language-menu

  • English
  • Deutsch
  • Español
  • 中文
  • 한국어
  • Tiếng Việt
  • Indonesia
  • Pусский
  • Italiano
  • བོད་སྐད་
  • Français
  • Português
  • čeština
Jump to main content
Jump to keyboard-accessible menu for sighted users

Navigation

Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron The Thubten Chodron Teaching Archive
Home

main-menu

  • Venerable Thubten Chodron
    • Books
    • Biography
    • Teaching Schedule
    • Interviews and Media
    • Pilgrimage and Travels
    • Photo gallery
    • Contact
  • Buddhist Teachings
    • Live Video and Podcasts
    • Commentaries on Essential Buddhist Texts
    • New to Buddhism
    • Foundations of the Buddhist Path
    • Stages of the Path (Lamrim)
    • Compassion and Bodhicitta
    • Dependent Arising and Emptiness
    • Debate and Reasoning
    • Tantra
    • Recommended Reading
    • Glossary
  • Practical Buddhism
    • Buddhism in Daily Life
    • Sickness and Death
    • Reflections by Buddhist Students
    • Engaged Buddhism
    • Working with Emotions
    • For Young Adults
    • Prison Dharma
  • Buddhist Meditation
    • An Introduction to Meditation
    • Guided Meditations for Beginners
    • Developing Serenity (Shamatha)
    • Four Establishments of Mindfulness
    • Analytic Meditation on the Lamrim
    • Prayers and Practices
    • Deity Meditation (Retreats)
  • Monastic Life
    • Preparing for Ordination
    • Exploring Monastic Life
    • Monastic Discipline
    • Buddhist Nuns
    • Monastics in the West
  • Donate
  • Site Map
Return to Content
You are here: Home > Practical Buddhism > Prison Dharma > By Venerable Chodron > The Dalai Lama on prison life

The Dalai Lama on prison life

By Venerable Thubten Chodron on Oct 5, 2003 in By Venerable Chodron
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • A A A

During the time he was teaching in New York City in September, 2003, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met privately with a group of former inmates. They told him about their experience in prison and their endeavors to practice the Buddhadharma there. His Holiness later shared his reflections on this meeting when he spoke to the thousands of people attending his teachings at the Beacon Theatre and the estimated 65,000 who attended his Sunday morning talk at Central Park. What he said was similar, though not exactly the same, on these two occasions, and I share with you what I remember (I didn’t take notes, nor was I at the meeting).

Prison cell window that has light pentrating through, surroundings are in darkness.

I wished that all those imprisoned could have heard His Holiness directly and experienced his tremendous compassion for them. (Photo by Aapo Haapanen)

His Holiness was very appreciative of the meeting and said how touched and saddened he was hearing the suffering that people experienced while incarcerated. He admired their efforts to learn and practice the Dharma in such a hostile and violent environment and said that the cultivation of compassion is extremely important.

He also commented on the injustices present in a prison system designed to punish rather than rehabilitate, a system which brands people as “evil” instead of seeing their potential and the purity of their Buddha nature. The structure of the prison system is in bad need of reform, he said. Looking directly at the audience, he stated emphatically, “But I am not a citizen of this country, you are. Therefore, you are responsible for changing this system. You need a system that helps both the inmates themselves and society in general.” A loud round of applause by the audience followed this statement.

Having done prison work myself for several years—both corresponding with inmates and teaching Buddhist groups in prisons—I was very moved by the depth of His Holiness’s knowledge of and care for people who are generally feared and therefore discarded by society. His care was not only for the individuals themselves, but for the system in general, in which everyone—inmates, their families and friends, guards, and prison staff—is trapped. I wished that all those imprisoned could have heard His Holiness directly and experienced his tremendous compassion for them.

Related posts:

  1. Tibetan Lama visits inmates
  2. Prison Dharma
  3. Prison outreach in Mexico
  4. Making life meaningful in prison
  5. Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
  6. Offering precepts in prison
  7. What I learned about Judaism from the Dalai Lama
  8. H. H. the Dalai Lama answers questions

About Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
View all posts by Venerable Thubten Chodron →

Find more on these topics: compassion, social engagement, Thubten Chodron

A prison visit following an inmate killing
How to develop wisdom

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages

More results...

