On 22 October 2025, thanks to the College for the Safeguarding of the World Heritage of Wisdom, we had the opportunity to bring the teachings of sages and philosophers inside the Library of the Bollate Penitentiary Institute in Milan. The event, entitled
“Transforming Trials into Strength Through the Physical Body: The Path of Energy”,
was conducted by Alain Contaret, philosopher, writer, Head of the College, and author of Homage to Animals, Divine Philosophy, Humans and Animals, and Cosmic Jurisprudence.

The Library that hosted the meeting is located in the Treatment Area. It contains more than 16,000 volumes, is part of the Milano Nord Consortium, and also operates an online help desk. It is one of the true beating hearts of the institution, where access to knowledge becomes an integral part of the rehabilitative process.

The cultural, philosophical, and experiential session unfolded in several stages.

The day began with an interview for Radio Popolare, thanks to Matteo, whose thoughtful questions allowed us to introduce the wisdom of the Essene body arts and the philosophy underlying this tradition.

The main session then opened with Alain Contaret’s reflections on the central theme: the importance of caring for the physical body, described as “our best friend”, the essential instrument that enables us to fulfil our mission on Earth.
Through the body we think, act, choose, and overcome challenges. Without it, no form of evolution, inner or outer, would be possible.

From this perspective arises the idea that the body is the bridge through which life’s trials can be transformed into inner strength. Physical training, with its muscular, tendinous, and articular pressures, symbolically reflects the pressures and difficulties each person must face.
Just as a deeply rooted tree withstands storms, human beings can find resilience and stability through conscious work with their physical body.

Within this framework, the inmates were introduced to an ancient art of movement: Essene Qigong. Through simple and accessible exercises, they experienced a moment of focus, presence, and attentive listening. The atmosphere was marked by sincerity, concentration, and openness toward a new and more grounded perspective.

At the end of the session, several participants expressed the desire to delve deeper into the philosophy behind these teachings. They specifically requested two key texts:

• The Great Practice of the 22 Energy Movements by Olivier Manitara (Psiche 2)

• Transforming Trials into Strength by Olivier Manitara (Psiche 2)

We were truly pleased to respond to this request by donating both books to the Library of the Bollate Penitentiary Institute, where they are now available to all inmates.

The spirit of this work is well captured in a passage from The Great Practice of the 22 Energy Movements:
“The foundations of this practice are, above all, meditative. The exercises and the philosophy that accompanies them aim toward calm, the awakening of consciousness, and the observation of oneself and of the energy within and around us.”

We are convinced that this meeting represents a beginning, a seed of awareness, and a concrete possibility for transformation. For those who choose to embrace it, it may become the foundation of a new path once they leave the institution.

Our sincere thanks go to the prison administration and to all the volunteers who made this experience possible.

Barbara Frattini
Member of the College for the Safeguarding of the World Heritage of Wisdom

https://cnuhrd.org/college-for-the-safeguarding-of-the-world-heritage-of-wisdom/