The precept of nonviolence
By J. Y.
Incarcerated people 
On Overcoming Anger 
Jun 18, 2011 
Since taking the precept to be nonviolent, I haven’t physically harmed anyone or anything. Recently at work (I work in the laundry department in the prison), someone snatched something that belonged to me. Rather than making a fuss or worse, I took some time to think. This person works with me, and I knew that sooner or later, what he took would turn up again. And it did. I didn’t even tell the supervisor what happened, and as of today, he still works with me.
The people who know of my vows didn’t agree with how I handled it, but they respect it. I mean, what’s the point in taking a vow if you break it the first chance you get?
The vows aren’t easy to keep at first, but it does get easier each time I choose to keep them.
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.