Browse all categories

  • [+]Buddhist Teachings
    • [+]New to Buddhism
      • Buddhism for Beginners (SDD)
      • Open Heart Clear Mind (SDD)
      • Taming the Mind (SDD)
    • [+]Compassion and Bodhicitta
      • Grounds and Paths According to Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka
      • Activism with Altruism
      • Developing Bodhicitta
      • Bodhisattva Vows
      • Practicing the Six Perfections
      • Grounds and Paths According to the Yogācāra Svātantrika Madhyamaka
      • Short Verses to Cultivate Bodhicitta
    • [+]Stages of the Path (Lamrim)
      • Essence of Refined Gold
      • Lamrim Meditation Outline
      • Three Principal Aspects of the Path
      • Gomchen Lamrim
      • [+]Lamrim Teachings 1991-1994 (LR)
        • LR12 Cultivating Bodhicitta
        • LR06 Death
        • LR01 Lamrim Outline
        • LR04 Relying on a Spiritual Teacher
        • LR09 The Four Noble Truths
        • LR11 Twelve Links of Dependent Arising
        • LR13 Bodhisattva Vows
        • LR05 Precious Human Life
        • LR07 Refuge
        • LR14 Bodhisattva Deeds
        • LR02 Introduction to the Lamrim
        • LR08 Karma
        • LR03 The Six Preparatory Practices
        • LR10 Eightfold Noble Path
      • Approaching the Buddhist Path
      • Easy Path to Travel to Omniscience
      • Essence of a Human Life
      • Essential Spiritual Advice (BBCorner Series)
      • Stages of the Path (BBCorner Series)
    • [+]Thought Training (Lojong)
      • Mind Training Like Rays of the Sun
      • [+]37 Practices of Bodhisattvas
        • 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas with Ven Sangye Khadro
        • Don't Believe Everything You Think (SDD)
      • 108 Verses on Compassion
      • Gems of Wisdom
      • Eight Verses of Thought Transformation
      • [+]Parting from the Four Clingings
        • Parting from the Four Clingings (2020)
      • [+]Shantideva's Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds
        • Working with Anger and Developing Fortitude
        • Shantideva Teachings in Singapore
        • Shantideva Chapter 6: Patience with Geshe Lhundub Sopa
        • Shantideva with Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche
        • Shantideva with Venerable Thubten Chodron
      • Transforming Adversity into the Path
      • [+]Wheel of Sharp Weapons
        • The Wheel of Sharp Weapons—short commentary
        • The Wheel of Sharp Weapons—expanded commentary
        • Wheel of Sharp Weapons Retreat 2014
      • Wisdom of the Kadam Masters
    • [+]Foundations of the Buddhist Path
      • Four Noble Truths
      • The Buddhist Worldview
      • Karma and Rebirth
      • The Importance of Motivation
      • Qualities of a Spiritual Teacher
      • Refuge in the Three Jewels
      • One Teacher, Many Traditions
      • The Foundation of Buddhist Practice
    • [+]Mind and Awareness
      • Mind and Mental Factors
      • Seven Types of Cognizers
    • [+]Dependent Arising and Emptiness
      • The Four Seals
      • Twelve Links of Dependent Arising
      • [+]Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland
        • Nagarjuna's Precious Garland with Venerable Thubten Chodron
        • Nagarjuna's Precious Garland with Geshe Jampa Tegchok
      • Tenets with Geshe Dorji Damdul
      • 'Heart Sutra'
      • The Two Truths
      • Varieties of Madhyamaka
      • [+]Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas
        • Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas with Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe
      • How to See Yourself As You Really Are
    • Tantra
    • [+]Debate and Reasoning
      • Pramanavarttika with Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe
      • The Course in Buddhist Reasoning and Debate
    • Stages of the Path to Awakening with Thubten Chodron
    • Study Buddhist Treatises with Thubten Chodron
  • [+]Practical Buddhism
    • [+]Buddhism in Daily Life
      • Living Wisely in a Complex World
      • Our Relationships with Others
      • Dharma in Family Life
      • [+]Health
        • Transforming Poor Health into the Path
        • Practices for Health
      • [+]Reflections by Buddhist Students
        • Students on Applying the Dharma
        • Students on Attachment
        • Students on Emptiness
        • Students on Equanimity
        • Students on Generosity
        • Students on Improving Practice
        • Students on Transforming Anger
      • [+]Sickness and Death
        • Helping the Dying and the Deceased
        • Caring for the Dying
        • Compassion in Living and Dying
        • Grief
        • Healing after a Suicide
    • [+]Working with Emotions
      • Contentment and Happiness
      • Healing Anger - Developing Fortitude
      • Forgiveness
      • [+]Cultivating Compassion
        • An Open-Hearted Life (SDD)
      • Emotional Health
      • Fear Anxiety and Other Emotions
      • Responding Creatively to Problems
      • Love and Self-esteem
      • Trust
    • [+]Engaged Buddhism
      • Fear and Violence in America
      • Dharma Guidance on World Events
      • Natural Disasters and the Environment
      • Interfaith Dialogue
      • Science and Buddhism
