The extinguishing of fires
By D. J. L.
Incarcerated people 
Prison Poetry 
Jun 18, 2011 
Mindful,
waking to greet the day,
to still the mind—
restless
from tossing and turning
amongst the tempest of dreams,
the playground of the subconscious
awash in discord and dissatisfaction.
Practice
the stillness of mindful breath,
slowing both pulse and pace
to examine thought
the sensory delusions
to which we cling,
ever the source of anxiety,
suffering and pain.
Recognize
the impermanence of these
transitory phenomena,
which appear only in our delusions—
lacking a being or self
outside our dissatisfied, suffering mind.
Follow
the course of each breath
and examine the source
of each restless thought,
then let it go—
watching breath,
observing the mind,
never clinging…
ever growing steadfast and calm,
content.
Contemplate
the benefits of mindfulness,
the joys of peaceful stillness
and a silent mind.
Endure with patience
and understand the
perfection of this simplicity.
Extinguish
the fires of sensual craving,
dissatisfaction and discontent
through disciplined, focused practice,
living simply and naturally
in the moment
and ever with giving,
devoted and selfless morality.
Experience
Contentment, wisdom, peace,
liberation and enlightenment.
Nirvana…
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.
