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 words past, present, and future in yellow neon.
On Mindfulness

Transforming the three times

How to use the present wisely to create causes for a happy future instead of…

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The face of an angry man.
On Overcoming Anger

Creating problems

Reflections by a person in prison about his recent treatment of others, contrasting it with…

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Venerables Jampa, Tsultrim, and Damcho, smiling.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Jewels of the Dharma

The nuns in service of the Dharma inspire compassion and loving-kindness to take root in…

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Exterior view of Oregon State Penitentiary.
By Incarcerated People

Making mistakes

By changing the mind, it is possible to change suffering into freedom.

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Cross stitch of a riot scene.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

An almost riot

A person in prison reflects on the power people have, to bring about change when…

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Circles with a path and light in the middle of the circles.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Our circle of suffering

Analogy of struggles in samsara with the experience of a hunted animal. Unlike the animal,…

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A deer in silhouette.
On Mindfulness

Treasure the present

Correspondence with a person in prison on the benefits of learning how to live in…

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Wildflowers and grasses.
By Incarcerated People

A new place

A person shares his experience after he was moved to a different prison.

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Prison cell in dim light.
By Incarcerated People

Views on reforming the prison system

Alternatives to the current prison system exist, alternatives that provide rehabilitation and counseling options.

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A green and gold-colored beetle.
On Mindfulness

Beauty and the bugs

Finding beauty, love and happiness in the smallest of living beings.

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Metal door of a prison.
By Incarcerated People

Surviving in the system

How to bring personal responsibility to a difficult situation.

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