    • [-]Prison Dharma
      • By Venerable Chodron
      • [+]By Incarcerated People
        • Practicing in Prison
        • Experiences in Retreat
        • Prison Poetry
        • Prison Dharma Art Gallery
        • On Addiction
        • On Attachment
        • On Compassion
        • On Karma
        • On Mindfulness
        • On Overcoming Anger
        • On Self-Worth
        • On Social Engagement
        • On Cultivating Wisdom
        • Reflections
      • By Prison Volunteers
    • [+]For Young Adults
      • Young Adult Week 2013
      • Young Adult Week 2012
      • Young Adult Week 2011
      • Young Adult Week 2010
      • Young Adult Week 2009
      • Young Adult Week 2008
      • Young Adult Week 2007
      • Young Adult Week 2006
      • Young Adult Week 2015
      • Young Adult Week 2016
      • Young Adult Week 2017
      • Young Adult Week 2018
      • Young Adult Week 2019
  • [+]Buddhist Meditation
    • An Introduction to Meditation
    • [+]Guided Meditations for Beginners
      • Daily Dharma Guided Meditations
    • [+]Prayers & Practices
      • [+]Common Recitations (Prayers)
        • Recitations During the Day
        • Dedication Verses
        • Recitations Before and After Teachings
        • Sravasti Abbey Evening Chants
        • Four Immeasurables
        • Offering the Mandala
      • Prostrations to the 35 Buddhas
      • Glance Meditations and Short Texts
      • [+]Preliminary Practices (Ngöndro)
        • Refuge Ngöndro
        • Guru Yoga
        • Dorje Khadro
      • Eight Mahayana Precepts
      • Setting Up an Altar and Making Offerings
    • [+]Developing Serenity (Shamatha)
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2010
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2011
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2012
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2013
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2015
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2016
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2017
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2018
      • Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2019
    • Dharma Guide Training
    • [+]Four Establishments of Mindfulness
      • Establishments of Mindfulness in Shantideva Chapter 9
      • A Presentation of the Establishment of Mindfulness
      • Four Establishments of Mindfulness 2013
      • Four Establishments of Mindfulness 2014
    • Analytic Meditation on the Lamrim
    • [+]Deity Meditation (Retreats)
      • [+]Chenrezig
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2006
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2007
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2008
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2009
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2010
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2011
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2012
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2013
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2014
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2018
        • Chenrezig Retreat 2006-2007
        • Cultivating a Compassionate Heart
      • [+]Manjushri
        • Manjushri Retreat 2019
        • Manjushri Sadhana and Commentary
        • Manjushri Retreat 2008-2009
        • Manjushri Retreat 2015
      • [+]Medicine Buddha
        • Medicine Buddha Retreat 2000
        • Medicine Buddha Retreat 2007-2008
        • Medicine Buddha Retreat 2016
      • [+]Green Tara
        • Green Tara Retreat 2015
        • Green Tara Retreat with Ven Sangye Khadro (2020)
        • Green Tara Retreat 2009-2010
        • How To Free Your Mind Workshop 2006
      • [+]White Tara
        • The Eight Dangers
        • White Tara Retreat 2010-2011
        • White Tara Retreat 2017
      • [+]Vajrasattva
        • New Year's Purification 2013
        • New Year's Purification 2017
        • Vajrasattva New Year Retreat 2019-20
        • Vajrasattva New Year's Retreat 2018-19
        • Vajrasattva Retreat 2005
        • Vajrasattva Retreat 2005-2006
        • Vajrasattva Retreat 2010-2011
        • Vajrasattva Retreat 2011-2012
        • Vajrasattva Retreat 2014
      • [+]Amitābha
        • Amitabha Retreat 2017-2018
        • Amitabha Retreat 2018
        • Amitabha Retreat 2017
  • [+]Monastic Life
    • Preparing for Ordination
    • [+]Exploring Monastic Life
      • EML 2013
      • EML 2012
      • EML 2011
      • EML 2010
      • EML 2009
      • EML 2008
      • EML 2007
      • EML 2006
      • EML 2005
      • EML 2014
      • EML 2015
      • EML 2016
      • EML 2017
      • EML 2018
    • [+]Monastics in the West
      • Blossoms of the Dharma—Living as a Buddhist Nun
      • Buddhist Monastic Gatherings
      • Kathina Celebrations
    • [+]Buddhist Nuns
      • [+]Bhikshuni Ordination
        • Statements from HH the Dalai Lama
        • Tibetan Tradition
        • Congress of Women’s Role in the Sangha
        • In the Theravada Tradition
      • Sangha Education
    • [+]Monastic Discipline
      • Importance of Vinaya
      • Skandhakas
  • [+]Thubten Chodron
    • Interviews and Media
    • Pilgrimage and Travels

