The National Council on Crime and Delinquency has recognized Pariyatti's book Letters from the Dhamma Brothers with its PASS Award (Prevention for a Safer Society). These awards recognize writers, journalists, reporters, producers, and publishers who try to focus attention in a thoughtful and considerate manner on the American criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, and child welfare systems.
The book has also been named a finalist for Book of the Year by Foreword Magazine in the Body/Mind/Spirit category. Winners will be announced in May.
The Dhamma Brothers film was shown recently in Yangon, Myanmar to a capacity crowd, and it was reported that guards had to physically turn away scores more people outside. Audience members included diplomats, monks, Vipassana teachers and trust members, aid workers, teachers, among others. There was a Q&A after the film; the Letters from the Dhamma Brothers book and DVD were then donated to the venue's library for circulation. "The reaction from the audience was moving--it was a very special event!" reported the organizer.
Last month overflow crowds of more than 1000 attended showings of the film and panel discussions organized at the University of Wisconsin campuses in Madison and Milwaukee.