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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Closeup of a leg and hand of person in sitting meditation.
By Incarcerated People

Practicing in prison

An inmate reflects on his situation on being transferred to a different prison.

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The words: What does Humility require?, written on a wall.
On Self-Worth

Becoming humble

Having the courage to apologize can bring a sense of peace.

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Drawing of Gaza bombing- planes dropping bomb, buildings bomb and people dying in blood on the road.
On Overcoming Anger

An eye-opener

A person in prison feels empathy not only for those who are suffering, but also…

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On Overcoming Anger

Inspirations for overcoming anger

An incarcerated person shares his reflections on Working with Anger by Venerable Thubten Chodron.

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Solitary cloud in the a blue sky
On Attachment

Loneliness

A person in prison investigates the root cause of his loneliness.

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Highway sign that says "Forgive".
On Overcoming Anger

Forgiving and apologizing

What it means to look within oneself sincerely in order to forgive and apologize others…

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Prison Poetry

Just breathe

Reflections on practice in a difficult environment. Managing how the anger of others affects us.

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Closeup of the eye of a Buddha statue.
On Overcoming Anger

Getting along with others

How to remove oneself from difficult, even dangerous, situations by maintaining integrity, consistency, and ethical…

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A young boy showing his angry face.
On Overcoming Anger

A simple act of kindness

A person in prison discusses how his practice has eased his experiences of unfair treatment.

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A man taking a coffee cup.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Qualifications

A person in prison describes his experience with the Dharma. Attachment and desire can lead…

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A monk standing on a walkway, looking at the full moon.
On Overcoming Anger

Wayward

An incarcerated person tells the story of searching for himself and realizing that he could…

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Aerial view of Stateville Correctional Center.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Stateville

Reflections on the prison in which an incarcerated person took his bodhisattva vows.

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