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Think about it

By E. C.

Blue sky behind prison razor wire.
(Photo by Kate Ter Haar)

Imprisonment or incarceration?
Some may say these are the same
But are they?
You decide …

What makes the prison?
The fence and the razor wire?
Or the thought of lost freedom?
Think about it.

The fence and the razor wire
Keep you in.
But, your thoughts keep you from being free
To make the best of your situation.

True, you cannot go out and do what you want
Even your menu and clothes are dictated to you.
But you are free to read
Free to learn.

If you dwell on the fence and razor wire,
You’re in prison.
If you make the best of your situation
You’re incarcerated.

Incarcerated people

Many incarcerated people from all over the United States correspond with Venerable Thubten Chodron and monastics from Sravasti Abbey. They offer great insights into how they are applying the Dharma and striving to be of benefit to themselves and others in even the most difficult of situations.

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