisoner convicted of a minor drug offense had done his time and was ready to go home. The time had come for him to appear at a hearing in front of the parole board to determine if he was ready to be released. Prisoners sit alone across a table from three to four "suits" and they are grilled, sometimes harshly and provocatively, to test their ability to handle themselves under pressure.
The board has the immediate power to send them home or back to their cell for usually 90 days or more before they see the board again for another try. This is one of the most stressful times in a prisoner's life. A failure to please the board is cause for much harassment by fellow prisoners, and in addition, families are disappointed and most times think that the prisoner has been screwing up while in prison and has not learned his lesson.
This particular young man was a member of a notorious Los Angeles gang who had been taught to meditate in prison. He had been practicing diligently every day for 8 months. He had also been taught, and had completed, a 40 day, 31 minute per day, powerful mental and physical concentration exercise. This specific and ancient yoga posture and technique is said to break any addiction cycle.

In response to the board's questioning our young man explained to them about his experience in prison and what he had learned, he answered: "Through my practices of meditation, and along with my Muslim prayers, I have seen a new path for my life."
A particularly stoic board member shot back at the young man, "So, you have been brainwashed!", as if she were attacking him. Our friend took a long, slow and even breath and answered, "Yes, mam, my brain needed some washing."
After being released he enrolled in college, and is presently taking courses aimed at counseling troubled youth in his "hood."

Could you help? Would you help? When?
Please reprint this in your newsletter or send to friends! Thank You.
Visions for Prisons
P.o. Box 1631, Costa Mesa, Ca. 92628
714-556-8000; Fax 714-546-3764; E-mail: VFP95@AOL.COM
WEB PAGE: http://www.visionsforprisons.com
If you would like a sample 'How to Practice Peace' booklet for yourself
or any prisoner you know please ask. 500 in bulk costs only $100.
Individual mailed copies are .75 each.
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
VISIONS FOR PRISONS IS A 501c(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
God Bless You Real Good!