Popular Books

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.

Read Full Bio

View Posts

By Incarcerated People

Growing through the Dharma

A person in prison shows how through thought transformation, we can find some good even…

View Post
Folio image in Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Cuddling up to the Dharma

A great task, a big love. An incarcerated person describes the power of intention in…

View Post
Golden statue of Vajrasattva.
On Meditation

Purifying negative karma

Using the retreat experience to purify the root delusions of pride and attachment.

View Post
Jizo over a red and white patchwork quilt.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

A quilt of compassion

Bodhisattvas constantly work to end the suffering of others; even in prison, one can practice…

View Post
A plaque with the words: I am still learning-michelangelo, on a tree.
On Self-Worth

Learning from others

We can rejoice in our own virtue without looking down on others.

View Post
On Mindfulness

Wholesome or unwholesome seeds

Making a conscious decision to plant wholesome seeds in the mind.

View Post
Shoes and towels on a prison shower table.
On Overcoming Anger

Valuable lesson learned

Responding to a situation or problem without anger or attachment but with compassion in order…

View Post
Transparent silhouette of man meditating behind prison bars.
On Cultivating Wisdom

New perspective

An incarcerated person strives for equanimity even in difficult circumstances.

View Post
Hands in meditation position
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Bodhisattva vows

A person in prison describes the effects on his life after taking bodhisattva vows.

View Post
Man sitting outside in grass, meditating.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Practice and our mind

A person in prison contemplates his vow to benefit all sentient beings.

View Post
Winding Roller Coaster at dusk
On Meditation

Riding the roller coaster

Daily practice helps us recognize the problems that our mind creates for us.

View Post
A happy family photo.
By Incarcerated People

After release: A woman’s perspective

A woman talks about her experiences on leaving prison after 10 years. She also discusses…

View Post