Social Service

Isha Educating for Peace is a self funded NGO, teaching the Isha System for free to thousands throughout the continent. Working with children, the terminally ill, prisoners, and people with disabilities, the organisation aims to support all those going through difficult circumstances.

Isha’s approach to world peace starts in the heart of every human. It urges the individual to take responsibility for their own happiness, their own fulfillment, and to find the strength within themselves to move beyond the hardships life may bring.

The results of her initiatives are impacting: high security inmates report feelings of inner freedom, former addicts finally satiate the need for their drug of choice. In hospitals, the Isha System helps terminal patients accelerate the healing process and reach full recovery, or in less fortunate circumstances to face the last days of their lives with greater serenity and peace.

FEATURED EVENTS

Post-Earthquake Support, Chile

In October 2010, Isha visited Talcahuano and Talca, two of the cities most affected by the recent earthquakes in Chile. Over 6,000 people participated in the events, with support from local municipalities and the national media.

"This was an opportunity for us to learn how to confront the problems and challenges of our current situation, which are particularly complex for us firefighters, due to the emergencies we confront on a daily basis." Sergio Cortés, volunteer firefighter.

“A positive experience for everyone in our community, especially at this time of great stress.” - Maritza Durán

“Just by learning to close our eyes and relax, we are already solving half the problem” - Alfredo Murat

Isha named Ambassador for Peace in event hosted by Argentinean Senate

On the 17th of September 2010, Isha visited the Argentinean Senate to receive a special recognition for her role as Ambassador for Peace, particularly for her work in prisons throughout the country. Isha’s programs have dramatically reduced violence amongst prisoners and lowered stress levels for inmates. Her NGO recently signed an agreement with the Sector Penitenciario Bonaerense, committing to bring her programs to all 54 prisons in the province of Buenos Aires.

" ...The experience was incredible. All the inmates enjoyed the event: their respectful attention and good behavior throughout is proof of that... We wish to thank Isha for helping improve the quality of life of the inmates." - Ricardo Jacod, Director of Olmos Penitentiary, Buenos Aires Province

Comments from the inmates

"I want to change my life, and these teachings have given me a new vision for the future, they have brought me to value the things I have."

"I'm experiencing an inner peace that I have not felt in a long time. Out in the world, there are many people who are supposedly 'free' but I'm starting to realize that deep inside, they're not so free after all."

"While practicing I felt very relaxed. I felt calm and peaceful, as I began to surrender to a deep experience of love. I believe that love is the most powerful thing in the world. When I felt it, all my fears disappeared."

Citizen of the World Award, Cuernavaca, Mexico

On the 4th of May, 2011, Isha received the title of Citizen of the World from the International University of Cuernavaca, in a special event in the Teatro Ocampo, highlighting her social commitment and work in Mexican prisons.

To date, Isha has taught more than 20% of the inmates of the Reclusorio Varonil Oriente in Mexico City, the largest prison in Latin America, with a population of over 11,800 inmates. Prison officials reported that as a result, “levels of aggression in the prison have fallen notably.”

“Isha’s presence was enough to bring total silence to the auditorium. When she began her seminar, a peace and tranquility came over the room, to the point where all 800 prisoners entered a state of reflective silence. When I saw all those men focused inwards, I realized that it was working: that a seed had been planted within every one of them." - Alejandro Escorza Arredondo, Director of the prison's education system.

"It was an extraordinary experience. When Isha entered the auditorium, she immediately received a warm and emotive reception from the inmates, in direct response to her vibrant, energetic presence." - Ruben Fernandez Lima, Prison Director

Isha Signs Agreement with Gendarmeria Nacional, Chile

On the 17th of May 2011, Isha signed an official agreement with the National Police Force of Chile, to make the Isha System available in every prison in the country. In a recent survey of participants in Isha's prison programs in Chile, 55% of prisoners reported feeling an increase in self esteem due to the practice of the Isha System. 54% also reported feeling less aggressive, and 66% reported having improved the quality of their relationships with others.

In Uruguay, changes in inmates participating in Isha’s programs have been so impacting that the foundation has established an official agreement with the National Prison Directorate, awarding participating inmates with a sentence reduction scheme.

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