Latest audio
Latest video

Upcoming events

  • Jan 28, 2021: Live video teaching: Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds (Sravasti Abbey)
  • Jan 29, 2021: Live video teaching: The Foundation of Buddhist Practice (Sravasti Abbey)
  • Feb 4, 2021: Live video teaching: Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds (Sravasti Abbey)
  • Feb 5, 2021: Live video teaching: The Foundation of Buddhist Practice (Sravasti Abbey)
  • Feb 11, 2021: Live video teaching: Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds (Sravasti Abbey)
  • See full calendar

Venerable Chodron’s other website

Sravasti Abbey

Connect with Venerable Chodron

Venerable Chodron's Facebook page Venerable Chodron's Twitter feed Sravasti Abbey YouTube channel Thubten Chodron Podcast

Get the newest teachings by e-mail


 

Also: Get the Sravasti Abbey eNews

  • Tags
  • Latest
analytical meditation anger anxiety attachment audio Bahasa Indonesia bhikshuni ordination bodhicitta Buddha nature Buddhist nuns Chinese (中文) compassion concentration death depression emptiness English ethical conduct forgiveness fortitude German (Deutsch) grief guilt Italiano (Italian) karma mindfulness preliminary practices (ngöndro) purification renunciation Russian (Русский язык) sadhana social engagement Spanish (Español) Sravasti Abbey tantra Tara tenets thought transformation Thubten Chodron Tibetan Buddhism transcript video Vinaya wisdom བོད་སྐད་ (Tibetan)
  • Secondary misdeeds 33-46 Jan 14, 2021
  • Nonnen und Mönche Jan 11, 2021
  • Secondary misdeeds 23-32 Jan 7, 2021
  • Bodhisattva secondary misdeeds 10-22 Dec 31, 2020

See the full list of keywords

All content © Thubten Chodron, all rights reserved. No content may be reproduced by any means for commercial purposes or mass circulation without prior written permission from the webmaster. You're welcome to download for your own personal reading.

Meet our team of volunteers
WordPress web design by Peter AronsonGo to top

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!