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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The word 'love' stamped into metal.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Opening up to love

Being stuck in a selfish lifestyle centered on "me" keeps us from realizing the interdependence…

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Black and white image of a young man meditating.
By Incarcerated People

Inside-out practice

An incarcerated person narrates practicing inside the prison to practicing outside and compares that to…

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Statue of a Buddha.
On Attachment

On attachment

Attachment brings suffering, but what does non-attachment bring us?

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Young man holding a sign that says 'The power to choose... the power to change."
On Cultivating Wisdom

Choice and changing

A courageous look at the selfish mind and the suffering it creates in life.

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The words 'Let go' painted on cable car tracks.
On Self-Worth

Letting go of guilt and shame

Overcoming guilt and shame by cultivating loving kindness for oneself first and then expanding it…

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Man sitting in meditation with eyes closed.
By Incarcerated People

Daishin, big mind

We can embrace our experiences, whether difficult or pleasant, in a way that is neither…

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A yellow flower growing out of a crack in concrete.
On Mindfulness

The reality of adversity

Learn to smile and let go instead of flipping out, even in the most difficult…

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Path through trees
On Self-Worth

The journey

If looking back is hurtful, it can be a relief to find a way forward…

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A man's handcuffed hands behind his back.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Sitting with difficulty

An incarcerated person describes the benefit of sitting with discomfort and sharing the suffering of…

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Yellow-toned image of brothers walking through a field.
On Overcoming Anger

Them

By understanding the suffering of others, a person in prison was able to forgive himself.

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Hard chair in empty room
On Self-Worth

The pajama room

A person in prison experiences a spiritual awakening unlike any he had anticipated.

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