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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Two people hiking in bug landscape
Prison Poetry

The hills we climb

An incarcerated person writes about the joyful effort of practice and what it does for…

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Small waterdrops on the dandelion seeds.
On Cultivating Wisdom

The beauty of creating the causes

Knowing that your actions create the cause for the fruit is encouraging and a good…

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Closeup of a smiling Iraqi girl.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Unforgettable memories

A person in prison tells how the misfortune of a young Iraqi girl touched his…

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Cotton on a plant, ready to be harvested.
By Incarcerated People

Transfer

A person in prison reflects on the way that positive and negative energy in our…

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A closeup image of flames.
Prison Poetry

The extinguishing of fires

A person in prison reflects on the benefits of meditation practice and mindfulness.

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Man holding head in his hands
On Overcoming Anger

Discovery

Applying the Dharma to identify the root of one's anger. Accepting the self-centered cause as…

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half green half red apple
On Addiction

Choices and consequences

A person in prison shares his thoughts to young persons considering using drugs or alcohol.

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The word 'atheist' on a red label.
On Cultivating Wisdom

No more labels

An incarcerated person discusses his views on spirituality and religion.

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Woman's face looking into the distance
On Self-Worth

Showing up for yourself

Choosing to do a daily meditation because the benefits it brings, both for self and…

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Face of a serene buddha.
On Overcoming Anger

Dealing with anger

An incarcerated person realizes how much he has changed since he began to study the…

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Two older men walking together.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Choosing friends

The best friends are not just people who like us. They are people who have…

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A buck standing still, looking toward the camera.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

The deer

An incarcerated person reflects on the harm done when an animal is killed, both to…

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