Application of Vipassanā Meditation for Prisoners' Behavior Reform: A Case of Nepal

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of Vipassanā meditation courses conducted in Nepalese prisons between February 2022 and April 2024. This study is undertaken to address the lack of systematic evidence on the effectiveness of Vipassanā meditation in promoting measurable and sustained behavioral reform among prisoners in Nepal. Primary and secondary data are used to evaluate whether Vipassanā practice contributes to positive behavioral changes among inmates. This research employs a mixed method approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was solicited from participant inmates in three stages while qualitative feedback was obtained from prison officials and non-participating inmates to validate the findings. Descriptive statistics are used to evaluate the behavioral, psychological, and social outcomes of Vipassanā practice. Paired sample t-test is applied to determine change between pre-and post, pre-and follow-up, and post- and follow-up responses, at five percent level of significance (p<0.05).

Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in inmates’ attitudes, interpersonal relationships and mental well-being while promoting higher self-awareness and emotional regulation. Likewise, significant reductions in anger, stress, anxiety, and vengeful feelings are observed, along with improvements in physical health, and optimism after Vipassanā practice. These benefits sustained during follow-up assessments, indicating long-term positive effects. Additionally, feedback obtained from prison officers and security personnel validated these findings, confirming the positive institutional impacts. Vipassanā meditation serves as an effective, evidence-based, and cost-efficient tool for prisoner rehabilitation and prison reform in Nepal.