A Journey from Death Row to Dharma - the Path of Awakening

"Those of us who accept the philosophy of non-violence believe there is a spark of divinity within all of us ... No one should be tossed away in a jail cell and forgotten as though his life means nothing." - John Lewis, US Representative, Georgia, February 10, 2008

"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao Tzu

This is the story of one such man. Grady Bankhead's inspiring journey from being abandoned by his mother as a child on the steps of a derelict farmhouse, to eight years on death row, and his spiritual transformation. He reflects the spark of divinity that is within us all.

After years of service to and for others and his on-going commitment to Vipassana Meditation, Grady Bankhead has earned the right to be known as a Dhamma Brother. Day by day, action by action, Grady follows the sacred Dharma path of awakening that unfolded during a 10 - day Vipassana meditation course, as taught by S.N. Goenka, at the Donaldson Correction Facility in Bessemer, Alabama.

Unlike the meditation facilities available at Vipassana retreat Centers around the world, the Dhamma Brothers set up a silent and protected meditation hall behind the walls of an over-crowded and violent prison. It was within this space that Grady found peace and re-ignited the spark of divinity that had been all but extinguished. This web site is a testament to the transformative power of Vipassana Meditation and the courage of one man to believe beyond his circumstances.  In following the path of Dharma, Grady has learned a sacred lesson: The Art of Living.    

Three highly acclaimed Vipassana meditation media projects have introduced Grady Bankhead and his fellow Dhamma brothers to a world-wide audience of supporters.

The Dhamma Brothers - An award winning film, produced by Jenny Phillips, documents the 2002 Vipassana course at Donaldson. The film features an interview with Grady, a photo journal story of his abandonment as a child and his commitment to live a productive live at Donaldson, his "home" for the past twenty-three years.

Oprah Winfrey

Letters from the Dhamma Brothers - This deeply moving book by Jenny Phillips is based on her interviews with the Dhamma Brothers, selected biographies and publication of personal letters that were exchanged between the Dhamma Brothers, Jenny Phillips and the Vipassana course teachers.

Oprah's Soul Series Webcast - Features Oprah's compelling interviews with Grady, Jenny Phillips, and Benjamin "OB" Oryang. In this interview, Grady discusses his family history, and his regret over the victim's tragic loss of life and his life-long journey back to the source: The Truth.